South Fayette girls soccer ready to take next step under 2nd-year coach

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, September 6, 2018 | 11:48 PM

The South Fayette girls soccer team laid solid groundwork in Katie Munnell’s first year as coach.

Now it is time to build on that.

The Lions went 11-6-3 last season. South Fayette topped Chartiers Valley, 3-2, in the opening round of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs before falling to Montour, 4-0, in the quarterfinals.

“Last year, my staff and I wanted to make the program our own,” Munnell said. “We wanted to see the culture change. We saw the girls grow with what we wanted to do. The girls were receptive and adapted well.

“This year, we want to take another leap forward.”

Senior Sarah Meindl will lead the offense. The forward scored a pair of goals and had an assist in South Fayette’s season-opening 4-3 win over Waynesburg.

“She played outside mid for us last year,” Munnell said. “We will look to her to carry us more on offense this season.”

The freshman class will contribute to the Lions’ attack. Annalisa Mariano scored a pair of goals in her first varsity game.

“She is very athletic,” Munnell said. “We have a very strong freshman class. There are five of them all together, and they are soccer players. They are very skilled. With a little bit of experience, I am excited to see what happens the next four years.”

Senior midfielders Maura Gagliardino and Helina Van Bibber are expected to distribute the ball and have strong field vision, according to Munnell. Sophomore midfielders Cecelia Gagliardino and Katlynn Kyle will also be a contributors at midfielder.

The defense is depending on the sophomore class. All four positions are filled by sophomores — Amy Allen, Sarah Dadey, Sophia DiMartini and Julianna Ruzza.

“Sophia has turned into a leader,” Munnell said. “She has some experience under her belt. Amy Allen played outside back for us last year and has some good speed behind her.”

The goalkeeper position is in a period of flux. Senior Faith Falick was last season’s starter but is recovering from a lower-body injury. Senior Kareena Williams has stepped in front of the net in her absence.

With it still early in the season, Munnell said the team is experimenting with lineups and formations. Creativeness is the focus of the staff early in the campaign.

“You can’t always be predictable,” Munnell said. “Sometimes teams play towards their strengths and certain payers. Other teams can see that and will key in on it.

“We have been playing around with different formations. We want to be flexible.”

The Lions will look to turn the experimentation into success in Section 4-3A play. While traditional power Moon has moved up to Class 4A, the section should still be challenging. Munnell noted Montour and Ambridge will both be tough opponents.

But a lot of excitement is being placed on the section’s newest team, Chartiers Valley.

“From what I learned from the girls, there is a real rivalry between the schools,” Munnell said. “There is a competitive history between the schools. The girls are going to be hyped for that game.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: South Fayette