The Shaler Area girls varsity soccer team had an impressive season, making it to the second round of playoffs for the first time since 1986 and ending the season with a 10-7-1 record.
The girls started their season off strong with a win against Beaver. The game went into double overtime with junior Naudia Zotter scoring the winning goal.
“It proved we were a team to be feared in our section. We dominated the second half and showed what we could accomplish,” head coach Mr. Bill Ament said.
Starting the season off strong helped the team gain confidence and reach its goal of making it back to playoffs and making a run.
Another strong win that encouraged the team was their win against Hampton.
“Beating Hampton at home was just as meaningful. I think we all felt closer as a team and we conquered something that didn’t seem possible my freshman year,” senior captain Zoey Cieslak said.
The team kept working hard all season in order to keep improving and see just how good it could be.
“They worked hard on the field and in the weight room to make sure we got (to playoffs),” Mr. Ament said.
Last year, the Titans made the WPIAL playoffs for the first time in 37 years but lost in the first round. The girls were hoping that experience would help them advance in the playoffs and not just be happy making the playoffs.
They played Franklin Regional in the first round and won a dramatic 1-0 contest. The game was scoreless after regulation and two overtimes before the Titans prevailed by winning penalty kicks. The win advanced the team to the second round of playoffs for the first time in 40 years.
“The girls played amazing and deserved to move on. It was literally the experience of a lifetime. The girls had a blast and definitely made the most out of the opportunity,” Mr. Ament said.
The girls played Moon in the second round of playoffs, but lost 2-1 after giving up a late goal to the Tigers which ended their season. However, the girls weren’t necessarily upset because of how much they had already accomplished.
“Breaking a school record is something we are very proud of. The amount of joy and pride I felt in that moment is indescribable. I am very happy with how our season ended because of that,” said senior Natalie Evangelista.
Senior captains Zoey Cieslak, Caroline Dechek, and Evangelista, along with junior captain Gabby Alcalde helped lead the team to a successful season. They help as coaches on the field along with showing leadership during practices.
“I hope I led the team with a positive mindset and outlook on the season whether we had a win or loss. I am thankful that I was able to be one of the leaders that listened and cared for the team,” Cieslak said.
