Grove City High boys soccer squad advanced to the District 10 Class AA title tilt via a 3-0 victory over Hickory Thursday night at New Wilmington.
The Eagles earned the right to meet Harbor Creek — a 6-3 winnver over Slippery Rock — 1 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Stadium, Erie, for the district championship. Both teams, however, already are assured of advancing to the PIAA playoffs.
Grove City and Hickory split their regular-season series, with the Hornets havesting a 3-2 overtime win, before Grove City gained a measure of vindication via a 1-0 double-overtime victory.
Thursday night, Jeff Hershberger gave Grove City (17-1-1) a 1-0 first-half lead when he scored at the 28:56 juncture. Then the Eagles ensured the win with 2nd-half scores from Chris Murone, assisted by Bobby Kowalsky at the 20:47 mark, and Shaun Barr, with approximately 5 minutes remaining.
Drew Clausen made 6 saves in Grove City’s goal, while his counterpart, Mark Duvall, delivered 8 saves for Hickory.
The teams each attempted 11 shots.
For Hickory (15-5), Dom Bermudez, Duvall and Vince Kopen were this season’s seniors for head coach Mike Pascarella. Pete Donnarummo, Dan Zippie, Gary Hodgkins and Bill Dzuricsko served as assistants. — By Allied New sports editor Corey J. Corbin
