Pritts scores two as Cougars outlast Warriors

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Throughout the course of the regular season, Yough head coach Dann Appolonia watched as his group matured right before his very eyes. 

He saw a heightened sense of confidence with each passing game and recognized just how determined the team could be.

So when the ninth-seeded Cougars saw a one-goal lead disappear with just over nine minutes left in Tuesday’s WPIAL Class 2A first-round matchup against No. 8 Elizabeth Forward, Appolonia didn’t push the panic button. 

Neither did McKenzie Pritts, a standout sophomore who delivered with a quick answer and the eventual game-winning goal just over a minute and a half after EF’s equalizer to help give Yough a 3-2 victory at Warrior Stadium. 

The Cougars (10-4) will now play in the quarterfinals Saturday against top-seeded South Park, which blanked No. 16 Beaver, 2-0, Tuesday. 

“As the year has gone on, we have definitely gained some momentum and gained some confidence,” Appolonia said. “That’s what I attribute that last goal to. We put our best sequence of the game together within a minute or two after that (EF) goal.

“If we’re going to keep advancing in the playoffs, that is how we’re going to have to play.” 

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