Peters Defeats USC in Double Overtime

With less than two minutes in the second and final overtime in the game, Peters kicked in a direct kick from 44 yards out to win on Saturday night at Peters. The 2-1 defeat was only the second loss for the Panthers (14 - 2).

The first half ended in a scoreless tie. Peters played a more direct game with big, strong, fast players. The Panthers played a more controlled, possession game with quick, highly-skilled players. Despite the differce in playing styles, it was clear that these two teams were two of the best in Western Pennsylvania.

Early in the second half, the Peters forward broke through and scored. After the Peters score, the Panthers picked up their game; and it finally paid off later in the half as Carley Bogan beat a Peters defender and keeper, to tie the score 1-1. 

The first overtime period was scoreless with USC having a couple of good opportunities. In the second overtime, the Panthers had more good chances but did not score. With under two minutes in double overtime, and most in the crowd expecting a tie, Peters got their game winning kick. It was a very well-played game between two teams that both look for successful playoffs.

The Panthers have one regular season game remaining, another non-section game at home against South Park on Wednesday, Oct. 19 (JV at 6:30 p.m. and Varsity at 8 p.m.). It is Senior Recognition Night and fourteen seniors will be recognized—Jackie Pion, Katey Woistman, Hannah Zangara, Kristen Walczak, Megan Hindman, Hannah Wilhelm, Kelsey Rogers, Valerie Repischak, Colby Foster, Natalia Watzlaf, Abbie Schuster, Abbey DeIuliis, Megan Veglia and Addie Brown. 

In addition, it will be Breast Cancer Awareness Night with the girls wearing pink uniforms. Baked goods and other items will be given away for a donation to the local Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity. Come out, recognize a great senior class, cheer on the team and support a worthwhile cause.

By winning their section and their two-loss record, the Panthers expect to get a high seed for the playoffs. The top three teams in each of the five Class AAA sections receive playoff berths. The WPIAL bracket will be announced on Oct. 19. 

The first playoff game should be on Saturday, Oct. 22 and should be played at the USCHS stadium (at 2, 4 or 6 p.m.—based on what they did last year). Possible opponents for the Panthers are many, including Hempfield, North Allegheny, Oakland Catholic, Gateway, Pine-Richland or Franklin Regional.

The four teams advancing to the WPIAL quarterfinals (by winning two WPIAL playoff games) automatically qualify for the PIAA playoffs. The Panthers certainly have the team talent to made deep runs in both playoffs. Go Panthers!