Shady Side Academy girls soccer enters season with confidence

By: Marty Stewart
Friday, September 6, 2019 | 8:04 PM

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Shady Side Academy girls soccer reached the PIAA and WPIAL Class A semifinals last season.

Coach Mary Lynch must replace four senior starters from a team that compiled a 14-5 record.

She feels confident about this year’s group.

“Our seniors have done a great job so far of stepping into their leadership role as captains, and we have a strong group of returning players who will contribute this season,” Lynch said. “The team has a positive attitude and strong work ethic, so we will continue to build on that throughout the season.”

The Indians have a large nucleus of returning starters and letterwinners led by seniors Callie Davis (forward/midfield), Molly Skvorak (goalie), Nina Singh (forward) and high-scoring junior Melissa Riggins (midfield).

Also back are juniors Emory Anderson (defender), Nora Navid (midfield), Eve Mango (defender), Erin Canning (goalie) along with sophomores Autumn Casey (midfield), Gabby Hill-Junke (midfield), Laci Johnson (forward), Erin Vanetta (goalie/defender), Sophia White (defender) and Tessa White (defender).

Lynch also is looking for contributions from promising freshmen Natalia McMahon (forward), Morgan Golden (midfield) and Bree Murphy (defender) and junior defenders Sara Burr and Aubrey Sutelle.

Lynch’s main concern is the team depth.

“We want to make sure everyone stays healthy throughout the season since we don’t have a huge roster, so we will continue to work on our strength and conditioning,” she said.

SSA will be competing in Section 1A, where Greensburg Central Catholic again is expected to be one of the top teams. Other teams in the section are Jeannette, Riverview, Serra, Springdale and St. Joseph’s.

Tags: Shady Side Academy