South Fayette repeats as WPIAL girls soccer champions
South Fayette scored on all four shots on target in a 4-0 victory over Fox Chapel Saturday afternoon to repeat as WPIAL girls soccer champions in the Class 3A final at Highmark Stadium in Station Square, Pittsburgh.
Mia Deramo scored two goals, and Gabby Beinecke and Emma Ferrari found the back of the net for the Lions (19-3-0).
“To get that first goal early in the game was amazing,” Deramo said. “We just kept pushing and finding the crosses. It was a great team effort, and I’m so proud of everyone. We knew we had to score, and we did, and it was awesome.
“Our backline, they’re incredible, pushing up, and our goalkeeper is good at communication. She talks to the backline and tells them where to go, and I think that really helped us work together as a team.”
Both teams have qualified for the state tournament in Class 3A. South Fayette will play District 9 champion DuBois in the first round, while the Foxes (18-3-1) face District 6 champion Hollidaysburg. Both matches are scheduled for Tuesday with the site and time to be determined.
“It’s amazing (to win back-to-back WPIAL titles),” South Fayette coach Nicolas Rosser said. “These girls worked so hard all year, and 13 weeks into this, they really put the effort out all the time. We just want to keep winning games.”
Caitlyn Thompson stopped all six shots she faced from six different players to earn the clean sheet.
The Lions, who won their second WPIAL girls soccer title in program history, defeated Fox Chapel, 2-1, in the regular-season finale on Oct. 16.
Deramo opened the scoring at 11:39 of the first half off an assist from Beinecke before Beinecke found the back of the net at 30:52. Ferrari assisted on Beinecke’s tally and South Fayette had a 2-0 lead at the half.
“She’s (Beinecke) wicked,” Rosser said. “She’s a full package. I’m glad she’s a freshman. She is awesome to watch on the field. Very fast and loves the game. She has the drive to go and score.”
Ferrari scored on an unassisted goal at 52:43 and Deramo converted a penalty kick at 63:39.
The Lions entered the district tournament as the No. 2 seed and blanked Kiski Area, 4-0, before recording a 1-0 victory in overtime over Bethel Park in the quarterfinals.
South Fayette earned its trip to the final with a penalty-kick victory over Mars after playing to a scoreless draw after 110 minutes. The Lions won the penalty shootout, 4-2.
The Foxes were awarded the top-seed in the Class 3A bracket, and defeated Indiana (8-0), Montour (7-1) and Plum (3-0) to reach the final.
Almanac sports editor Eleanor Bailey contributed to this story.