Julia Nelson isn’t worried about awards, personal stats or glory. She is concerned with the team and doing her job and leadership.

 Nelson is the Elco girls’ soccer team’s unsung heroine.

 On Tuesday night at Cedar Crest High School’s Earl Boltz Stadium, Nelson and the Elco’s remarkable campign came to conclusion in the opening round of the PIAA Class AA playoffs, when Lewisburg outscored them 4-2 in penalty kicks, after their postseason contest had ended in a 0-0, overtime draw. But what a fantstic ride it was for the senior sweeper and her Raiders.

 Throughout the fall, Nelson starred as the anchor of Elco’s stingy defense. With Nelson consistently clearing balls, marking dangerous opponents and directing the Raiders’ backfield, Elco logged an incredible 17 shutouts in 22 outings this season.

 Offensively, Nelson, who took the majority of Elco’s free kicks this year, contributed a pair of goals and a couple of assists to the Raiders’ cause.

  Throughout the year, Nelson helped Elco to a 20-1-1 overall record, its fourth straight Lancaster-Lebanon section championship, an unprecedented L-L League title and a District Three Class AA crown.

 During the winter months, Nelson also stars on the hardwoods, as a versatile guard on the Elco girls’ basketball team.

 – Jeff Falk