Seton-La Salle continues to build upon its soccer success
Katie Banbury is one of five starters returning from Seton-La Salle’s section championship soccer team. The senior will be one of the anchors in the midfield for the Lady Rebels, who were 12-7-1 last fall.
Julie Cippolone beats a Bentworth player to the ball during soccer playoff action last season. A senior, Cippolone returns to the midfield for Seton-La Salle, which is looking to defend its section title and build upon last year’s playoff success.
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series previewing area high school soccer teams.
Rebuilding is nothing new at Seton-La Salle. In girls’ soccer, it’s what the Lady Rebels do.
In 2014, they experienced heavy losses to graduation but bounced back to win a section championship and reach the quarterfinals in the WPIAL Class A division. The Rebels posted a 12-7-1 record after falling to Mohawk, 3-2, in the playoffs. In 2015, the Rebels have lost sixth starters, including two defenders as well as the goalkeeper. Bobbi Garrity shone in the nets, recording eight shutouts, while four-year starter Maggie Ianchiones anchored the defensive unit on the field. SLS also graduated three-year starter Shannon Perrett as well as Kelsey Reiser, Hanah Marrone and Julie Deklaven.
“We are replacing those people, so defensively we will be young,” explained head coach Brooke Quertinmont. “But many of our girls saw plenty of playing time and they should be ready to step in and play.”
Hence “patience” and “hard work” will be critical to SLS’s success this season. In 2014, the Rebels started 4-4-1 but won seven of their last nine regular season games to clinch a playoff spot as well as the Section 3A title.
“Last year we rebuilt our team and took it game by game,” Quiertinmont said. “The girls worked hard and kept improving one game at a time. We started off slow but peaked at the right time and won the section. This season, we hope to do the same thing.”
By bonding together, the Lady Rebels plan to fend off section rivals such as Sewickley Academy, Bishop Canevin and Carlynton. All hope to topple SLS from its perch in the division.
“We have a great group of girls,” explained Quiertinmont of the team’s strength. “They get along and work hard. They really embrace being a team.”
Five players control SLS’s fate as all are experienced veterans returning to their starting roles. Among them is Rachel Graziano. The senior forward scored 11 goals last season. Seniors Katie Banbury and Julia Cippolone anchor the midfield along with junior Maria Mastrangelo. Senior Olivia Caragein will again settle the defense.
Though just a sophomore, Mofuluke Obri saw a lot of action as a forward last season. In fact, she scored several game-winning goals for the Rebels. “We expect great things from her,” said Quiertinmont.
The Rebels also have high expectations for Kaylee Russman. The sophomore switches from defense to goalie and is in competition with freshmen Madison Eidemueller for the starting role.
Additionally, Jenna Vojtecky will provide experience after a lot of action last year. Quiertinmont said that she anticipates Vojtecky will play a “bigger role” on the team. Additionally, freshman Vanessa Peretin is expected to “make an immediate impact” on the squad.