Shaler notebook: 1st playoff victory in almost 40 years inspires girls soccer team

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Gabby Alcalde stepped to the line first for the Shaler girls soccer team during its penalty kick shootout with Franklin Regional in the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.

Alcalde’s attempt was saved and she agonized over the next few minutes.

But the Titans pulled through during what turned out to be a historic season for the program. Shaler beat Franklin Regional, 1-0, (3-2 in PKs) to clinch its first winning season since 2011. While the Titans were bounced by Moon, 2-1, in the quarterfinals, it didn’t dampen the season.

Shaler (10-8-1) won its first playoff game in nearly 40 years. Allie Cieslak converted the winning penalty kick for the Titans.

Shaler won the shootout despite missing its first three attempts. Franklin Regional hit the post on its three misses.

“My favorite moment was to win a playoff game,” Alcalde said. “It gives us more hunger to do something else and to make a bigger run. We want to make a run to a championship.”

Alcalde made a penalty kick in Shaler’s quarterfinal to even the match with Moon. While the Tigers netted a game-winner with two minutes remaining, it showed the Titans were getting closer to competing with top programs.

Moon has won five WPIAL championships as a program, including four since 2016.

“It gave us something to work for,” Alcalde said. “We wanted to come in and challenge the teams like Mars, Hampton and Fox Chapel. We were able to pull out a win against Hampton. It proves we can win against these historically good programs.”

Official business

Good luck keeping Shaler boys volleyball coach Paul Stadelman away from the sport. Stadelman officiates games during the girls volleyball season. He worked the chair during the WPIAL Class 3A title match this season between Oakland Catholic and Beaver at Peters Township.

The Bobcats ended up earning the sweep to topple the top-seeded Eagles.

Strong season

The Shaler boys soccer team finished 12-6, just short of a Section 1-3A title. The Titans were bounced in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs by Thomas Jefferson.

Anthony Tylenda, Carter Arenth, Conor McClean and Tyler Shaw were all chosen for all-section honors.

All-WPIAL picks

Shaler volleyball’s Aubrey Blank was chosen first team all-WPIAL. Teagan Orga made the second team and Bella Hoffman was chosen as third team.

Hoffman, Blank and Orga along with Octavia Dixon were chosen as first-team all-section as well. Maddie Wilson and Sophie Spynda were second team for the Titans.

Addy Kolakowski and Jordyn Russell were chosen to the third team for Shaler.

The Titans upended Penn- Trafford in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs before bowing out to North Allegheny.

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