Preview: Class 4A Girls Soccer Championship
No. 2 Penn-Trafford (16-3-1) vs. No. 4 Norwin (17-1-1) At Highmark Stadium (3:30 p.m.)
The expectation for Norwin and everyone else familiar with its program was to compete for a WPIAL and PIAA championship. So it is no surprise that they are playing in today’s game. Although it shouldn’t come as a complete surprise that Penn-Trafford is its opponent, it may be a shocker that the Warriors have had the Knights number this season. At 9-0-1, Penn-Trafford claimed the regular season title in Section 4. They finished a game ahead of Norwin, due to its 1-0 win against the Knights on Sept. 25. The Knights were looking for revenge on Oct. 11 at home, but again struggled to find the back of the net against the Warriors, but were able to salvage a 0-0 tie.
After a 6-1 win in the first round against Penn Hills, Penn-Trafford had to get by on a couple of one goal wins. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Fox Chapel 3-2 and came away with a 2-1 win with the winning goal coming in the final minute against Upper St. Clair in the semifinals.
Norwin, the No. 24-ranked team in the country, got to Highmark Stadium with relative ease in the playoffs, defeating Canon-McMillan 6-1 in the first round, Kiski Area 3-1 in the quarterfinals and North Allegheny 2-0 in the semifinals.
Both teams peppered the Big 56 all-section teams with participants. Penn-Trafford had four first-teamers which included sophomore Sarah Nguyen, and seniors Lauren Stovar, Hannah Nguyen, and Mackenzie Aunkst. Jackie Bartko also won Coach of the Year in the section for the Warriors. For Norwin, seniors Emily Arnold, Emily Harrigan, Lexy Kendro, and Sam Wexell made first team.
Norwin is seeking its third straight WPIAL championship. Penn-Trafford lost in the quarterfinals last year, and is looking for its first WPIAL title since 2003.
For a complete look at the bracket, click on the link below.