WHITEHALL - Rare are the instances where teams with a starting lineup as young as Palmerton reach the semifinals of the the District 11 tournament.

Monday night at the Whitehall Sports complex, the Blue Bombers (12-8-1) rolled out a starting lineup that included three juniors, three sophomores and three freshmen and took top-seeded Wilson (16-2-1) through a tough battle - ending in a 2-1 decision in favor of the Warriors.

The win moves Wilson into the district finals against Northwestern, who downed Moravian Academy in the other semifinal game. The loss ends the season for Palmerton, whose future appears to have a bright outlook.

“I looked every senior in the eye when we were standing there and thanked them, because the legacy and the foundation that they laid for Palmerton field hockey is unlike anything that I have seen as a coach in my 12 years,” said Bomber coach Megan Leadbetter.

“I should be standing here crying with them because it stinks and the team is everything that a coach could want, but I’m excited. I’m excited for the future of the program.”

Wilson got on the board with 4:19 left to play in the first quarter when Olivia Hampton fed a leading pass to Sophia Bandi, who was able to sneak it into the cage for a 1-0 edge.

Both teams fought for momentum through the second quarter and most of the third, until Wilson was awarded a penalty corner with 3:45 left. Abby Sagrestano inserted the ball to Bandi, who was well marked but found Melissa Shunk open and was able to get the ball to her to give the Warriors a 2-0 lead.

Before Wilson could spend much time enjoying its two-goal advantage, Palmerton also was awarded a penalty corner. Skylar Kohler worked her way toward the cage and beat goalkeeper Annalisse McAuliffe with a shot to again make it a one-goal game with 2:07 left in the third quarter.

Throughout the fourth, Palmerton kept pressuring Wilson’s defense and peppered McAuliffe with shots, but were unable to get any of them to the back of the cage. Wilson had some advantages, but goalkeeper Emily Bollinger and the Palmerton defense fought through the challenges to keep the Warriors from increasing their lead.

The Bombers may have had their strongest challenge late in the final quarter when they were awarded a corner and got the ball in front of McAuliffe, but were again turned away. From there, the Wilson defense stiffened and ran out the clock.

“We started a little slowly and made a good comeback, but we ran out of time,” said Leadbetter. “I am genuinely happy with how we played, and if we had more time, it could have been a different outcome.”

The Palmerton roster has six seniors - two of which are starters - meaning it will bring a strong group of experienced players back for next season.

“All of these girls have the seniors to thank, but all these girls are hungry. They are absolutely hungry, and it may be tough for them to understand it right now, but I am excited,” said Leadbetter. “Look out for Palmerton the next few years.”

GET IT NEXT YEAR ... Junior Sydney Frantz was kept from scoring a goal or having an assist, which leaves her one shy of the school record for a single season in each category. Frantz will return for her senior season, and Leadbetter is anticipating big things from her.

TIE-BREAKER ... The two teams met during the regular season, with each winning at home. Wilson downed the Blue Bombers in mid-September by a 3-2 score, while the Bombers held serve with a 1-0 win a month later in Palmerton.