Lady Hornets Edge Williamson To Advance To D4 Class 2A Quarterfinals

By: Ed Weaver  /  October 22, 2025  /  Photo: Lance Larcom

The Wellsboro Girls Soccer team held on to beat Williamson 2-1 in the opening round of the District IV Class 2A playoffs on Tuesday.

The win was the Lady Hornets' first playoff win since beating Benton 1-0 in the 2015 season, and just their 2nd playoff win in school history.

"I’m so incredibly proud of each and every player on this team," head coach Michael Reese said. "From the opening whistle to the final horn, they played with heart, grit and belief in each other. After going down early, they didn't panic. They trusted their training, stayed composed and found a way to turn the game around."

Williamson struck first on a Maddie Bailey, assisted by Starr Ordway, just under nine minutes into the game. They held on to the lead until midway through the first half when freshman Haylie Smith scored unassisted to knot the score at 1-all.

Junior Ella Boyce scored the game-winner, off an assist from senior Emily Benjamin, with 12:56 left in the opening half. Wellsboro then held on the rest of the way.

"Credit to Williamson, they played a great game and fought hard all the way through," added Reese. "They made us earn every inch tonight, and that's what playoff soccer is all about."

Wellsboro edged Williamson 13-12 in shots and 2-1 in corner kicks.

Junior Jadyn Dunlap made 11 saves in goal for Wellsboro while Alyvia Morgan made 10 for Williamson.

The last time Wellsboro qualified for post-season play was the 2020 season.

"For our girls, this win means a lot," Reese concluded. "It's been years since the program's last district victory and to see them make history together is something special. They've worked so hard since summer and tonight they showed what it looks like when a team refuses to back down."

Wellsboro (11-7-1) will now face Hughesville (14-4), the #2 seed in Class 2A, at the Balls Mills Complex in Williamsport on Thursday at 8:00 p.m.