What to watch for in WPIAL sports on Aug. 28, 2024: Section matchups heat up in girls soccer

By: Don Rebel
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 | 10:30 PM

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With the August weather in full meltdown mode this week, things are heating up in select sections in Class 3A, 2A and A in WPIAL girls soccer.

One of the matches to watch pits the two top teams from last year in Section 1-3A as Mars hosts Hampton.

Last fall, Mars won the section with a perfect 12-0 section record, two games ahead of runner-up Hampton.

When the 3A brackets were released, Mars was the No. 1 seed and Hampton was No. 8. If they both won their opening round 3A playoff matches, they would have squared off for the third time in the district quarterfinals.

The Fightin’ Planets defeated Laurel Highlands; however, the Talbots fell to No. 9 Elizabeth Forward.

While this is their section opener, the Fightin’ Planets are 3-0 overall and have outscored their opponents 15-1 thus far.

Hampton is 2-0 and has yet to allow a goal while scoring eight, including a 7-0 whitewash Monday in its section opener over Obama Academy.

Juiced for a rematch

While Freedom and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart were not in the same girls soccer section a year ago, they did get acquainted with each other on the postseason pitch.

The Bulldogs won Section 3-A with a perfect 10-0 record while the Chargers were the runner-ups behind Winchester Thurston in Section 4-A.

The teams squared off in the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals with No. 2 Freedom edging No. 7 OLSH, 3-2, on its way to a district crown.

With realignment this season, the Bulldogs and Chargers are now Section 1-A foes and meet for the first time Wednesday at the home of OLSH, Youthtowne Field in Clinton.

The defending WPIAL champions are 1-1 this season but dropped their section opener on Monday to Riverside, 2-1.

The Chargers’ section opener was also their season opener, a 4-1 triumph over Mohawk on Monday.

Boys golf doubleheader

Area high school golf teams have enjoyed some great weather as they hit the midway point of section play in team golf.

The two top boys golf teams in Section 7-3A will collide on back-to-back days this week with first place at stake.

On Tuesday, Hampton and Fox Chapel squared off for first place at the Pittsburgh Field Club.

On Wednesday, the Talbots and Foxes square off again at the Wildwood Country Club in Allison Park.

Both teams are 3-0 in section matches, one game ahead of Shaler at 2-1.