Lady Indians Make History, Share Thoughts

By: Shane Dazen

The Peters Township Lady Indian soccer team captured its second consecutive state championship on Saturday against Pennridge. It is the first time in which a female soccer team has defended its previous title in Pennsylvania state history.

Although the Lady Indians were outshot 15 to three, they made the most of an early tally by sophomore striker Veronica Latsko at the 21-minute mark of the first half. Taking a pass from freshman Laurel Carpenter, Latsko weaved through two defenders before netting the eventual deciding goal. Stingy defense and a spectacular effort by sophomore goalkeeper Megan Parker helped to preserve the 1-0 victory over the seventeenth ranked team in the nation, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

“We have great individual talent and when we play together as a unit we are unstoppable,” said Parker.

The victory capped off a phenomenal season for the squad. Led by seniors Madison Creehan and Brooke Smith, the Lady Indians compiled a 20-3-1 record as well as an astonishing 11-1 mark in section play. They did so by outscoring their opponents 112-16.

Despite the fact that the team only had three seniors, a cast of young stars helped lead the way. Latsko followed her sensational freshman campaign with an MVP-like performance this season. Junior Olivia Roberson followed closely behind, finishing second on the team in goals scored.

“The playoffs are crazy. The atmosphere is so intense and everybody’s blood is flowing. If you lose, you’re out so it’s winner-take-all,” said Latsko.

And win they did. The team thrashed the Obama Academy 9-0 to open the state playoffs and after a positive decision against State College, they were ready to rematch archrival Upper. St. Clair, an opponent who squandered their hopes of winning the 2011 WPIAL Championship. By defeating U.S.C., the group solidified their spot in the final.

Head Coach Pat Vereb led his troops into Hershey for a match that would make history. 

Editor's Note: Shane Dazen is a student at in Nicole Sitler's journalism class.