After winning 3rd straight section title, Seton LaSalle girls ready for postseason

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, October 18, 2018 | 10:27 AM

Seton LaSalle’s girls soccer team opened the season Aug. 31 with a 1-0 section loss against Ellis School.

The Rebels did not falter again all season in Section 4-A play, soaring to first place with an 9-1-2 record.

T.J. Cherry is in his first season of coaching at Seton LaSalle, stepping in for Brooke Mangis in the girls soccer program. Cherry is assisted by his wife, Jenn.

“I am very proud of the girls,” Cherry said. “They had a coaching change after a successful season where they won their section. There were not very high expectations coming in this season, graduating one of the WPIAL’s top scorers (Mofoluke Obiri) from a year ago.

“The girls had to learn a new system in a very short period of time. The work ethic has been awesome. Though we have hit a bump or two along the way, leadership and hard work have led to any success the girls have had so far this season.”

The No. 4-seeded Rebels will play Serra Catholic at Mt. Lebanon at 2 p.m. Saturday in the first round.

Seton LaSalle ran past Eden Christian, 4-1, on Oct. 16 to wrap up first place and improve to 9-4-2 overall.

The Rebels rebounded from a 2-3-1 start by going 7-1-1 in the season’s second half, winning their third consecutive section title and fourth in five years.

Seton LaSalle held 11 opponents to one goal or less, and went 5-0-1 in section play in the month of October.

The Rebels were followed in the section standings by Bishop Canevin (10-3-1, 9-3) and Vincentian Academy (6-5-2, 5-5-2). Carlynton (8-8, 5-7) and Eden Christian (5-7, 5-7) tied for fourth place.

Meier and junior Rebecca Crawford share goalkeeping duties for Seton.

“Annie and Rebecca split time at keeper,” Cherry said. “Each likes to play in the field, as well, and are talented enough to make that happen. I am confident in both girls.”

Seton La Salle prepped for the WPIAL playoffs by winning its final five regular-season games, defeating Ellis School, 2-1; Eden Christian, 2-0; Carlynton, 4-1; Winchester Thurston, 2-0; and Eden Christian again.

“I expect the girls to come out and compete,” Cherry said. “I like the attitude they have coming into the playoffs. Their mindset and focus are where they need to be to be successful.

“We respect all the teams we compete with, and look forward to playing what we hope is at least four more matches.”

Two key all-around talents for the Rebels are seniors Sarah Farnan, a midfielder/defender, and Vanessa Peretin, who can play forward, midfield or on defense. Peretin leads the team in scoring with 12 goals and seven assists.

“Sarah and Vanessa provide solid senior leadership,” Cherry said. “Sarah and Vanessa have been among a crew of six girls that have worn the C this season, along with Maddy Eidemueller, Julia O’Rourke, Liz Kittle and Meier. That is a coach’s dream.”

Eidemueller (D), O’Rourke (D), Kittle (MF) and Meier (GK) are senior team members.

“Maddy, Julia, Liz and Annie have been solid, as well,” Cherry said. “They all have been leading training sessions, keeping the girls focused when facing adversity, and keeping the reserve players in a positive mindset while competing at every training session and match.

“The girls literally are all bought into playing and sacrificing for each other to be successful. It starts and ends with our leaders. I am honored to be a part of such a group.”

Makaela Small, a sophomore forward/midfielder, is the Rebels’ second-leading scorer with seven goals and nine assists.

“Makaela plays all over the field,” Cherry said. “She is the most versatile player on the team, and has a solid soccer IQ and a great attitude.”

Seton LaSalle’s starting lineup also consists of junior forward/midfielder Marissa Schuckman, sophomore midfielder Ireland Killen, junior defender Vanessa Hudson and freshman defender Megan Lyons.

Lyons is a leading freshman prospect for the Rebels.

“Megan has been an impact freshman player,” said Cherry, who has an extensive background in soccer.

Cherry coached the girls team at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart for three years prior to moving to Seton. OLSH won a section championship in 2016.

He also coaches with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy, is director of the Riverhounds Goalkeeping Academy, is a USSF referee, and has served as director of goalkeeper training at Beadling,

“My philosophy is that I’ll coach anyone who wants to learn and play soccer; just give us a ball and a patch of grass,” Cherry said.

Seton LaSalle captured first place in Section 2-A last year, advanced to the WPIAL semifinal round, and finished 16-4 overall.

The Rebels, who placed second in section play in 2016, have compiled a 30-4-2 record in league action over the past three years. They also have have qualified for the postseason 11 times in 13 seasons.

Seton LaSalle’s two ties this year came against Vincentian Academy, both by scores of 1-1.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.