Norwin girls soccer driven to return to playoffs

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Norwin girls soccer coach Diane Metzger does not like to get too specific with preseason details about her team.

That is because the unexpected can show up, well, unexpectedly.

Injuries derailed the Lady Knights the last two seasons, leaving a scar in 2022 when the team missed the WPIAL playoffs for the first time.

The misfire still bothers the team.

Norwin posted just four wins last season but returns a handful of starters.

They include Ava Brucker and Nicole Bown. Junior Julia Bursick decided not to play for the high school team after a long club season. She recently committed to play at Duquesne.

Bursick said she could return to Norwin for her senior season.

Elin Bash also made a few starts and should be an everyday player for the Knights, while Gabby Schoemer and Evelyn Moore are working their way back to form after injuries.

“They are both back and expected to be major contributors this season if healing is complete,” Metzger said.

Another spot starter, Carmella Simco, is recovering from ACL surgery.

“We want to improve upon our section record from last season and make playoffs,” Metzger said.

Senior Alexia Graham transferred to Norwin from Greensburg Central Catholic. She led GCC in assists last year and was the third-leading goal scorer.

Asked what her team’s strengths are, Metzger said, “Possession style of play, defense and the heart that this team has when they play.”

Bursick, Brucker and Schoemer, along with Jackie Weber, are also looking to contribute to the offense.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin