Nazareth sees its greatest season end in 5-0 loss in state quarterfinals.

It was too surreal for Cassandra Denger and many of her teammates.

The greatest season in Nazareth girls soccer history wasn't extending any further than graduation day, which for Denger and nine other seniors, meant their careers as Blue Eagles were totally over.

The senior class captured three league titles, two district championships and won a state playoff game -- the latter a first in program history. Friday afternoon, hours before graduation, the ride ended with a 5-0 loss to District 3's Cumberland Valley in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA 3A girls tournament at the Whitehall Zephyr Sports Complex.

''There's no way I'm gonna forget any of this state run,'' said Denger before pausing for a few seconds, holding back tears. ''I'm never gonna forget the seniors and stuff.''

Fellow senior Katie Pitsko said the loss won't cloud her memory of the day she competed in the state soccer tournament and graduated, even if the score is something she'd likely forget.

''They're leaving the program better than when they came in, and that's a true testament to them,'' Nazareth coach Conor Fry said of the senior class.

For Cumberland Valley, the senior sendoff won't be nearly as large, as the Eagles' roster features just three who regularly play.

Turned out, the underclassmen have serious speed and foot skills, none more than sophomore Cassie Pecht, who scored two goals.

''On the second one, I felt the goalie coming out, and I just slipped it and hit it near post,'' said Pecht, who competed in April on the U17 U.S. national team for World Cup qualifying in Costa Rica.

Pecht wasn't the only skilled ballhandler on Cumberland Valley, which faces the winner of Central Bucks South and Dallastown on Tuesday in the state semifials. Senior Carter Sheely opened the scoring in the seventh minute and, displaying great touch on her passes and runs, set up ample scoring opportunities.

Cumberland Valley coach Seth Lehman said his front line created havoc for Nazareth's defense, backed up by the Eagles aggressive moves on the ball and their quick, fluid style.

''Everything was one- and two-touch, and they made us chase,'' Fry said. ''And on a game like [Friday] when it's so hot and the turf is hot, we're chasing, we're gonna get tired.''

Pitsko said the heat played a factor, and if the game was played at night it might've been more competitive. The start time was moved up to 1 p.m. because Nazareth's graduation ceremonies were Friday night.

Scoring chances were there for the Blue Eagles. Two shots hit the crossbar, and Denger went hard toward net but was stuffed in the box by the keeper 50 seconds after Cumberland Valley's first goal.

Reality didn't set in for Fry or his players until the second half.

''When it was four and five [goals], my biggest thing was, 'Yeah we may not have won the game, but those girls out there, they kept playing the entire time,' '' Fry said. ''And the best part was that the last 10 minutes, I had every senior on that field to end their career.''

Nazareth 0 0 -- 0

Cumberland Valley 3 2 -- 5

(N) Shots: 11 Saves: Brianne Henry 8 Corners: 3, Record: 16-7.

(CV) Goals: Cassie Pecht (31:41, 50:52) Carter Sheely (6:08) Kelly Pizzingrilli (18:40) Amanda McKee (45:00) Assists: Elise Krause, Brianna Bellido, Shots: 17 Saves: Shelbie Rackley 4 Corners: 4, Record: 21-4-1.

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