The Peters Township High School Varsity Girls Soccer Team is building on their legacy of success with hopes to maintain their undefeated record through the postseason. The team is currently 10-0-1.
Every soccer season starts with the same goal: to win WPIALS. This year is no different with the team being laser focused, starting in August, by building a cohesive team. As far as the postseason goes the girls want to work and push each other to go as far as possible.
“The goal is to win every game and be undefeated,” said sophomore midfielder Ava Hajnosz.
Currently, they are on their way to achieving their objective with big wins over North Allegheny and Cannon Mac.
“North Allegheny traditionally is one of the top teams in the WPIAL and we have them this year on the schedule for the first time in a while,” said Coach Albright, “But I think you can’t discount Upper Saint Clair being a rival. St. Clair always plays us tough.”
With high stakes games, the team often feels immense pressure. However, the energy from the bench and the stands have a huge impact on the game’s outcome. The girls on the bench bring spirit and excitement to the game. They lift up and support each other which can lead to great successes on the field.
“They make or break the game. When I’m on the field and hear the bench cheering after something good I get so excited,” explained senior captain and forward Paige Malley.
Even though the season can be grueling, the girls’ favorite part is getting to play with their friends and enjoying each other’s company. It is the team’s senior leadership that keeps them focused.
“I want to play more for the team and not just for myself. When I make a mistake I pick myself up and try to lead by example instead of just focusing on myself,” said Malley.
When they play as a team it leads to better results against their rivals. Coach Albright believes the toughest opponents this year will be a great challenge for the girls and their team chemistry is the key to helping them unlock their potential.
“Having comradery with all of the girls on the team, making sure they work together, making sure they are all friends, making sure they’re including everybody,” he said. “I think that’s something the girls on the soccer team do a really good job at and the captains organize that really well.”
He believes that the “team” attitude will pay off in November and so does Malley.
“We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and are able to build off of each other,” she said.
The team is still on track to make the playoffs and reach their ultimate goal of potentially making it to the WPIAL Championship game. In the meantime, the girls continue to grow together, win games, and achieve their goals with the support of each other, coaches, and families.
