Sep 30, 2014 5 min read

For Peters Township and Upper St. Clair, a 1-1 draw in girls’ soccer served its purpose. The contest prepared both clubs for the playoffs, which commence late this month.

“This definitely was a playoff atmosphere. It’s the reason why we schedule these games,” said USC head coach Natasha Dirda. “We wanted to get good competition in a physical game that will prepare us for the next season.”

The Panthers are unbeaten and ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL behind defending champion, Seneca Valley. They sit atop the Section 5-AAA standings with an 8-0-1 record. They are 9-0-4 overall after the tie.

“It’s why we schedule Upper St. Clair. It’s a great rivalry game,” explained Pat Vereb of the former section foe. “We want to play the best programs and play a great game that will prepare us for the playoffs.”

Despite taking a tumble from the ranks of unbeaten recently, the Indians are ranked No. 3 in the WPIAL. They are 10-1-1 overall and 7-1 in Section 4-AAA. The lone loss, 3-2, came last week against Moon. However, the Indians followed that defeat with a 4-1 win against Chartiers Valley before tying the Panthers.

“I was pleased with how we responded to the loss to Moon. We reacted well, scoring two huge goals against CV right away,” said Vereb.

Laurel Carpenter led the attack, registering a hat trick. Maddi Santo added the other tally as well as an assist. Mariah Vucich provided two assists for the Indians, who improved to 7-1 in section and 10-1 overall.

In goal against the Colts, who fell to 5-4 in Section 4, and 6-4-2 overall, Reilly McGlumphy and Ava Falcione combined for three saves.

The loss to the Tigers proved a benefit to the Lady Indians. “We learned we are not as good as we think we are,” said Vereb. “Sometimes it’s good to be humbled. We’ve had that happen to us before when we were undefeated. At least here it doesn’t come the last game of the season.”

In three of the past four years, PT’s season has ended in a state championship. During that span, the Indians have also found themselves in the district finals as they did last year when they fell to Seneca Valley.

Vereb said he did not view the battle on Sept. 29 as a preview of this year’s WPIAL championship game. He added the years of it being USC and Mt. Lebanon, where he once coached, are gone. “There are a lot of good teams,” he said mentioning Seneca Valley, Moon and USC all in the same breath. “This is one year when it’s really wide open.”

With 10 seniors on the squad, this is one year that the Panthers expect to contend. In addition to captain Sami Lackner, Julia de la Parra, Brianna Erdman, Heather Godwin, Rachel Krakoff, Sarah McMurtry, Bailey Mielcusny, McKenzie Shaffer, Taylor Smith and Katie Torkos guide USC.

“They have bought into what we need to do and have led by example on and off the field,” said Dirda. “I have been pleased with our senior leadership as well as our team effort.”

Unity as well as passion was evident against the Indians, who received the equalizer on a 45-yard free kick from Laurel Carpenter with 16:24 left in the first half. Junior captain Emma Hasco had lifted USC into the lead, 1-0, earlier in the half.

“I was very impressed with our heart and our effort on the field,” Dirda said. “We fought for one another.”

USC fought to a 2-0 victory against Baldwin earlier. Maddy Rocks and Elaina Walnoha registered the goals. Godwin, Lackner, Lauren Hamel, de la Parra and McMurtry supplied a strong defensive effort that resulted in the shutout.

PT edges CM

Previously, PT edged Canon-McMillan, 2-1, and blanked Brashear, 8-0.

Against the Lady Macs, Carly Johns and Carpenter scored for the Indians. Breeanne Latsko and Vucich had assisted the tallies. In the nets, McGlumphy registered four saves.

Against the Bullets, Latsko exploded for three tallies. Johns provided two goals and two assists while Maddie Schwerzler, Santo, and Emily Cottrill supplied single scores.

Santo, Madeline LaVigna, Caitlyn Pendergast and Abby Szymanski also had assists. McGlumphy and Ava Falcione combined in goal for the shutout.

PT boys

Peters Township racked up shutouts against Moon, 2-0, and Bethel Park, 3-0, to improve to 9-1 overall and 5-1 in section play.

Against the Tigers, Rylen Faloni, off a corner kick from Wes Ward, and Luke Kelly scored the goals while Josh Deyarmin earned the shutout in the nets.

Against the Hawks, Mario Mastrangelo scored twice while his brother, Nicco, provided the other tally. Dylan Weyers and Wes Ward collected assists.

In addition to Deyarmin, Sean Harrison, Kelson Marisa and Jake Valley excelled on defense.

USC boys

Upper St. Clair prepared for its rematch with Peters Township in Section 5-AAA action by blanking Canon-McMillan, 4-0.

Joe Bell staked USC to a 1-0 halftime lead. Ten minutes into the second half, he made it 2-0. Shayne Sibley followed with a tally nine minutes later and Doug Hapeman completed the scoring with 11 minutes to play.

Rapko and Dominick combined for the shutout in the nets.

The Panthers, who are undefeated in league action and 11-0-1 overall visit Peters Township at 8 p.m. Oct. 2. In the first meeting between the two clubs, USC edged the Indians, 1-0.