ATHENS EDGES WILLIAMSON, 1-0

By: Tim Birney  /  October 2, 2021

TIOGA JUNCTION — Freshman Addison Wheeler scored the game’s lone goal about 10 1/2 minutes in to lift Athens to a 1-0 win over Williamson here Saturday afternoon in NTL girls soccer action.

“I thought we played really good soccer,” said Athens coach Rich Pitts. “We put the ball on the floor, and moved it up an down the field better than we have all year.

“We were not quite good enough on the final shot, or final pass in there end though,” noted Pitts. “So, we will work on that this week.

“Big props to Williamson and that coaching staff,” added Pitts. “He has made them a very formidable program in a short time. I was impressed with how they played the game the entire 80 minutes.”

Wheeler took a cross from senior Hannah Walker, and knocked it past the Williamson keeper to put the Lady Wildcats up 1-0 with 29:33 remaining in the first half.

Athens outshot Williamson, 15-3, and had an 8-0 edge in corner kicks.

Karlee Bartlow had three saves in net for the Lady Wildcats, while Ashley Woodring recorded 14 saves for Williamson.

Athens is now 7-4 overall, but is atop the NTL standings at 5-0 — 1 game ahead of Troy.
 
“Overall, I am happy where we are in the league, and I’m looking forward to a tough week upcoming.”

The Lady Wildcats host Wyalusing Tuesday and NEB Thursday, before closing out the week Saturday morning at Troy.