Girls Soccer: Second-Half Surge Sends Northern Lebanon Past Annville-Cleona in Season Opener

Under bright sunshine on Friday afternoon, Northern Lebanon opened its 2026 girls soccer season with a strong second-half performance, pulling away from visiting Annville-Cleona for a 4-1 victory.

The Dutchmen struck first when Grace Wagner found the net in the 12th minute, giving Annville-Cleona an early 1-0 advantage. That lead held through halftime as the Dutchmen kept the Vikings off the scoreboard despite Northern Lebanon controlling much of the attacking play.

Northern Lebanon finally broke through in the 58th minute when Hope Shaffer scored off an assist from Olivia Wintersto even the game at 1-1. Just two minutes later, Andi Batistelli scored with Shaffer providing the assist, quickly turning a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 Vikings lead.

The Vikings put the game away late. Emma Heagy scored in the 78th minute off an assist from Emily Marinkov, before Shaffer added her second goal of the afternoon in the 80th minute to complete the 4-1 victory.

Northern Lebanon finished with a 15-1 advantage in shots and held Annville-Cleona without a second-half goal. Dutchmen goalkeeper Jayloni Andujar made 11 saves while facing steady pressure from the Vikings. Rylee Mullen was in goal for Northern Lebanon.

The Vikings (1-0) will return to action Monday when they travel to CD East. Annville-Cleona (0-1) will look to bounce back Tuesday when the Dutchmen host Tulpehocken.

Northern Lebanon 4, Annville-Cleona 1