West Branch and Bald Eagle combined their girls’ soccer programs for the 2026 season, allowing athletes from both schools to continue competing despite low participation numbers at West Branch.

Athletic Director Dave Williamson explained how the cooperative agreement came together.

The partnership provided an opportunity for athletes from both schools to compete together. The team finished the season with an 8-10-2 record, reaching the District 6 semifinals before falling 1-0 to Central Cambria.

Five West Branch athletes competed as part of the combined team: McKenzie Harbold, Nola Briscoe, Natalie Michaels, Graycen Eaton, and Madalynn Hubler contributed to the team’s efforts throughout the season.

McKenzie Harbold finished her senior season with two goals while stepping up defensively, despite typically playing midfield. Her ability to adjust to a different position helped strengthen the team’s defense. Freshman Madalynn Hubler scored one goal, earning her first varsity goal against Penns Valley. During the game, she took advantage of the goalkeeper being out of position and found the back of the net. 

Junior Nola Briscoe finished her season with six goals, while Natalie Michaels contributed four. One of her biggest moments came against Philipsburg-Osceola, when she dribbled around the entire defense, before taking a shot. Her goal was recognized by the coach as the goal of the season. 

Qualifying for the playoffs was a significant accomplishment for the team. The Lady Eagles opened the postseason with a 1-0 victory over Richland, advancing to the District 6 semifinals. 

Junior Nola Briscoe reflected on some of the season’s most memorable moments.

The team continued to compete in the semifinal matchup against Central Cambria, holding the Red Devils 0-0 until a few minutes remained in the game. Central Cambria eventually secured the 1-0 victory, ending the Lady Eagles’ season.

The team went from two completely different teams, to one. Coming from two different teams, and two different schools, they didn’t know each other. Challenges the team had to face early on, and overcome were stepping out of their comfort zones, talking to new people, and playing for coaches they never knew. The team went from individually having their own way of playing soccer, to collectively playing soccer as a team, which took knowing how each other played, and building the chemistry between each other so that everything could fall into place. There were many challenges to overcome throughout the season, and there were ups and downs, but in the end, the team became one, despite the situations.

Sophomore Natalie Michaels reflected on the team’s adjustment throughout the season.

Head coach Jared Moore also reflected on the team’s first season together.