Plum girls soccer earns 7th straight trip to WPIAL playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, October 19, 2018 | 7:34 PM

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Seven in a row.

The Plum girls soccer team has qualified for the WPIAL playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, including the past four under the direction of coach Caitlin Schuchert.

Plum tied for second place with Trinity in Section 3-3A with a 9-3 record. The Mustangs, who dropped a 6-2 nonsection decision Oct. 17 to Hampton, ended the regular season at 12-6 overall.

“I think the team has done well this season,” Schuchert said. “We have had obstacles to overcome, but I think we have improved every week and hopefully will be able to put our best product on the field for the playoffs.

“This team has potential to go far in the playoffs if we are working on all cylinders. Staying healthy is key.”

Plum, which drew the No. 10 seed in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, jumped out to a fast start in 2018, winning nine of its first 10 games and going 6-1 in section action.

Plum dropped from the WPIAL’s highest enrollment classification to Class 3A this year.

Oakland Catholic (12-0) took first place in Section 3-3A, followed by Plum, Trinity, Thomas Jefferson (6-6), Obama Academy (4-8), Woodland Hills (2-10) and West Mifflin (0-12).

One of the new opponents on the Mustangs’ section schedule was Thomas Jefferson. Plum defeated the Jaguars by scores of 1-0 and 3-1.

“Both of Plum’s keepers were solid,” TJ coach Jason Vozar said. “Also, they are very well-coached. I felt we had a shot to win both games we played; we just couldn’t get the goals we needed.”

The Mustangs, who won three of their final five regular-season contests, posted nine shutouts including seven in a row early in the year.

Schuchert utilizes a rotating system in the net, as seniors Aly Bryner and Zoe Nonnenberg have shared the goaltending duties this sesaon.

The defensive corps has been led by senior Elena Banta, juniors Katie Patton and Laura Pearlman, and sophomore Samantha Stewart.

Plum outscored its regular-season opponents 45-23 as forwards Gina Proviano, a sophomore, and Hannah Odom, a junior, were catalysts.

Proviano, who netted 17 goals as a freshman, racked up 18 regular-season goals and six assists. Odom chipped in with three goals and three assists.

Proviano and Odom were complemented offensively by midfielders Sophie Vargesko, a junior; and three sophomores — Andrea D’Incau, Jamie Seneca and Carly O’Connell.

Schuchert said the Mustangs’ ability to dribble and maintain possession was a team strength this season.

“A few of our leaders are our centerbacks, Elena Banta and Katie Patton, because they are so consistent and trustworthy. They make very few mistakes,” Schuchert said. “Gina Proviano and Zoe Nonnenberg have been vocal leaders, getting the girls ready to play and bringing excitement.”

Top reserves this season included Tricia Fratangelo, a junior midfielder; along with a group of freshmen — midfielders Maura Opina, Brynn Emahizer and Emma Bennethum; M/F Marissa Liberto, and defenders Jade Tau and Tori Ruggiero.

Plum presented a well-balanced attack during the regular season. The top four teams from each Class AAA section qualified for the WPIAL playoffs.

Plum was scheduled to play Kiski Area in the first round Saturday, after deadline for this edition

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

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