Quaker Valley takes pride in girls soccer rivalry win over Sewickley Academy

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, September 14, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Quaker Valley scored twice in each half en route to a 4-0 victory in its annual girls soccer rivalry game.

The Quakers blanked visiting Sewickley Academy in a nonsection contest Sept. 4 at Chuck Knox Stadium. QV has captured the last three games in the rivalry, winning by 2-1 and 4-2 scores in 2023 and 2024.

“This is the third year now we have played Sewickley Academy, and you can tell that old rivalry is back,” said Rachel Loudermilk, QV’s co-head coach with Maggie Behun. “Honestly, I don’t think our girls were ready at the start for how tough the Sewickley Academy team is, and they had our girls on their heels for a moment.

“We were able to get organized and find our rhythm, but Sewickley Academy fought the entire time. They have a lot of talent. We’re excited to watch them this season as a top competitor in Class A.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Ava Hajok registered her third shutout in her team’s first four wins and was aided by strong defensive play against Sewickley by senior Emma Currier, junior Eliza Rahm and sophomore Mia Duckstein.

“Emma is our center back and an all-section player,” Behun said. “She keeps us composed and organized in the back. Eliza has stepped up as a force in the back this season. She stopped several goal-scoring opportunities against Sewickley Academy.

“While small in stature, Eliza is not to be underestimated. Her ball movement is smart, and her speed unmatched. She appears out of nowhere to slow down or stop a play in our defensive end. She’s a joy to coach and fun to watch. Rachel and I agree that she was our most valuable player in that game.”

Loudermilk added, “Mia Duckstein also adds into the defense. Her speed, toughness and vision of the field help to build into the attack.”

Hajok allowed only two goals through five games for the Quakers.

“Ava is an all-section goalkeeper with exceptional talent,” Behun said. “Her mental fortitude and confidence are truly remarkable. We are fortunate to have her as our last line of defense. Rachel and I are excited to see what Ava accomplishes this season.”

The Quakers were led offensively against Sewickley by two goals from junior forward Hope Waller, a goal from junior forward Rowan Wallace and a goal and an assist from senior midfielder Ari Bosh.

“I thought we moved the ball very well and played as a team,” Bosh said. “When we do that, it shows even when we play a super aggressive team like (SA) we can still win.”

QV freshman midfielder Kallie McCune and junior forward/midfielders Maddie Gatehouse and Annabel Miko were credited with one assist apiece. Sophomore forward Lily Baker also contributed to the attack offensively.

“We worked as a team, threading passes through the middle to create opportunities in the attack,” Behun said. “When the girls found momentum, we were on.”

QV, the defending WPIAL Class 2A champion, improved to 4-1 with the victory while Sewickley (2-1) suffered its first loss of the season.

After defeating Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 9-0, the Quakers dropped a 1-0 decision to Class 4A Pine-Richland then earned wins over Burrell (2-1), Ambridge and Sewickley. QV stood at 1-0 in Section 3-2A.

The QV girls finished 19-3-2 last year and tied for first with Beaver in section play. The Quakers have 11 players who saw considerable playing time on last year’s team.

Currier, Bosh, Gatehouse, Miko, Duckstein, Hajok, junior forward June Lukasavage, along with Rahm, Waller, Wallace and sophomore defender Amelia Suhayda, all gained playing experience from last year’s championship season.

“It was great to play Sewickley,” Currier said. “I think it was a good opportunity for us to build up our play for the rest of the season. I’m proud of how we kept our composure when the game got a little heated. We kept playing our game, and it worked to keep the shutout.”

Sewickley shut out Aquinas Academy, 4-0, and beat Serra Catholic, 7-3, to start out 2-0 in Section 3-A.

The Panthers tied for first with Seton LaSalle in Section 3-A in 2024, advanced to the WPIAL playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons, reached the WPIAL and PIAA semifinals and ended up 13-5-1.

Senior midfielders Makenzie Dice and Marin Edmunds and senior defender Bella Bellard are the team’s returning starters from 2024.

Five juniors back from a year ago are forwards Emma Eannarino and Olivia Stefanik and defenders Grace Jardini, Emilia Carrabba and Josie Courtney.

Baker recorded a hat trick while Miko and Bosh added two goals apiece in QV’s 8-0 section win Sept. 3 against Ambridge.

Miko reached the 50-goal mark for her career in the victory. Wallace also scored for the Quakers.

Baker added three assists, Miko and Gatehouse were credited with two assists and Bosh had one. Hajok kept a clean sheet.

Baker netted the goal last season that gave the Quakers their first district title in girls soccer in 32 years.

QV edged Burrell, 2-1, in the WPIAL finals at Highmark Stadium thanks to Baker’s game-winning tally with 9 minutes, 31 seconds to go in the second half.

Miko assisted on the clutch play and netted QV’s first goal in the game.

Tags: Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy