By Kenny Varner

BELLEFONTE – Playing for a return spot in the District 6 Class AAA championship game, the Bellefonte girls soccer team hosted a spirited group from Somerset at Rogers Stadium.

It would be win or go home for the loser while the winner enjoys the spoils of playing for the title to defend their title.

Sydney Miller led the Red Raiders second half posting two scores in her team’s 3-1 win.

“We played really well. I’m proud of them. It’s big game, the semi finals,” said Bellefonte coach Stacey Miller. They wanted to see themselves back in that championship game, that final game. I’m very proud of them.”

In the first half, the Red Raiders took the early possession and took right to the heart of the Golden Eagles defense.

After a blast at the goal by Annie Cernuska placed Bellefonte’s second shot of the game but it was snuffed out by Somerset goalie Tamara Ross. Ross was very busy in the first half, saving seven for her team.

Bellefonte though was able to put one past the Eagles’ goalie for the lone score of the period.

With 26:05 showing on the clock, Bellefonte’s Addalyn DeWeese found herself at the right place at the right time as she plastered a shot past Ross for the score.

The Lady Raiders were able to cut the field in half, keeping the Golden Eagles back in their side of the field for much of the stanza.

However, Somerset made their limited chances count as they posted five shots in the first while Bellefonte tallied 11.

Offensively, the Red Raiders were able to get shots off but Ross was a tough out, holding the home team to just one goal going into the intermission.

Bellefonte came out strong in the second half, hitting their second shot of the young period.

Sydney Miller posted a goal off an inside pass from Madelyn Fallon at 37:24, upping the lead to a 2-0 contest.

Back battled the Golden Eagles. Minutes later Lily Witt sent a blast form deep and soared through the goal and into the back of the net, cutting it to a 2-1 contest.  The goal was an unassisted one at 32:06.

Less than five minutes later Witt tried to add another goal as she sent a screamer only to have it snuffed out by a diving Rory Pelipesky, keeping the Lady Raiders lead.

Miller gave her team some breathing room as she was able to get the ball in mid run and blaze her way down the field and connect on a breakaway goal at 22:12.

“She’s (Sydney Miller) a strong player for us. You can always count on her to give a 100 percent on the field,” said Miller.

Holding a 3-1 advantage, the Red Raider defense stepped their game up a notch posting some clutch plays by the backline.

Bellefonte will be back in familiar ground as it travels to Altoona’s Mansion Park to defend their title.

D6 Semi Finals

Bellefonte  3, Somerset 1

SO.   0 1 – 1

BE.   1 2 – 3

Scoring

First half

BE – Addalyn DeWeese unassisted, 26:05.

Second half

BE – Sydney Miller from Madelyn Fallon,37:24.

SO – Lily Witt unassisted, 32:06.

BE – Miller unassisted, 22:12.

Shots on goal: SO -12 . BE – 23.

Corners: SO –  5. BE –   1.

Saves: SO –  Tamara Ross 13. BE –   Rory Pelipesky 9.