District 9 girls soccer: How Karns City continued its run of dominance with Class 1A title

October 31, 2024 Last Updated: October 31, 2024 12:12 AM Sports

Karns City's Phoebe Brandon blocks in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City celebrates their victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Ava Kamenski battles Brockway for the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Layla Colsey attempts to block Brockway in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Sophia Bonetto battles for the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Katelyn VanDyke attempts to score in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Phoebe Brandon passes the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Bree O'Donnell battles for the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Ava Kamenski battles for the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Katelyn VanDyke makes a play in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Ava Kamenski makes a play in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Aubrey Taylor looks to stop Brockway from scoring in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City poses with their trophy after winning the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Phoebe Brandon kicks the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Sarah Dodd runs the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Hanna Dailey kicks the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Ava Kamenski blocks Brockway from reaching the net in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Sarah Dodd kicks the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Katelyn VanDyke battles for the ball against Brockway in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Audrey Thorpe receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Hanna Dailey runs the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Layla Colsey kicks the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Katelyn VanDyke runs the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Madison Mahood receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Audrina Hobaugh receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Carleigh Lucas receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Glada Bonetto receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

Karns City's Phoebe Brandon blocks in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City celebrates their victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Ava Kamenski battles Brockway for the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Layla Colsey attempts to block Brockway in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Sophia Bonetto battles for the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Katelyn VanDyke attempts to score in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Phoebe Brandon passes the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Phoebe Brandon passes the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Bree O'Donnell battles for the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Ava Kamenski battles for the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Katelyn VanDyke makes a play in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Ava Kamenski makes a play in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Phoebe Brandon passes the ball in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Aubrey Taylor looks to stop Brockway from scoring in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City poses with their trophy after winning the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Phoebe Brandon kicks the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Sarah Dodd runs the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Hanna Dailey kicks the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Ava Kamenski blocks Brockway from reaching the net in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Sarah Dodd kicks the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Katelyn VanDyke battles for the ball against Brockway in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Audrey Thorpe receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Hanna Dailey runs the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Layla Colsey kicks the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Katelyn VanDyke runs the ball down the field in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Madison Mahood receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Audrina Hobaugh receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Carleigh Lucas receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)
Karns City's Glada Bonetto receives a medal after the teams victory in the District 9 Class 1A Girls Soccer Championship game against Brockway at Brookville High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/30/2024)

BROOKVILLE — Katelyn VanDyke was feeling uneasy, but she wasn’t alone.

A number of Karns City girls soccer players had chances to put a shot past Brockway goalie Josie Orinko in the first 73 minutes of Wednesday’s District 9 Class 1A championship game, but the Gremlins were unable to break a scoreless tie.

Then, just as the 74th minute began, Layla Colsey played a ball in between two Rovers defenders to VanDyke, a freshman who broke the stalemate with a boot from 10 yards.

It was the only goal in a 1-0 decision that earned for KC a fourth consecutive district championship and 26th in 30 years.

“I was really getting frustrated. I kept playing the ball right to their goalie, a lot of us were,” VanDyke said of the empty scoring chances. “When I saw the ball go into the net, I was so relieved, so happy.”

It was VanDyke’s 23rd goal this season.

“I have contributed a lot more than I thought I would,” she said. “The whole team works so well together and that has helped me.”

KC coach Tracy Dailey saw potential in VanDyke.

“I knew she could be a dynamic player,” Dailey said. “She plays center back for her club team, but we put her at forward. That shows what kind of ability she has.”

KC goalie Savanna Prescott needed to stop just five shots in the game, but came up with a gem in the 78th minute. Nearly five minutes after KC had taken the lead, Brockway’s Madison Mortimer had squeezed her way past a KC defender with possession and was just feet in front of Prescott, who hit the ground just in time to make the save on the Rovers’ last legitimate chance to score.

Prescott, a three-year starter, has battled through knee pain during the season.

“She missed five or six games at the start of the season,” Dailey said. “There are days when it really bothers her and others when it doesn’t.”

Orinko did not have to extend herself on a number of her 13 saves, but she did have to dive or jump on several occasions to keep the Gremlins (16-4) off the scoreboard.

“She’s a four-year starter and it will be very difficult to replace her,” said Brockway coach Mike Puhala. “Really, the entire defense has played so well. We’re not a team that scores six goals per game. We score two and turn it over to our defense.”

Wednesday’s result marked the third straight year that KC has defeated the Rovers (14-5-1) for the district crown.

“We played them two weeks ago and beat them 5-0, but I knew that would not matter tonight,” said Dailey. “I knew they would make things tough for us.”

Puhala is proud, but not surprised that his team had such a noticeable turnaround from the matchup in the regular season.

“It’s a testament to the girls,” he said. “They put in so much work in the offseason.”

The Gremlins will open the state playoffs Tuesday against the WPIAL runner-up, either Springdale or Winchester Thurston.