The Cedar Cliff girls’ soccer team conquered through 8 injuries and 10 straight losses to earn their first win on September 17th against Green Castle. What contributed to the tough start this season? Coach Sara Drabenstadt explained, “We lost key players due to injuries. This brought frustration to the games which caused a lack in communication. When a team leader is down because of how the game is going, everyone else follows.” Seniors Hannah Boblick, Devon Bertram, and junior Sophia Coolsen tore their ACLs. Senior Caneesa Murray and Freshman Taylor Ferraro suffered bone contusions. Freshman Chloe Herbert had a concussion. Sophomore Kara Young has a possible meniscus tear and senior Jocey Francis suffered a pulled groin. Obviously, all  of these injuries were a devastating setback.

In their first home game, the girls lost to Cumberland Valley 0-11. Later on, the girls battled it out with Chambersburg, State College, and Cedar Crest only to lose by one goal each time. The team played CV a second time, but faced defeat yet again, 0-12. Despite the setbacks, the girls never gave up, finally leading to their victory against Green Castle 5-3.

Practicing 2 hours a day, Monday through Friday, the girls not only worked on passing and shooting, but most importantly staying positive.  The girls expressed that they became closer while lifting each other up. They spent quality time together throughout the season whether it was singing along to songs on the bus, or eating dinner together at one of the girl’s houses. Coach Drabs remarks, “There's never a dull moment while being around their different personalities and inside jokes.” 

Through perseverance and positive attitudes, 10 games later the girls progressed earning them their first win. Coach Drabs, a Cedar Cliff graduate who played soccer herself at Cedar Cliff and 4 years at Lebanon Valley College, acknowledged her wish to get back into the playoff and states tournament because she knows the joy it would bring to the girls. With their optimistic attitude and determination this wish doesn’t seem impossible.