“I’m so incredibly proud of each and every player on this team,” said Wellsboro Head Coach Michael Reese following the win, “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.”

No. 10 seed Williamson opened the scoring nine minutes into the game when Madalyn Bailey found the back of the net off a Starr Ordway direct kick. 

Wellsboro, the No. 7 seed, would answer midway through the first half when Haylie Smith scored, and seven minutes later Ella Boyce would score the eventual game-winner off an assist from Emily Benjamin. 

In their first playoff appearance since the 2020 season, the Lady Hornets out shot Williamson 13-12 and held a 2-1 edge in corner kicks. 

Hornet keeper Jadyn Dunlap made 11 saves in net while Williamson goalie Alyvia Morgan made 10 stops.

“This win means a lot for our girls,” said first-year coach Reese, “They’ve worked so hard since summer and tonight they showed what it looks like when a team refuses to back down. It’s been years since the program’s last district victory and to see them make history together is something special.”

Wellsboro, now 11-7-1 on the season, advances to face No. 2 seed Hughesville in the 2A quarterfinals on Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. at the Balls Mills Complex in Loyalsock.

Williamson finishes the season with a 9-10 record.