Faith Christian Academy wins first district title in program history

LANSDALE >> Faith Christian Academy made history Monday night.

The Lions won the program’s first district championship when they defeated Dock Mennonite, 2-1, in the District 1-A championship game at Dock Mennonite Academy.

“It’s awesome,” Faith junior Cassidy Norley said. “I could not be more proud of my team. We’ve worked really hard for this. It’s just a great experience.”

Norley scored both goals for the Lions and both were on long free kicks.

She tied the game at one when she scored from around 40 yards away in the 35th minute. Four minutes later, she found the back of the net from around 30 yards out to put the Lions ahead, 2-1.

“I was trying to score (on the first goal) but it wasn’t the best shot,” she said. “A shot’s a shot.

“The second one I was a lot more confident on. I was actually trying to hit it like that. I looked over at my coaches and they assured me to take my time on it.”

The Pioneers had some chances to score in the second half, but Faith goalkeeper Tanner Alderfer made four saves in the final 40 minutes.

Dock’s Abby Brown had one of the best opportunities to tie the game. She took a free kick from 30 yards away in the 74th minute, but Alderfer made a diving stop.

Dock continued to apply pressure over the final six minutes of the game, but Faith’s defense did what it needed to to secure the win.

“I was very confident in my defensive line,” Norley said. “I know we were all working very hard for it and all really wanted the win. It was scary at times, but I trusted in my team.”

Emma Kratz gave the Pioneers a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. She received a long pass on the offensive side of midfield and carried the ball into the box. She maneuvered around a defender and put the ball into the net for the game’s first goal.