District Champs with More to Prove: Lake-Lehman Opens State Play Tomorrow at Home
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | November 3, 2025 | Photo courtesy Bradley Dieffenbacher
The sting of last year’s loss still lingered in the locker room, but when the final whistle blew at Spartan Stadium, the Lake-Lehman Black Knights knew something special had been achieved. With a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Wyoming Area Warriors, the Black Knights hoisted the District II Class A championship trophy — a symbol of redemption, resilience, and belief.
It all started late in the opening quarter when junior forward Gianna DeCesaris pounced on a loose ball in front of the goal to give Lehman an early spark. As the clock wound down toward halftime, junior midfielder Olivia Oliver threaded a perfect pass through traffic, finding senior striker Gracie James for the eventual game-winner that pushed the lead to 2-0.
But Wyoming Area wasn’t done. Late in the fourth quarter, Nina Belza capitalized on a sequence started by Shannon Kearns and Lucia Campenni, trimming the deficit to one and sending a surge of energy through the crowd. That’s when senior goalie Gigi Kirkutis and the Lehman defense dug deep, shutting down the Warriors’ final pushes and preserving the win.
Now with the district title secured and a 14-7 record, Lake-Lehman turns its attention to the next challenge — the PIAA Class A State Tournament. Tomorrow at 4 p.m., the Black Knights will host Lancaster Country Day (19-3) on their home turf in the opening round.
The Lions come in with firepower, but the Black Knights have momentum — and a home crowd ready to rally. If Lehman brings the same energy, toughness, and togetherness that earned them the district crown, the building will be electric. The journey to Cumberland Valley High School begins tomorrow.
