On senior nights, there are typically only two things on the hosting team’s minds — honor the seniors and then go win the game. The Miners girls soccer team had a third on Friday night: clinch a share of their third-straight regional title.
Park City would take care of all three goals with ease. They honored their three seniors, goalie Sierre Cobleigh, captain defenseman Calla Holder and Lila Bochnowski, with an on-field pregame ceremony featuring family members. The Miners would win the game over Murray 5-0, sealing the share of the title.
The game was all but over by the half. Park City earned a commanding 4-0 lead on the backs of Sawyer Sheffert, Autumn Reital, Hailey Olsen and Buchnowski goals. Dyllann Reed’s second half score was simply icing on the cake. The Miners defense made swift clears of the ball, halting any Murray chances on offense as they pitched the shutout.
The share of the title means a three-peat for Park City. They were aiming for their third-straight outright title when they took on Juan Diego Catholic Tuesday afternoon at home. Ever since head coach Anthony DiCicco’s first season, all the Miners have done is win.
“The challenge of senior night is we always want to celebrate our seniors,” DiCicco said.
“We want to have fun, but they also understand that what we’re doing is bigger than tonight. Part of the celebration is the journey that we’re on, and that includes putting ourselves in a position to lift the region championship.”
DiCicco lauded the senior trio for their impact on and off the pitch. Cobleigh and Holder have started nearly every game this season, and all three have been vocal leaders on the team. The early goals Friday presented DiCicco with the opportunity to rotate many players in. Buchnowski’s goal was her first of the season.
DiCicco constantly discusses the importance of each team continuing the hardworking legacy of those past. It’s possible this year’s bunch has what it takes to contend for another state title. The Miners last won state titles in 2004 and 2005, making the finals at Real Salt Lake’s stadium in 2023.
“Anytime you want to achieve anything at a significant level, it doesn’t come easy,” DiCicco said. “Whether through injuries or challenges on and off the field, they’ve had moments where doubt could have crept in and they could have made the decision to walk away, and all three of them, in those moments, doubled down and made an investment in themselves and their soccer future.”
DiCicco referred to the trio as the “heart and soul of the group.” The seniors were able to help walk the underclassmen through some of the tougher moments of the season, such as when the team went 0-3 to begin the season.
Park City had the Dozier Field bleachers packed Friday, with the football team on the road. The team typically hosts games at the North 40 Fields and will be looking for similar support as the playoffs approach, likely bringing elimination games to town.
“I feel very honored to be a part of this program,” Holder said. “Hopefully finish off my last season with a bang and take the region championship title and state.”
“I definitely think that this is one of our most connected years as a team; everyone feels like family,” she added. “We’ve definitely passed down the positivity of the team.”