FINAL: Norwin 1, Neshaminy 0 – Knights capture elusive PIAA title, 1st since 1996

PIAA GIRLS 4A FINAL 

Norwin 1, Neshaminy 0 

It wasn’t just a legendary season — it’s been legendary run for the Norwin girls soccer team – as they capped off the 2017 campaign with an exhilarating 1-0 win over Nashaminy to capture its first state title since 1996, and second overall.
In a match that was scoreless in the 73rd minute, the Knights capitalized on a corner kick from Alyssa Victor — as Dani Iannuzzo’s goal was the difference in a tightly contested match. 
Senior goalkeeper Sam Wexell came up with some big saves in the match to post her 53rd career shutout, including a quick reaction punch out of shot heading under the crossbar in the 79th minute.
Head coach Lauren Karcher‘s team captured back-to-back WPIAL titles in 2015 and 2016, and only lost four games in the past three seasons.
photo credit – Bill Beckner / Twitter 

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5:51 p.m. – FINAL SCORE – Norwin 1, Neshaminy 0

State. Champions.@NHSGirlsSoccer1 @norwinathletics pic.twitter.com/7QkvRe3u3v

— Bill Beckner (@BillBeckner) November 17, 2017

5:50 p.m. – it’s over — Norwin wins first PIAA title (in any sport) since 1996.
5:47 p.m. — Knights holding on…

Sam Wexell again, stretching upward to clip a potential goal by Neshaminy.
Her height has been an advantage today for sure.
A minute to go in Hershey…Norwin up 1-0.#PIAA#TribHSSN

— Bill Beckner (@BillBeckner) November 17, 2017

5:38 p.m. – GOOAAALLLLL Norwin 1, Neshaminy 0
Alyssa Victor corner kick to Dani Iannuzzo, who scores in the 73rd minute.
A couple of terrific saves by Knights GK Sam Wexell the difference
4:38 p.m. – About 20 minutes into the match — Norwin 0 Neshaminy 0

The Neshaminy Redskin Fans are all energized to cheer on their Girls’ Soccer Team in the PIAA CHAMP Game. pic.twitter.com/EFdl9HIBMd

— SOLsports (@SOLsports) November 17, 2017

4:10 p.m. – the teams have kicked off

PREGAME NOTES 

Norwin’s core group of players that won consecutive WPIAL 4A titles in 2015 and 2016, have had a dominant run in the past three years but one trophy has eluded them — a PIAA state championship.
In each of the past two seasons the Knights were upset in the PIAA playoffs by WPIAL counterparts who would go on to win the state title, first Upper St. Clair in 2015, then Canon-McMillan in 2016. If Norwin would win the 4A title, it would continue dominance by Western PA’s girls teams and it would be the second time WPIAL teams will have won three consecutive girls titles at the top classification. Peters Township did it from 2010 through 2012 (thanks to a few folks for correcting me on this!). Mars, Moon and Central Valley won consecutive titles in 2011-13 in 2A classification. Norwin has one PIAA title once, in 1996, when assistant coach Leslie (Fedorka) Kaminski was part of the team.
This is their first trip to Hershey with this group led by talented, Division I bound seniors Emily Harrigan, Alyssa Victor and goalkeeper Sam Wexell.
Harrigan (Rutgers University commit), a forward, now owns Norwin’s career goal record with 93 goals, while goalkeeper Wexell (Ohio University commit) now holds the school’s career shutout record at 52. Only section and neighboring rivals and WPIAL champions Penn-Trafford have been able to get the best of the Knights this season. Otherwise, Norwin’s three year run has been most impressive, with only four losses (aforementioned two to Penn-Trafford this year, and the other two in PIAA semifinals vs USC and Canon-Mac).
Neshaminy has won 12 of its last 13 games, winning three consecutive games by 2-1 margins to reach the championship game for the first time since winning the whole thing in 2013.
Junior forward Brooke Mullin and sophomore forward Kristin Curley lead the team with nine goals each while senior midfielder Jackie Ziegler has eight goals and 17 assists.
In goal, junior Riley Spingler has taken over as the main keeper for the last 10 games, posting three shutouts.
 
WHAT:    PIAA Girls 4A Soccer Championship
WHO:       Norwin (20-2-1) vs Neshaminy (19-6-1)
WHERE:  Hershey Park Stadium, Hershey, PA
WHEN:    Friday, November 17, 4 p.m.
Broadcast LIVE on PCN (check your provider listings) and the PCN Select app