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Juniata, East Juniata and Greenwood athletes honored by TVL

Nine is fine for semifinalist

Nine East Juniata players and two from Juniata were selected by Tri-Valley League coaches for the league’s all-star team.

The Tigers’ Hailey Swartz was named MVP as a member of the first team. Swartz was first among the scoring leaders with 59 points. Swartz also led in goals scored with 27 and had five assists.

“Hailey was the catalyt of the team,” Tigers coach Valeria Dressler said. “She was able to get things going and the team would build off of her. A player in that position needs to produce and that’s what Hailey did all season long and her whole career stacking up 100-plus goals.”

East Juniata was unbeaten (12-0) in TVL play and advanced to the PIAA Class A semifinals for the second year in a row.

Senior goalkeeper Kayla Forry, who led the league in save percentage at 88.89 percent, was a first-team selection, along with Clarye Guyer and Carly Beaver. Beaver had four assists in league games.

“Clayre came back from missing last year to a broken ankle and had a great year,” Dressler said. “Carly stepped into position that was new to her and had wonderful success at it. She was a big part of our tough back line that only gave up 17 goals in 23 games.

“Kayla was the final piece to our stout defense,” Dressler continued. “She posted 16 shutouts with some big saves along the way.”

Junior Thea Neimond was third among the scoring leaders with 45 points including 17 goals and was first in assists with 11 and was rewarded with a second-team selection. Maddison Coudriet also was given second team honors.

“Thea was the workhorse of our front line,” Dressler said. “She worked hard every minute and was a nightmare for other teams. Maddison had great vision and could play dangerous slot or over the top balls.”

Fellow forward Kierstyn Fogle also made the second team after finishing second in scoring with 54 points (22 goals and 10 assists). Leah Sankey and Alyssa Hibbs also were named to second team.

“Kierstyn had another great year. She was a nuisance to any defense she faced and was able to get dangerous often,” Dressler said. “Leah is extremely talented on the ball and was able to take people on in middle of the field and create dangerous chances. Alyssa also came back from an ACL injury. She was determined to have a strong final season and showed it.”

Valeria Dressler was the league’s coach of the year.

“I am excited to get this recognition again,” Dressler said. “I hope to continue to build the program and take it to the next level.”

Juniata, which went 9-3 in the TVL and made an appearance in the District 6 tournament, had one first-team selection in junior midfielder Nylah Pannebaker.

“Nylah was just amazing to coach. She takes direction and when on the field works hard to set up plays and figures out how to penetrate and get a shot off herself,” Indians coach Jessica King said. “This young lady was an exceptional leader on this team this year. You can tell that in the off season she had been working hard and when the season started she was just on top of it. She’s truly just a fun girl to coach and watch play.”

Junior defender Carly Orris was rewarded with a second team nomination.

“This young lady is just tough both mentally and physically, on 50/50 balls this is a girl who will end up winning the ball,” King said. “She works like a horse in the back for us this year. She’s a team player that talks effectively and communicates with her teammates. I love watching her play, she has a feisty spirit that seems to drive her on the field. She will lay it all out for you on the field and gives 110 percent.”

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