Times Observer photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower’s Lexi Scholar (9) intercepts a pass intended for a Seneca player during Wednesday’s girls soccer game at Eisenhower High School.

RUSSELL — The Eisenhower girls soccer team welcomed the No. 1-ranked Class A team in the state and the No. 5-ranked team in all classes in Erie on Wednesday.

If the Lady Knights were in awe of Seneca, it certainly didn’t show as they gave the visitors all they could handle before falling 3-1.

Seneca came out aggressively from the start and its first goal came just 2:15 into the game and followed that up with its second goal just 10 minutes later.

“We knew they were going to be quick,” Eisenhower head coach Faith Johnson said. “I think once we settled down, we were fine.”

The Lady Knights played the majority of the first half on their heels, defending their goal and assisting their goalie, Tracey Jakubczak, as much as they could by deflecting shots and intercepting passes. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, however, as Eisenhower had shots on goal, but just could not find the back of the net as the first half ended with the Bobcats leading 2-0.

The second half was much the same story as the first as either team could score. Both were very careful in not letting anyone get a clean shot on goal, but Seneca was the clear aggressor as it had 15 shots on goal to Eisenhower’s nine.

The Bobcats did get a breakaway when Olivia Pickewiecz found the back of the net at the 11:13 mark of the second half to give them a 3-0 lead.

The Lady Knights did not give up and continued to push the ball and take shots when they had the opportunity. Senior Callan Gigliotti scored on a breakaway with 6:46 remaining in the game.

The Bobcats’ strategy was simply to run out the clock as they played keepaway from Eisenhower, which had limited possessions the remainder of the game.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game,” Johnson said. “They were a little quicker to the ball, but we managed to shut down nearly all their attacks. I thought Tracey Jakubczak played a great game in goal and Sophia Martin had the speed to match their fastest attackers and stop their offense. Callan Gigliotti was a force in the middle, and dominated nearly every matchup and scoring our only goal.”

Eisenhower is now 3-1-1 on the season.

“This team is a lot of fun to watch. They are filled with grit and determination. Even when we are down score-wise, they just don’t quit. We certainly have things to work on and we will make the necessary adjustments, but I am very proud of each and every girl on the team.”