Early Goal Leads Wellsboro Past Lewisburg In D4 Quarterfinals

By: Ed Weaver  /  October 29, 2026  /  Photo: Lance Larcom

An early goal from sophomore Haylie Smith was the only score on the night as the Wellsboro Girls Soccer team defeated Lewisburg in the District IV Class 2A Quarterfinals at Loyalsock Tuesday night.

The win is the Lady Hornets' third playoff win in program history and their first district playoff quarterfinal victory.

Smith scored with 34:18 remaining in the first half. After senior Jadyn Dunlap recorded a save at the opposite end of the field, Smith broke free, collected Dunlap's deep kick and converted it for a goal.

"Haylie did a great job putting pressure on their defense and getting us the early goal. After that, everyone bought into what we needed to do defensively," head coach Michael Reese said.

Lewisburg out-shot the Lady Hornets 16-3 and had a slight 2-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Dunlap stopped all 16 shots, including one that was inches away from crossing the end line, for her 12th shutout of the season and 27th of her career. She now sits at 598 career saves.

"Jadyn was incredible in goal and the girls battled for each other the entire game," continued Reese. "I'm just really happy for them. They showed tonight what this team is capable of when everyone is willing to do whatever it takes for each other and I couldn't be more proud of them."

Smith's goal is her 26th of the season, moving her into 4th all-time, putting just two behind former Lady Hornet Alexis Getty's mark of 28 set in 2009 and 27 in 2008. Kerrah Clymer currently holds the single-season mark with 35 in the 2020 season.

Wellsboro (14-4-1) advances to the Class 2A semi-finals, where they'll face #2 Midd-West on November 2 at a time and place to be determined.