After defying the odds to win the WPIAL Class 4A championship last season, the Foxes girls soccer team is back in the finals, this time competing for Class 3A gold. Focused and determined, they’ve outscored their three playoffs opponents, 18-1. Even though the Foxes have dropped a class, the players aren’t taking anything for granted. They know they must bring their best to the championship game against South Fayette, the reigning WPIAL Class 3A champion.
The finals game will begin at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 2, at Highmark Stadium. Because they’ve advanced to the finals, the Foxes have an automatic entrance to the PIAA playoffs, which begin November 5.
The Foxes are entering the finals as the top-ranked team, while South Fayette is a close second. When the Lions narrowly defeated the Foxes 2-1 in a late season scrimmage, it was a reminder about the level of competition they are facing.
All-section senior captain Maddie Grimsley, who scored in the semifinals against Plum and has 11 goals this season, reflects on that game. “I think we underestimated the intensity South Fayette brought to the game. Now, knowing what they bring to the table, we are more prepared to face them.”
Sophomore all-WPIAL forward Emily McKee, who leads the team with 33 goals, offers her thoughts.
“Last time we played South Fayette, we didn’t have our full starting lineup,” she says. “Losing helped us realize it’s not going to be an easy run in the playoffs and that we always have to be at our best. South Fayette will punish us if we make a mistake. They rarely give up goals.”
Emily’s aunt played on the Foxes team that won the school’s very first girls WPIAL title in 1985. She supports her niece and texts her after every game. “She tells me to enjoy the moments and the memories that come with it. She also says to be grateful for the friends you make because of it and to remember to play for each of them.”
Senior all-WPIAL midfielder and captain Alyssa Quackenbush, who scored the third and final goal to seal the semifinal win over Plum, admits that high expectations can bring extra pressure.
“It definitely feels different than last year because we came in as the underdogs, with no one expecting us to do anything,” says Alyssa, who has netted 15 goals in 2024. “This year everyone is after us.”
Third-year coach Carlo Prati notes how this season feels as compared to last year’s underdog story.
“Last year’s run was something no one outside of our team saw coming. Having to play the third (Peters), second (Upper St. Clair), and first-ranked (North Allegheny) teams on the road was a tall task, and it was an unbelievable run. This year, we came in with a target on our back and knew we were not going to be flying under the radar.”
Known for her incredible speed and additional local and state accomplishments in track, Alyssa has a lot of experience on a big stage, but acknowledges that pressure is inevitable.
“I think everyone goes into a big game like this with some nerves and tension, but I’m hoping we will be able to shake them and perform to our highest potential like we did last year and throughout this season,” she says.
“I am super excited to be heading back to Highmark for another shot at a WPIAL title, and also looking forward a chance to extend our states run from last year,” says Maddie, who has scored 11 goals in 2024. “I would say this year the team is more pumped up than last year. We know what atmosphere to expect in the finals, and we have a confidence in ourselves knowing that we are capable of winning.”
Key returning athletes who played in the 2023 WPIAL championship game are seniors Maddie, Alyssa, Maya Dipasquale, Gianna Patterson, Paige Solomon, and Bella Urso; junior Cassie Classen; and sophomores Emily, Caylie Wilkinson, and Taylor Wilkinson.
“Going back to the finals is such a special moment,” says coach Prati, who is in his third-year with the team. “These girls have worked so hard and have had a target on their backs all year but have remained unfazed. This group is amazing.”
Emily asserts, “I don’t think we can top last year, but we felt that same momentum and brought it to every game this year. Last year wasn’t one and done. We made it back, and we want to win again.”