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Chartiers Valley girls soccer preview

By Eleanor Bailey almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.Net 3 min read
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Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac

Chartiers Valley goalkeeper Payton O’Malley makes a save during a recent training camp practice.

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Chartiers Valley forward Zoe Fries strikes the ball but keeps her eye on the target during a shooting drill at training camp 

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Mackenzie Minney prepares to strike the ball during a shooting drill during a recent Chartiers Valley preseason practice.

Chartiers Valley anticipates a thrilling girls soccer season for a dozen reasons — eight of them are returning starers, three of them are polished sophomores and one is an enthusiastic new head coach.

“For the fall, my outlook is excitement,” said first-year head coach Jason Edwards. “I have a good group of players that are talented and I’ve been waiting for some time to have a program in a district with such a supporting community to make a mark in high school soccer.

“I can’t think of anywhere better than Chartiers Valley in terms of growth opportunity and drive for achievement to be working as a high school soccer coach.”

The Colts will strive to improve upon a 4-8-2 overall record and a fifth-place finish in Section 4-AAA, which produced both the district and and PIAA champions.

“Having Mars in your section isn’t on top of any coach’s wish list,” said Edwards of the reigning champions. “Everyone is thinking how much more does Mars have to offer and what can be done to contain their players.”

The Colts’ sophomore goalkeeper Payton O’Malley is tasked with most of that mission.

“She is a big player to have set the foundation for any successful team and program,” said Edwards.

Zoe Fries and Rhiannon Molnar are also sophomores who are expected to contribute this season. Molnar is a defender and Fries is an attacking forward.

“I expect them to really come into their own and set the standard in this section for the years to come,” Edwards said.

The Colts will also rely upon a strong senior class, which includes midfielders Daniella Lacek, Mackenzie Day, Mackenzie Minney and Grace Bogdon as well as defender Emma Laughlin.

“I’ll be leaning heavily on this group of seniors to create the culture and set the expectations for the season,” Edwards said.

Edwards said he also expects juniors Ella Kutschbach and Tatiana Adzima to “make their mark” during the season.

Other juniors on the roster are Julia Vanatta, Riley Friburger, Ava Pellegrini, Madison Crump and Eva Tokar.

Sophomores Autumn Wentzel, Elena Molinaro, Brooke Dyczewski and Eva Kwasniewski along with freshmen Olivia Tokar, Shyann Moore, Helen Wasageshik, Leah Acheson, Karley Robb, Giana Baker and Ava Kulasa round out the talent available for Edwards to utilize.

Once the players adjust to his coaching style, Edwards foresees success for the Colts.

“The team is under new leadership so there’s a lot to learn on how I like things done and what they’re used to doing,” Edwards said. “I’m confident we’ll get on the same page because we have individuals with tremendous ability.

“That’s our team’s strength,” he continued. “I have some talented players in the program that could go out to win you games. It’s the matter of staying in the game and creating those chances for the match winners.”

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