Lady Raiders aim for first playoff berth
With the section races winding down, Riverview's girls soccer team is looking ahead to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time.
On the other hand, Fox Chapel might not make the big dance for the first time in recent history.
It appears a postseason of change is headed this way.
The WPIAL soccer playoff pairings committee will meet Oct. 20, and the preliminary round will start Oct. 22. The finals are scheduled for Nov. 6.
Here's a glance ahead at some of the local highs and lows:
The Lady Raiders (10-4, 12-4) already have earned their first winning section record and the most wins in a season in team history.
Riverview also appears to be headed to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time.
The Lady Foxes have made it to the postseason at least seven seasons in a row. However, that streak appears to be in serious jeopardy, despite a valiant effort from the players. They compete in one of the toughest sections in the WPIAL.
The next longest local streak is Freeport's three consecutive appearances. The Lady Yellowjackets also are battling for playoff life.
Sewickley Academy has won the last two WPIAL titles.
Also in 1997, the Fox Chapel girls advanced to the WPIAL Class AAA final but lost to Norwin, 2-1.
Perhaps a local team will end the dry spell this season.
If so, they have a challenging road ahead. No local team will enter the WPIAL playoffs as a section champ.
Additional Information:
Top local scorers
(As reported by coaches)
Name, school, goals
Lacey Cochran, Freeport20
Jesselyn Terrill, Kiski Area16
Amanda Sharbaugh, Knoch14
Olivia Hess, Freeport12
Rachel Yuhas, Riverview11
Nicole Reiser, Knoch10
Brandi Lockerman, Deer Lakes9
Lauren Penn, Plum9
Abby Stein, Riverview9
Kaitlin Strahler, Riverview9
Krista Jones, Kiski Area8
Emily Mann, Kiski Area7
Erin Pettit, Knoch7
Melisa Sharek, Kiski Area7
Candice Snyder, Highlands7
Alex Vigilante, Valley7
Rachel Walker, Riverview7
