The Brownsville Falcons continued their winning ways at the Fayette County Coaches Association (FCCA) tournament held Saturday at Mustang Field. Despite missing both extra‑point attempts, the team posted two 6‑0 victories, first over Laurel Highlands and then over Uniontown, earning shutouts in both matches.
Coach Rohland confident despite senior turnover
Head coach Chad Rohland praised the squad’s depth after a large senior class graduated last season. “We lost a lot of seniors, including our whole starting defense, but we have sophomores that are really good and really ready to play,” Rohland said. He added that incoming freshmen will also contribute, ensuring the program does not miss a beat.
Offensive firepower from Kovscek and teammates
Sophomore forward Gloria Kovscek, who led the WPIAL in goals during the regular season with 36, recorded a hat‑trick in each tournament game, adding six goals total. Avianna Hernandez contributed a goal and two assists against the Red Raiders and added another tally against the Mustangs. Riley Rohland scored once in each match, while Ellie Haddad supplied two assists against the Red Raiders and a goal plus an assist versus the Mustangs. Addy Brown and Maria Duda also found the net for Brownsville.
Defensive stand led by senior keeper Ava Rohland
Senior goalkeeper Ava Rohland posted back‑to‑back clean sheets, supported by sophomore center backs Ari Johnson and Addison Burnsworth who kept the ball out of danger. The defense held firm even as the Red Raiders played with limited personnel, allowing Brownsville to rest starters for the second match.
Coach Rohland’s rotation strategy
Rohland deliberately rotated his roster, ending the Uniontown match early to give more players varsity experience and to preserve the starters for the Laurel Highlands game. “I was glad to get all our girls in the game, which was important for them to play in a varsity match, but also to rest our starters for the second match,” he explained, noting the hot, sunny conditions.
Other tournament highlights
Uniontown keeper Kendal Nehls made six saves, including a key denial of Kovscek on a breakaway. The Red Raiders drew 2‑2 with Beth‑Center, while the Bearcats of Bentworth secured a 6‑1 win over the defending WPIAL Class A champion Bearcats, with Brielle Dillon’s hat‑trick and Bella Moyer’s penalty goal highlighted.
Why turf matters
Coach Tyler Hamstra of Bentworth emphasized the importance of playing on turf, noting that most home fields in their section are grass. “We always attempt to schedule non‑section matches with bigger schools like Laurel Highlands to play on turf,” Hamstra said. The experience helps his players prepare for playoff matches, which are held on turf at venues such as F.N.B. Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Overall, the Falcons’ strong showing at the FCCA tournament bodes well for the upcoming season, with a balanced mix of experienced seniors and eager underclassmen ready to compete for a spot in the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
