Local ties abound in Alvernia-Ursinus matchup
Several former Pioneer Athletic Conference players were in action during the Alvernia University at Ursinus College women’s soccer game on Sept. 20 at Patterson Field.
On the Alvernia sidewere seniormidfielder Bailey Stover (Phoenixville) and junior midfielder Madison Balga (Boyertown).
For Ursinus, the league was represented by sophomoremidfielder Jenna Endy (Pottstown), sophomore forward Bridget Rauh (Collegeville, Pope John Paul II) and sophomore forward/ midfielder Kasey Sheahan (Boyertown).
For Stover, it is her senior year in Reading, and she is making her final goarounds as a soccer player during the fall months and as a lacrosse player during the spring months.
“It is my senior year,” said Stover. “I can not believe it. Time flew.”
Stover entered the night with three starts in six games. She scored one goal and had two assists for four points at that point in the season.
One of her goals was a game-winner.
Stover has balanced her time well at Alvernia, both in the classrooms and on the playing fields.
“Playing two sports has been definitely a challenge with school,” said Stover. “But having a busy school schedule keeps me on top of studies. I like both of my teams a lot. They make it worth it.”
Stover said she began playing soccer when she was just 4 years old. On the other hand, she did not pick up a lacrosse stick until eighth grade.
Stover was asked about which sport was her favorite and which one she was best suited for and to play as a competitive sport.
“I’d say soccer, but they are pretty close,” said Stover. “This year we have a new coach (Christopher Wilson), and I am really excited about that.”
Stover is majoring in athletic training at Alvernia. She has spent a lot of study time working with the Albright College football team. Stover has a jammed schedule with her involvement as a trainer and player. It involves some going back and forth and spending time at both Reading colleges.
Since sports have been such a large part of her youth leagues, Stover hopes to extend that affinity into a sport career as well.
Rauh (No. 20) and Endy (No. 2) are receiving some playing time with the Bears, who are in their fifth season of being guided by Kelly Wakeman.
“High school was awesome,” said Rauh, who stands just 5-0 but uses her quickness to beat defenders. “I am able to represent my local area with a great group of girls who are my second family.”
Rauh usually lines up as a center forward. She played for the Golden Panthers in the PAC and is also a member of a club soccer squad.
“The team is my everything and a family,” said Rauh. “They do things the right way, and they are very good people on and off the field.”
Both Rauh and Endy played basketball and lacrosse at the scholastic level.
“It has been a really nice change starting up a step from high school,” said Endy, a midfielder. “I worked really hard, but our team did not win many games. Here, we work for better things. We have a great group of seniors to learn from. They teach us a lot on howto act on an doff the field”
Playing at Ursinus allows both players to have their families and friends from high school to attend the college games and to cheer them on.
“I love to see my family here, my mom and dad,” said Endy.