The autumn air over the Allegheny region carries the familiar buzz of high school soccer as the A‑K Valley girls’ teams gear up for another demanding season.
Burrell’s Bucs Aim to Rebound
Burrell’s Bucs, who finished as both the WPIAL and PIAA Class 2A runners‑up last year, return with ten starters and a clear ambition to reclaim the title.
Coach Frank Nesko has framed the campaign as a reset, emphasizing leadership and the need for the senior core — Makiah Buchak, Katie Koehler, Eva Wilson and Parker Moore — to step up, while senior midfielder McKenna Miller has committed to Division I LaSalle next fall.
The Bucs open with a tough stretch, facing Quaker Valley on Saturday, Trinity on Sunday and North Catholic on Monday in Section 2‑2A play.
Freeport, the defending champions, must navigate the loss of forward Cam Woods, who is sidelined by an ACL injury, while coach Steve Kukic stresses the importance of depth and leadership from CeCe Schlegel, Brinley Sullivan and Alyssa Cooper.
At Fox Chapel, Emily McKee, a preseason nominee for the Moe Rosensteel Award, looks to build on her 48‑goal season and guide a squad that also welcomes back Caylie Wilkinson, Antonia Linzoain and Taylor Wilkinson.
Springdale’s Dynamos, fresh off a 2024 WPIAL title and a PIAA runner‑up finish, will again be led by Genevieve Conklin and Tessa Derringer, who have become synonymous with the program’s success.
Deer Lakes returns with forward Tessa Hollibaugh leading a blend of experienced players and younger talent, aiming to improve on a runner‑up finish to Mt. Pleasant.
Plum’s Mustangs, riding a 36‑game winning streak, confront a gauntlet of strong opponents including Kiski Area and Franklin Regional in Section 4‑A.
Highlands, returning to WPIAL competition after two years as independents, will rely on senior midfielder Natalie Dickerson and sophomore striker Ella Prager to make an immediate impact.
Riverview, chasing its sixth straight playoff berth, brings back all‑WPIAL midfielder Mary Quinlan and defender Juliette Brun, who will anchor a defense that has proven resilient.
Knoxn, under first‑year coach Jaci Bowser, is transitioning to Section 1‑3A, with Claire Tully spearheading a team that posted a 4‑11‑1 record last season but hopes to close the gap.
Meanwhile, Valley’s Vikings and Apollo‑Ridge are in rebuilding mode, with only two seniors on the Vikings’ roster and second‑year coach Maia Ferra looking to spark progress against Ligonier Valley and other Section 4‑A rivals.