Groff goal lifts NW girls

HAMBURG – The Northwestern girls soccer team has already reached historic heights.

But the Tigers aren’t finished climbing yet.

Northwestern edged Boiling Springs 2-1 in overtime on Saturday in the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinals. With the win, the Tigers have now equaled the deepest run into the state tournament in program history.

Just moments after one of the biggest and most dramatic victories in program history, two of the players most responsible for the win made it clear that although they were ecstatic, they weren’t satisfied.

Bailey Groff was the hero for the Tigers as she rocketed a shot just under the crossbar from a little over 20 yards out with 4:16 remaining in the first overtime period.

“When it went in, it was a pretty amazing feeling of joy and excitement,” said the sophomore midfielder. “Definitely the biggest goal of my career … so far.”

While Groff was letting the door open to possibly bigger and better things to come in the next week with her “so far” comment, Sara Hathaway was even more specific with her thoughts about what’s ahead for the Tigers.

“It was such an awesome feeling watching Bailey’s shot go in,” said Hathaway. “I had a good view from where I was on the field and I could tell Bailey hit it well. I just ran toward her with the rest of the team when the ball went in.

“This is the greatest feeling, but I really believe no one on the team is satisfied. We are thrilled to advance, but we’re confident that we can go even further.”

For the second time in the last three games, Northwestern needed a second-half comeback to pull out a victory.

In the District 11 final against Palisades, the Tigers rallied for a pair of second half goals.

This time, Hathaway scored her team-leading 31st goal of the season to tie the score at 1-1 with 26:48 remaining in regulation

“When they took the lead, nobody panicked,” said Hathaway. “It helps that we had been in the situation before. I had complete faith in everyone on the team. I believed that we would somehow find a way.

“On the tying goal, I got a great pass from Maggie (Motolese) and when I got past the last defender, I knew I had to put it in.”

After Hathaway did that, the remaining 25 minutes of regulation turned into a wild end-to-end battle that saw both teams have numerous chances to score the go-ahead goal.

Tiger goalie McKenna Amey, who had six saves in the game, made two big stops in the final minutes of regulation to keep her team tied.

Amey’s saves gave Groff the opportunity to be the hero in overtime.

“I’m really happy for Bailey,” said Northwestern coach Kelly Bleam. “Good for her to recognize the opportunity and not be afraid to take the shot.”

Bleam wasn’t only happy for Groff, however.

“This is only the second time in history that we have made it to the state semifinals,” said the veteran coach, now in her 20th year at the helm of the Tigers. “This is a great moment for the girls. I hope they appreciate how awesome this is.”

The bench-clearing celebration on the field after Groff’s goal is a pretty good indication that the Northwestern players do realize how awesome what they have accomplished is.

But the comments of the Tiger players after that celebration had ended, also indicates that they aren’t satisfied yet.

There are still new heights to reach – and more climbing to do.

BUBBLERS WEAPON … Maddie Hughes, who scored the lone goal for District 3 champion Boiling Springs and had several other near misses, was praised by Bleam after the game.

SOOOOO CLOSE … Boiling Springs had the potential go-ahead goal disallowed with 16:00 remaining. The play came off a corner but the referee ruled the curving kick had crossed over the end line before returning back into the field of play and eventually being headed into the goal.

TURNING 20 … The Tigers improved their record to 20-3-1 on the season. Boiling Springs finished with a 17-6 record.

UP NEXT … Northwestern will face District 1 champ St. Basil on Tuesday at Upper Perkiomen High School. The game will start at 5 p.m. with the Northwestern boys meeting Archbishop Wood in the second game of the doubleheader.