Latrobe remains unbeaten, completes season sweep of Norwin

Photo courtesy Greater Latrobe Girls Soccer

Greater Labrobe girls soccer team took the season series against Class 4A, Section 3 rival Norwin, with a 1-0 win on Thursday evening at Norwin High School.

Ella Bulava’s goal in the 55th minute was the difference in leading Latrobe in another narrow victory against the school which has reigned supreme in this season for a long time.

With the win, Latrobe remains unbeaten this season.  Norwin drops to third place, as they still have work to do to improve upon playoff positioning in a very competitive section.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The return matches are starting in section play and tonight’s match between Greater Latrobe and Norwin is a battle for first in the section and seeding that will be determined in a few weeks.

Norwin entered the match behind in the standings due to a 2-1 loss earlier in the month to Latrobe — as they get one back at the friendly confines of the Castle.

The home side came out with a lot of energy and kept the ball for most of the first half and led in shots as well.

None of the shots would be anything of danger for Latrobe goal keeper Sophia DeCerb to deal with. As Norwin tried to play at a breakneck pace, Latrobe was exercised patience. Maintaining their shape and looking for their passes and opportunities. 

The first half didn’t present as many opportunities for the Wildcats.

The second half was tight and looked similar to the first half. Latrobe started to push the ball into Norwin’s defensive half a little more and little more and just like that a ball slipped into the lane between two defenders finding a perfect run by Ella Bulava who would be in on goal as she would slot the ball to the far-left post and give Latrobe a 1-0 lead with 25:22 left in the second half. 

Norwin would try to ramp up their energy again and push to find an equalizer, finding several corners and free kicks inside twenty-five yards. One of the free kicks would pose a threat to tie the game. Reagan Casper would take the free kick playing the ball on the ground that would take a deflection and into the waiting arms of DeCerb.

Despite its push and response to falling behind, Norwin could never find their footing to get the tying goal and would take their second loss of the season to Latrobe. 

With the win, Latrobe sits a top of Class 4A Section 3 with Fox Chapel trailing right behind them with a game to be played on Latrobe’s home turf.

Norwin find its self in unfamiliar territory sitting in third place and will have work to do, to climb back into second and looking for a favorable playoff seeding.