Williams Valley has been a strong defensive team throughout the season as the Vikings have given up more than two goals just once to an opponent this year.

Their defense was good once again in its match-up with Tamaqua in the Schuylkill League quarterfinals on Sunday, but it was the Vikings offense that shined in a 4-1 victory over the Blue Raiders.

“We’re usually more of a defensive team. That’s what we’ve been throughout this season. But the offense really came through today for us,” said Williams Valley head coach Gary Fetterhoff. “I mean, our defense was stellar today too, but for our offense to show up like this in a big game, that’s awesome and exciting for sure.”

The Vikings’ offense was simply efficient in the first half, taking advantage of scoring opportunities. They were also in complete control during that half, creating consistent pressure.

Williams Valley (15-3) registered its first goal at the 20:07 mark when a corner kick was converted and scored by senior Emily Yeagley. The Vikings then followed that up with a goal from Tattiana Swartzlander off a beautiful cross to make it 2-0 around the 17-minute mark, which is the advantage it would take into the half.

“We focus on and take the time to practice set plays. That’s something we always spend time on at practice, so we’re pretty good in those situations and that paid off for us today,” said Fetterhoff.

“I was really happy with our execution in those moments today.”

Williams Valley didn’t wasn’t any time extending its lead and setting the tone to start the second half, upping the margin to 3-0 with just a little over 39 minutes to go in the match. The strike came from sophomore Quin Smeltz on a perfectly-placed shot from about 40 yards out from the center of the field that found the back of the net.

“We just played on Thursday night, and Quin Smeltz, who had the long score for us today also had about a 30-footer in that game in overtime to get us a big win over Tri-Valley,” said Fetterhoff. “It was another great shot today by Quin. It’s just the type of plays that we’ve been making lately offensively, and it once again helped us get the win today.”

Tamaqua (11-8) was finally able to get one on the board in the second half after a well-placed lofted shot from the right side that found the left side of the net by Ava Agosti at the 28:56 mark. The Raiders, which depend on their speed to create scoring chances, weren’t able to generate much offense on the day.

“Credit to Williams Valley. They were really good today. We’re just disappointed because I don’t think we played aggressive today. There was too much standing around,” said Tamaqua head coach Clem McCarroll.

“We do have a lot of speed, but we didn’t take advantage of our speed and we didn’t put it over the top. But we have to move on. We need to have a good week of practice and work hard and get ready for the playoffs, which in our class features some of the best teams in the state.”

Tamaqua wasn’t able to mount any momentum from its score and Williams Valley would then tack on a fourth goal with 15:20 left to play by Swartzlander.

NEXT UP … Williams Valley will face off with Blue Mountain tonight at 7 p.m. at Jim Thorpe in the Schuylkill League semis, while the Raiders will now focus on getting ready for the District 11 2A playoffs, which start next week.

SHOTS ON GOAL … WV had 16 shots on goal in the match to Tamaqua’s 11. Goalkeeper Sage Smeltz saved 10-of-11 for the Vikings.