A slow start Tuesday night cost the Upper Perkiomen's girls soccer team a chance to repeat as Pioneer Athletic Conference champions. The team suffered a 2-1

Addisyn Fluckey attemps to block a kick during Tues- day's playoff match against Owen J. Roberts.

loss to Owen J. Roberts in the semifinal round of the conference playoffs.

            "Some of our younger players were a little nervous in the early going," head coach Casey Lewis said.

            Fiona Sanders scored twice in the first half for the host Wildcats who posted their sixth consecutive victory to advance to Thursday's title game against Spring-Ford. Both goals came on set plays.

            Sarah Fisher scored for the Indians (14-5), who had their five-game winning streak snapped after falling behind 2-0 midway through the first half. Ava Long registered four saves.

            According to Lewis, the No. 2 seeded Tribe initially seemed somewhat unsettled. He said the defense could have reacted better to the Wildcats' offensive pressure.  "We continued to invite pressure," the coach said. "But we didn't have an answer for it. They are a very intelligent team."

            Owen J. Roberts (13-6), the No. 3 seed, opened the scoring less than 13 minutes into the first half, utilizing two head balls to convert on a penalty corner. Sabrina Marks pushed the ball to Sanders who headed it past Long from the right wing.

            "We had to be wary of allowing too many corners," Lewis said. "OJR is very dangerous on set pieces. We gave them too many chances."

            Approximately eight minutes later, Sanders converted on a direct kick from the right wing. She beat Long to the far post.  A foul whistled against the No. 2 seeded Indians led to the goal.

           Fisher delivered her 76th career goal, the most by one player in program history, with 11 minutes 34 seconds left in the first half. She converted on a low shot from the middle of the field on a long rebound off a shot by Sarah Straup.

            Late in the first half, the Tribe appeared to figure out how to defend the Wildcats, according to Lewis. He said his team delivered a solid performance in the second half, the way they played for most of the season.  "We played pretty well," said Lewis, whose team posted only one other shot on goal. "We needed to come out a little faster."

            Fisher scored eight goals in her final three regular-season games to become the most prolific offensive player in program history. She holds the record for most goals (76), assists (47), and total points (197).

            Fisher expressed an understanding of the relevance of her accomplishments. However, she claims team success has more importance.  "It's a big accomplishment and I'm grateful for the opportunity," Fisher said. "But I understand someone can come along and break my record, so I'm not going to get too attached to it."

            The forward credited her teammates with helping her reach the milestone. Fisher said they all deserve a piece of the record.
            "I can't score on my own," she said.
            Last week, Fisher registered consecutive hat tricks for the first time during her high school career in a 9-0 victory over Pottstown on Wednesday, Oct. 11. By scoring three goals, Fisher passed Lauren Hess for most overall goals.
            Fisher added two assists in the win. Straup also delivered three goals. Meg Cairns finished with a goal and an assist. Peyton Lill and Gianna Kozminski also scored.
            In goal, Long and Sylvia Parr combined for the shutout. Paar stopped a team-high four shots.
            Fisher added two more tallies to lead the Indians to a 4-0 season-ending win over Pottsgrove two days later and extend their winning streak against Frontier Division opponents to 34 games. Straup added a goal and an assist.
            Megan Cairns also scored for the Frontier Division champions. Morgan Sweed delivered an assist, and Long recorded six saves.
            Fisher also credited Kyra Lesko for helping her set the scoring record. The Upper Hanover resident said Lesko, a former teammate, played a pivotal role in her recovery from reconstructive knee surgery.
            According to Fisher, Lesko helped her work through the recovery and rehabilitation. Lesko, a freshman at Jefferson University, underwent a similar procedure eight months earlier. Last season, they helped lead the Indians to the PIAA Class 3A title game.
            "I was devastated after the injury," Fisher said. "Being out of nine months and going through physical therapy takes a toll. But Krya definitely helped me get through."

            The Indians look to begin defense of their District One Class 3A title on Thursday, Oct. 26. They are currently the top seed in the power rankings. Two wins would get them back to the PIAA Championships.