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Experience paying off for Peters Township in rugged section

3 min read
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Hannah Stuck

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Regan LaVigna

Two popular and overused sayings among high school coaches, players and fans are saying that their section is the toughest around and how on any given night any team can beat any other team.

Those things have been said countless times, but in the case of Section 2-AAAA girls soccer, those old cliches might be true. The section could make the case of being not only the most difficult in the WPIAL, but in the state as well.

So far in 2018, Peters Township has posted a 5-1 mark in 2-AAAA play and is 7-1 overall.

After suffering their first loss of the season last Monday at Moon, the Indians bounced back with a 9-1 rout of Baldwin on the road.

“I firmly believe it’s the toughest section in the the state of Pennsylvania,” Peters Township coach Pat Vereb said. “Top to bottom, there are no easy games. No one goes undefeated in it and if you look at it, three of the last four years someone from our section made it to the finals. After you win a section game, 72 hours later you have to erase it from you mind and focus on the next match.”

So far, the Indians have held a 33-7 scoring edge and they have a balanced attack led by senior Hannah Stuck.

“We just have a lot of experience,” Stuck said. “A lot of our team is seniors and juniors, and we have played with each other for a number of years. We just have that strong core.”

Stuck will be continuing her soccer career at Bucknell University next fall, but she is focused on her senior season with the Indians.

“For me, I have really adapted my game over the years,” Stuck said. “You have to adjust to the speed and physical nature of the game. I think we all are on the same page and our goal is to first win a section championship. We know we can’t take anybody lightly.”

Other top scorers for Peters Township are Regan LaVigna, Jillian Marvin, Natalie Daube, Choe Trapanotto, Emma Cantell and CeCe Scott.

“I really like our attack,” Vereb said. “We have a lot of unique set pieces and we have some good legs for corner or free kicks. We want to start off quick and play with the lead. These girls know the importance of getting those three points every night.”

On the defensive end, sophomore goalkeeper Emma Sawich has been a reliable factor and has already posted three shutouts.

“Emma has really stepped up,” Vereb said. “She has continue to develop her game and has really been a consistent factor for us. Her vision and her hands are always improving.”

Vereb said that maintaining that winning attitude and playing together are going to be vital keys to success in Section 2-AAAA.

“If we can play our game every night and limit the mistakes, I like our chances,” Vereb said. “We have to bring the same attitude and effort every match. We want to play the right way and carry it with us in the playoffs. I think being in our section and facing who we faced will really help us in the playoffs.”

Peters Township hosts Canon-McMillan (3-2-1, 5-2-1) in critical section showdown tonight.

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