WPIAL Class AAA Girls Final – Norwin vs Upper St. Clair
Highmark Stadium
Friday, November 6, 2015 – 6 p.m. Kickoff
Broadcast: www.msasports.net
#1 Norwin
(21-0, 12-0, Section 1-AAA Champs)
WPIAL Two-Time Champions (1996, 1997)
Head Coach – Lauren Czapor-Karcher
How they got here: def Franklin Regional 3-1, def Plum 3-0. def Seneca Valley (2-0)
Taking note: It’s been a magical season for Norwin, remaining unbeaten primarily due to a strong defense. Including their three playoff wins, they’ve posted 16 shutouts this season and surrendered a total of five goals. They have also been the top scoring team in Class AAA with 117 goals.
Players to watch: Lexi Kendro and Emily Harrigan netted first-half goals for Norwin in the WPIAL semifinal win over Seneca Valley. Lexie Kolano (21), Micayla Livingston (18) and Harrigan (15) were Norwin’s top goal scorers in the regular season. Sam Wexell has been one of the best keepers in the WPIAL.
#3 Upper St. Clair
(16-1-1, 10-0, Section 5-AAA Champs)
WPIAL Eight-time Champion (1987, 1989, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2011)
Head Coach – Dave Gray
How they got here: def Kiski Area (2-1), def Mt. Lebanon (1-0), def Fox Chapel (0-0, 5-4 in penalties)
Taking note: The Panthers are seeking their first WPIAL title since 2011. While Maddie Rocks leads the team in goals, Penn State recruit Emma Hasco is the one who orchestrates their attack at center midfield — watching her in person on Monday night — I came away watching a player that has terrific technical ability — and athleticism to match.
Players to Watch: Veteran coach Gray contends that Hasco is the best player he has ever coached. She scored 15 goals in the regular season. Senior midfielder Rocks led her team with 22 goals. Nikki Gibbons earned the starting job in net as a freshman.