The Fall season has arrived and with it, sports teams trying to fight for a winning season. Our own girls’ soccer team has returned and has brought the playoff expectations with them. Last year, the girls took it all the way to the semi-finals round of PIAA playoffs, falling to Greensburg Central Catholic.

“Making it to playoffs last year has a huge influence on this season because we’re used to winning,” Junior Captain Alexa Schwab said.
The other captains include Sophomore Taylor Petroff as well and Freshmen Myla Sharpless and Alexsia Barlamas. Schwab holds a 35 goals in one season record, which helped take the team as far as states in the 2014-2015 season.
Summer conditioning started as early as July 27 till Aug. 14, running from 8-10 a.m. Two-a-day practices began on Aug. 17, with the second session running from 6-8 p.m.
This year has already started off well for the girls, giving them a 5-0 record after winning against Mohawk on Sept. 10, OLSH on Sept. 14, South Side on Sept. 16, Riverside on Sept. 17 and Quigley on Sept. 21.
The girls’ first scrimmage on Aug. 25 was a test to see what their team could do with the new lineup. They lost this game 1-0 against Montour. This being a scrimmage, and their first game as a whole different team, didn’t deter them from the overall mission.
In just four days time, the girls were able to find their rhythm with the new lineup and were able to win their second scrimmage. The end score of this game was 4-3, Schwab with three goals and Sharpless with one.
After nearly two months of preparation, it was time for their first section game. The first game of the season was played on Sept. 10 against Mohawk. With the kickoff starting the game the team was able to get a victory with a final score of 2-1. Both goals scored by Sharpless.
On Sept. 14, the girls’ took home another victory against OLSH. The end score of this game was 5-1 where the girls had a 4 goal lead. The goal count was Schwab with three, Sharpless with one and Barlamas with another.
After three more wins against South Side (7-0), Riverside (3-0), and Quigley Catholic (4-1), the girls faced New Brighton, which took place on Sept. 23.
“I was nervous because I knew [New Brighton was going to be] our toughest competition,” Schwab said.
They lost their game against New Brighton, but that does not take them out of the running for the title of section champs.
On the positive side of this game one of the players, Alexa Schwab, was able to hit a personal milestone. With her second goal of that game she scored her 75th overall career goal.
“I’m excited about hitting my 75th goal, but it’s not the most important thing. I’m more interested in the team’s accomplishments and how successful we can be,” Schwab said.
This seasons’ team is mostly made up of underclassmen, which could be helpful for years to come. This provides the team with room to grow and experience games together.
With this being a year away, however, they have set themselves a goal of getting to finals in both WPIAL and PIAA.
“As a team we want it all,” Sharpless said. “One of the many things we have set out to do is win the section.”