Rytel, Shady Side Academy set to defend PIAA girls soccer title

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, August 31, 2018 | 10:46 PM

After losing in the WPIAL Class A finals last year, the Shady Side Academy girls soccer team rebounded to defeat Camp Hill in the PIAA championship game to claim the program’s first state title and finish with a 17-4 record.

After a one-year absence, coach Mary Lynch returns to the sidelines.

She must replace four graduated seniors but returns much talent and experience, led by explosive senior midfielder Krystyna Rytel.

Rytel scored her 100th and 101st career goals in the win over Camp Hill. Also returning are seniors Sophia McMahon (F), Trinity Murphy (D) and Gabby White (D), along with juniors Callie Davis (F/M), Molly Skvorak (G) and Nina Singh (F), plus sophomores Emory Anderson (D), Nora Navid (M) and Melissa Riggins (M).

New players to watch include sophomore Erin Vanetta and freshmen Autumn Casey, Gabby Hill-Junke, Laci Johnson, Emma Simard, Molly Walsh, Sophia White and Tessa White.

“We have great senior leadership, and our upperclassmen have a lot of experience and a strong work ethic,” Lynch said. “We will look to them to continue to set the tone in practices and games. We have a small roster again this season, so our concern will be to make sure everyone stays healthy and continue to improve our strength and conditioning.”

The Indians are competing in Section 1-A with Greensburg Central Catholic, Serra Catholic, Springdale, Riverview, St. Joseph and Jeannette.

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shady Side Academy