On me! On we! On three! The girls soccer team has used that chant at the beginning of each of their games since their season began on Aug. 26. Since then, the girls have won every game through three rounds of the WPIAL playoffs and put their record at 20-0 on the season, earning themselves a spot in a second consecutive WPIAL championship game.

“We are a well fit team, and we work hard to prove that. It makes us feel that all the work and time we have put into this season is paying off,” junior Chloe Keller said.

The number of wins caught the attention of the student body, bringing them out in full force to support them in each of their playoff games. They can be heard making noise to help rally home a victory.

“We have played a simple game that we have gradually made more complex as we have advanced,” Keller said.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, Freedom took their record with them into Highmark Stadium to face off against the undefeated Waynesburg Central Raiders. Led by leading goal scorer, Michaela Watkins, Freedom looked to utilize their ball movement and shooting ability to dominate their opponent.

Excitement was in the air as both teams took the field at Highmark Stadium. The competition was intense as the Raiders scored the only goal in the first half, taking a 1-0 lead. Freedom’s first goal was scored by Alexsia Barlamas with 36 minutes left in the game, but not before Waynesburg’s second goal, making the score 2-1. Michaela Watkins scored the Bulldogs’ second goal with less than a minute left in the game, but it was too late. Freedom lost the game 4-2.

Waynesburg was able to maintain possession of the ball for the majority of the game and generate more shots on goal than Freedom. Freedom’s two goals were the second most scored on Waynesburg all year, and their four given up was the least they’ve scored all season.

After the loss, the team set their sights on an even bigger accomplishment; a PIAA state title. The team took a competitive-natured approach as they thought back to last year’s first round loss to Mercyhurst Prep in overtime by a score of 1-0.

“We are out to show ourselves and everyone else that a loss can only make us stronger and have more determination,” Barlamas said.

Freedom played the first round of the PIAA playoffs at the Clarion University on Nov. 12, and took on the Karns City Gremlins, who they had already defeated on Sept. 23, by a score of 4-1. This time, the Gremlins won the battle, beating Freedom by a score of 2-1, ending the girls’ run and handing them only their second loss on the season.

The past two years of Freedom’s soccer success has brought hope for next year and many years to come.

“Even the best teams lose. It’s just about how much heart you put into the game and each players preparation mentally and physically. We hope to make it back to the WPIAL finals next year and get far in states by continuing to work hard and put forth everything we have,” sophomore Myah Hrinko said.