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11/6/2009 3:30 AM

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By Mike Kovak, Staff writer

mkovak@observer-reporter.com

Seneca Valley takes a 21-match unbeaten streak into Saturday's WPIAL Class AAA girls soccer championship.

The Raiders' last loss came on Oct. 23, 2008, in the district quarterfinals against Peters Township, which went on to play for WPIAL and PIAA championships.

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If the Indians extend their postseason win streak against Seneca Valley to two, Peters Township will capture its first WPIAL girls soccer championship. The two powers collide Saturday at Elizabeth Forward High School. The match is at 4:45 p.m.

"We're both growing programs and we're both strong, athletic teams with kids who are skillful players," Peters Township coach Pat Vereb said. "We have a nice mix of senior leadership and young talent."

Seniors such as Brenna O'Leary, Christine Aaron, Devon Burkholder, Taylor Daerr and goalie Megan Junker have seen their share of postseason matches.

They've passed the knowledge from that experience to a sizable group of freshmen.

"The key for us has been the transition from understanding what the regular season means and what the postseason means," Vereb said. "We've played good playoff soccer so far."

One reason is the strong play Peters Township (18-1-2), which defeated Mars, Mt. Lebanon and Norwin in the playoffs, gets from its junior class.

From Division I prospects Shelli Spamer and Shannon O'Connor to the spirited play of Hannah Caso, Karen Jackson and Danielle Hume, the junior class is loaded with talent.

"Hannah and Dani (Hume) are two players who don't get a whole lot of recognition but they've stepped up bug in the playoffs," Vereb said. "Peters Township has such a strong group of players that some good players get overlooked. Those are two players who could be superstars at other programs."

Seneca Valley (20-0-1), victors over Thomas Jefferson, Southmoreland and Canon-McMillan in this postseason, boasts a talent-laden roster filled with underclassmen.

Junior midfielder Shayna Elser won the majority of 50-50 balls in her direction during a 2-1 victory over Canon-McMillan in the semifinals. Freshman Amy Kolor turned in a strong defensive effort and forwards Kathryn Kelly and Amanda Cerminara create offensive opportunities.

"They are very strong at midfield with a very quick striker," Vereb said. "It's going to be a good match."

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