Veteran lineup has Franklin Regional girls in position to succeed

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, August 31, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Good things can happen when most of your returning starters are seniors.

The Franklin Regional girls soccer team will lean on experience from a group that has been around the block a few times in WPIAL Class 3A.

Key 12th grade returnees include offensive centerpiece Abby Paterline (MF/F), Brooke Blakley (D), Eden Williams (MF), Natalie Keough (MF), Reagan Weaver (MF), Reilly Weaver (F) and Reese Phillips (D).

“As usual, our main strength is staying connected and playing together as a team whether attacking, defending or in transition,” coach Scott Arnold said. “Our intention is to dominate the ball and assert our style of play. We’re confident to play anywhere on the field including up the middle of the field or even in our own penalty box.”

Paterline was the team’s leading scorer, while junior Allyssa Velasquez was second.

Both should provide scoring for a defensive-minded team.

Williams is an IUP commit.

Sophomore defender Grace Copeland is set to return after sustaining a broken leg last year.

With TribLive Westmoreland player of the year Aris Lamanna gone to Coastal Carolina, junior Addie Ayres is set to take over at goalkeeper.

“She will continue our tradition of fielding a top goalkeeper,” Arnold said.

The Panthers’ section will look different with Penn-Trafford and Latrobe moving out and up to Class 4A. Section 4 will include Franklin Regional, Elizabeth Forward, Greensburg Salem, Indiana, Kiski Area, Plum and West Mifflin.

“It is out of our control, so I don’t really think about it too much now,” Arnold said. “Of course, like most everyone else, we prefer to play the 3A teams close to us. We scheduled a nonsection game with Gateway for example, since they are just down the road.

“We will just focus on each game, reflect and learn, and try to get better each day throughout the season. We’ll try to stay as healthy and fresh as possible in order to play our best late in the season and earn our way in the playoffs.”

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

Tags: Franklin Regional