Thomas Jefferson girls in hunt for section championship

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 29, 2017 | 12:48 PM

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The Thomas Jefferson girls soccer team started the season with four consecutive wins before suffering its first loss.

The Jaguars' reaction?

They answered with four wins in a row to wrap up the first half of the season with a stellar 8-1 record, including a 6-1 mark in Section 3-AAA.

“I think we've put ourselves in a position to compete for a section title,” coach Jason Vozar said. “At the beginning of the season, that was certainly a goal for this group. So far, we have shown the ability to pull out a few one-goal games against quality opponents such as Ringgold, Oakland Catholic and Chartiers Valley. To me, this is the sign of a team that wants to win.”

Thomas Jefferson outscored the opposition 31-5 in its eight victories, with four shutouts.

The Jaguars have been sparked offensively by the one-two punch of sophomore sensation Dalaney Ranallo, with seven goals and nine assists; and senior Lia Manning, with seven goals and seven assists. Manning was the Pittsburgh Trib athlete of the week this week.

“I believe our (8-1) start has a lot to do with the work we put in during the offseason, as well as returning 10 out of 11 starters,” Ranallo said. “Coach Vozar and Coach (Dan) Driskill prepared us well for this season, and it is showing in our results. While an 8-1 start is good, we have a lot of soccer left and if we stay focused on the small details, we have the opportunity to win every game we play.

“My expectation is to ultimately win every game we play. We finished 14-6 last season and won our first-round playoff game. Our expectation this season would be to improve on that mark, win our section, and go deep into the playoffs. That being said, we just have to keep working in training, and take it one game at a time.”

Ranallo and Manning have been complemented by freshman Ava Lutz (five goals) and junior Bella Sestito (three goals, four assists); along with seniors Angelica Campano (three goals, two assists) and Angelina Campano (two goals, two assists); juniors Reagan Eckenrod (one goal) and Madison McGrew; sophomores Mia Maksin (two goals), Demi Kondos and Julia Saltzman; and freshman Kacie Karcher.

Defensively, TJ has been sparked by sophomore Bailey Keck and freshman Maddison Sippey, who share the goalkeeper duties. Both play Cup soccer; Keck for Pittsburgh Football Club and Sippey for Beadling.

“Bailey and Maddison have pretty much split time is goal,” Vozar said. “They compete on a daily basis in training sessions. This constant competition at practice has really allowed them to develop as goalies. It's a great problem to have from a coaching perspective.”

Angelina Campano, senior Kayla Polakovic, Maksin and Saltzman are the starters on the defensive end of the pitch.

Sestito, at forward; and Angelica Campano, Ranallo, Lutz, Manning and Kondos, at midfield; round out the starting lineup.

“I know it may sound cliche, but I believe our biggest strength lies in our team chemistry,” Ranallo said. “Also, our back line is very strong, and we have been getting great play from our goalkeepers, as well.”

Key reserves for the Jaguars include junior Kylie McCormick and sophomore Alaina Mulvahill, at midfield; plus Eckenrod, Karcher and McGrew, on defense.

“While many girls on our team have shown tremendous leadership,” Vozar said, “I would have to say three — Dalaney Ranallo, Kayla Polakovic and Mia Maksin — have really stepped up.”

Vozar explained:

“Dalaney Ranallo, an attacking midfielder and team captain, has been a leader during games and training sessions, as well. She has developed the ability to take over a game; she has produced in every game. Her focused effort in training and her ability to make her teammates around her better is impressive.

“Kayla Polakovic and Mia Maksin are our center backs. They have really improved their communication on the field, and that communication has allowed us to keep our shape throughout most of our games. They run the show defensively and begin our counter attack. With Kayla's ability to win 50-50 balls and track down fast attackers, and Mia's ability to win the ball out of the air and make quick, intelligent decisions, they are a major reason why we have gotten off to a quick start.”

Ranallo is a second-year varsity player; she also competes in basketball at TJ. She plays the violin in the school orchestra, and is a member of several clubs at TJ such as the Spanish, International and Science clubs.

Ranallo also plays Cup soccer for Century V ‘01 Gold, coached by Pat Vereb. She is a starting midfielder and team captain.

“We were state champions the past two years,” she said.

The TJ girls team currently is in a stretch where it will play seven of eight games on the road.

“Our expectations, at this point, are to compete for a section title and to make the playoffs,” Vozar said.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson