The Braves hosted Northern Lebanon in a Friday afternoon boys' soccer match on October 1.

A solid defense and the stellar goaltending of Jazae Itegi, who recorded three saves, helped Pequea Valley post a 1-0 victory.

With Itegi manning the posts, the first-half goal by Regan Thomas proved to be all the offense the Braves needed as they improved to 8-1-1 on the year.

"Jazae has made some big saves for us to help keep us in games, especially the close games," Pequea head coach Peter Bennett said.

"We had a real good start in that match," Bennett added. "Regan scored off a corner. It was the perfect start for us, setting a tone for us."

As for the close 1-0 score, Bennett indicated that the Vikings refused to go down easily.

"Their goalie made some good saves, denying us," he explained. "So, they got some confidence and battled us. We were able to get a good result in the end."

Coming into the Saturday morning game at Pequea Valley, the Lancaster Mennonite boys' soccer team had outscored opponents 29-4. The Braves were the next victim of the Blazers' blazing attack that began with a David Shell score less than two minutes into the match. The Blazers (10-0-2) downed Pequea 4-0, recording 12 shots on goal.

Itegi and Gabe McDonald shared time in goal for Pequea (8-2-1), each making two saves.

"They're a very well-organized team," Bennett said. "We were unfortunate, having played Friday afternoon and turning around to play Saturday morning. They're a tough opponent even when you're rested."

On Monday, the Braves lost a 2-1 match at Lebanon - their first Lancaster-Lebanon League loss of the year.

"We let them hang around and they were able to put two in," said Bennett. We weren't able to even the score."

Nevin Stoltzfus scored off a Dylan Ratjavong assist for the one Pequea goal.

With their 1-0 loss to Lancaster Country Day on Wednesday, the Braves suffered their second league loss of the year (6-2-1). Grant Gilbert scored 37 minutes into the match off a Skyler Wright assist.

The Braves were unable to get anything past Ben Sponaugle (10 saves) while Itegi made four saves in the PV goal.

"It was not a good afternoon - a little frustrating for us," Bennett remarked.

GIRLS' SOCCER

Coming off their first draw of the season - a 1-1 final with non-league foe Tulpehocken on Wednesday, September 29 - the Braves outscored their next two opponents by a collective score of 10-0. They improved to 9-4-1 (6-0-0 league) by shutting out Lancaster Mennonite 2-0 on the road Friday afternoon and going on a scoring spree in an 8-0 defeat of Lebanon on Monday, October 4.

In the Mennonite match, Carly Anderson and Avery Fisher were both assisted on their first-half goals by Emily Diller. Anderson scored at the midway mark. Fisher doubled Pequea's lead two minutes before the halftime whistle.

Maddy Weaver grabbed three saves for another shutout.

Morgan Graham notched a hat trick in the Lebanon game, scoring three times in the final eight minutes of the first half.

Sarah Arment added another goal in the 39th minute. Sophomore Kendyl Keen scored twice - the Braves' first and final goals of the game. She also provided two assists.

Diller scored one goal and added an assist. Sierra Fisher and Liana Rogers each had one assist. Allison Hershey netted one goal for the Braves, who recorded 28 shots on goal.

Weaver and Carissa Mulder teamed up for the shutout, each grabbing one save.

FOOTBALL

With Luke Williams and Cole Thomas having multiple break-out runs, including three touchdowns each, the Elco Raiders posted a 56-0 victory at Kinzers on Friday night, October 1.

Thomas rushed for 143 yards on nine carries, which included touchdown runs from 32 yards and 35 yards out. Williams scored the game's first touchdown - a 69-yarder in the first quarter.

Though the Braves (1-4) were unable to put any points on the board, Peyton Temple did complete 11 passes for 90 yards. Dominic Wallace grabbed six of those passes for a total of 60 yards. Jesse Hoopes had two receptions while Rick Esh caught two passes for 17 yards.

Darrell Beiler pushed through for 49 rushing yards for the Braves, averaging 4.45 yards per carry.

GIRLS TENNIS

Solanco topped Pequea 5-2 in the regular-season finale on Thursday, September 30.

Playing on their home court, the non-league loss dropped the Braves' record to 1-6 on the year.

Kyleigh Jarvis and Sanjurjo were straight set winners for Pequea in their singles matches. Jarvis won the number one singles 6-1, 6-0 while Sanjurjo came through 6-0, 6-0.

Cassidy Werner and Cassidy Foote held tough before finally yielding 8-5 at number two doubles.