Peters Township girls continue winning ways in soccer
Despite graduating a wealth of talent that produced three PIAA titles in four years, Peters Township has continued to dominate the girls’ soccer scene. This fall, the Lady Indians are off to a 6-0 start, complete with five shutouts. With wins over Moon, 1-0, and Brashear, 6-0, they improved to 3-0 in section play.
Off of a throw in from Caroline Taylor in the 57th minute, Maddie Schwerzler rocketed a shot from 20 yards out into the net for the only score against the Tigers. Reilly McGlumphy sparkled in goal. She made six brilliant saves and earned the shutout.
In the victory against the Bullets, Laurel Carpenter, Mia Toscano, Madeline Lavigna, Schwerzler, Maddi Santo, and Devon Rectonwald all scored goals. Santo recorded two assists. Schwerzler, Toscano, Caroline Taylor and Breeanne Latsko dished up one assist each.
McGlumphy and Ava Falcione combined in goal for the shutout.
The Lady Indians also edged Chartiers Valley, 1-0, in section action. In the 63rd minute, Santo scored on a deflected pass from Laurel Carpenter. In recording her third shutout of the season, McGlumphy posted seven saves.
The Indians knocked off Bethel Park, 6-1. The Hawks were coming off a 0-0 draw with rival Upper St. Clair.
Carpenter and Toscano pumped in two goals. Schwerzler and Lavigna registered the other tallies. Latsko, Mariah Vucich and Santo supplied assists.
The Indians opened the 2014 campaign winning two games during the South Hills Kickoff Classic. They blanked Mercyhurst Prep, 6-0, and Plum, 5-0.
Six different Indians found the back of the net against Prep: Toscano, Emily Cottrill, Santo, Carpenter, Caitlyn Pendergast and Latsko. Santo racked up two assists as did Carly Johns. Carpenter and Vucich were also credited with assists.
McGlumphy had one save in the shutout. She shared the shutout win over the Mustangs with Falcione.
Johns scored twice against Plum. Latsko, Santo and Abby Szymanski had the other tallies.
The Lady Indians lost six seniors from last year’s 17-6-1 team that finished runner-up in the district, falling to Seneca Valley, 1-0, in the WPIAL Class AAA championship match, and reached the PIAA quarterfinals. Among those who graduated was Veronica Latsko. The All-America striker is now playing at the University of Virginia.
This year’s crop of players has a number of college prospects. Carpenter is committed to WVU, Santo to Virginia Commonwealth and LaVigna to Kent State.
The Lady Indians enter a key stretch in their schedule. They host Canon-McMillan at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and Upper St. Clair at 8 p.m. Sept. 29.
The Indians are depending upon Makayla Caso, Kassianna Politis, Devon Recktenwald and Caroline Taylor for their senior leadership this season as well as junior Erin Helbig.
PT boasts a big sophomore class that also includes: Laura Ehrenberger, Mackenzie Gentile, Andy McGinnis, Mackenzie Mendenhall, Lindsey Pendergast, Julia Seraly and Danielle Vulcano.
Freshman also on the roster include: Ally Bulseco, Kyleight Cummings, Shannon McAleavey, Ashley Pendergast and Caitlin Ulrich.