WPIAL champion Quaker Valley girls see season end in state semifinals

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, November 24, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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The Quaker Valley girls soccer team gave up just one goal in three PIAA Class 2A playoff games.

But the second-half tally by Erie Cathedral Prep cost the Quakers a chance to participate in the state championship game.

Instead, Cathedral Prep advanced to the finals thanks to its 1-0 victory Nov. 12 against QV at Franklin High School. The District 10 champions improved to 20-2-1.

It was only the second time all season an opponent produced a clean sheet against the Quakers, and the first time it resulted in a loss. (West Allegheny and QV played to a 0-0 tie in two overtimes early in the season.)

After winning the WPIAL Class 2A championship against Burrell Nov. 2 at Highmark Stadium, QV defeated Fort LeBouef, 2-0, and Trinity (Camp Hill), 3-0, in the first two rounds of the PIAA tournament.

QV racked up five shutouts and a 14-2 overall scoring advantage in seven postseason games.

“I’m very competitive, so losing in the state semifinals was very tough,” said Annabel Miko, a sophomore forward. “I take that loss as a lesson learned on how I can improve.

“I am so proud of my team for winning WPIALs. It means so much to my team, coaches and school. I’m very excited for next season. The goal I want for my team next year is to go undefeated.”

Senior Anna Hanley was a defensive midfielder and fourth-year starter for the Quakers in 2024.

“I’m so proud of our team,” Hanley said. “I was so excited because we haven’t won (WPIALs) in over 30 years. It’s amazing to be part of Quaker Valley history. I think it took me a second ‘til it really hit me. Then our whole team ran on the field and had a huge group hug. It was a great feeling because we all worked so hard.

“Although we didn’t qualify for the (PIAA) finals, I am so incredibly thankful for the team and how far we did come. Couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to win WPIALs with.”

Hanley and Mia Modrovich were the only seniors on the QV squad this season. Modrovich, another four-year starter, ran at a forward position and on defense this year.

“The 2024 season was definitely one to remember,” Modrovich said. “Winning WPIALs was the best end to my high school career. The team worked so hard and it really paid off.

“I’m going to miss my coaches and teammates so much, but I’m so excited to see how they do in the upcoming years because with the talent and work ethic they have, they are going to find a lot of success.”

QV took a 15-game unbeaten streak into the PIAA semifinals; the Quakers outscored their 15 opponents 42-5 and generated a 14-0-1 record.

QV finished 19-3-2 overall, outscoring the opposition by a 70-11 margin and compiling a remarkable 0.4 goals-against average per game.

The Quakers’ defensive rotation throughout ’24 included Modrovich, Hanley, junior Emma Currier, freshman Mia Duckstein and sophomore Maddie Gatehouse, among others, who played in front of goalkeepers Ava Hajok, a freshman, or Clara Herman, a junior.

“I couldn’t be more proud of everyone on this team and all of our hard work this season,” said Currier, a three-year starter. “We broke barriers and far surpassed our goals for the year. I’m so glad to be part of the QVGS program. I’m going to miss this team so much.

“Last year’s (graduating) seniors left a big gap in our defense, so we had to switch to a three-back with me in the center. Once we figured out how it worked, I didn’t switch out much from center back.”

Hajok was one of a dozen freshmen on QV’s team roster this fall.

“It was a tough loss the other night against a well-matched team (Cathedral Prep),” Hajok said. “But we’re still third in the state, so that’s awesome.

“We had a really great season with a strong group of girls and we’ll be back next year to do it all again. Let’s go QV.”

Tags: Quaker Valley