Oct 8, 2018 4 min read

McMURRAY – With three section matches left in the regular season, Monday’s Section 2-AAAA showdown against Moon appeared to be a must-win for Peters Township.

But did Indians’ coach Pat Vereb think so?

“I guess you can say this was a must-win game,” Vereb said. “But to be honest, every section game in October is a must-win if you want to win this section.”

Peters Township got goals from four different players in a 5-0 rout to pick up a critical section victory and avenge a 2-1 setback to Moon on Sept. 17.

Peters Township has all but clinched a playoff spot in the section and is currently tied with Upper St. Clair for first. The teams split their two regular season meetings.

Junior Hannah Stuck was a catalyst for the Indians (9-3, 11-3) with three assists.

“Everyone came out firing and hustling for the ball,” Stuck said. “We were getting to those loose balls and winning those 50-50 balls. A lot of the younger players stepped up tonight and our back line was strong. Everyone contributed to this win.”

Senior captain Regan LaVigna also had a solid outing, scoring two goals and an assist for Peters Township.

“I think we take every game as a lesson,” LaVigna said. “We were coming off a loss (3-1 to Mt. Lebanon on Saturday) and we were really focused. It just shows how baldy we wanted it and tonight was by far our best performance of the season.”

Peters Township struck early and often in the opening 40 minutes, as Casey Breier received a touch pass in front of the net from Stuck and buried a goal for a 1-0 edge at the 34:19 mark.

The Indians doubled their lead 12 minutes later when CeCe Scott was able to corral a pass from Stuck and find the back of the net.

“This is probably the best we have looked all season,” Vereb said. “We decided to attack and be the aggressor. Our girls’ were not satisfied with winning this 1-0; they just continued to attack.”

After receiving a long distance pass from Stuck, LaVigna was able to stop the breakaway attempt, and instead launched a try from 15 yards out from an awkward angle for the goal.

“Honestly, I messed up on that play,” LaVigna said. “I lost the ball a little and just had to stop my momentum. The touch got away from me, but I didn’t panicked. I found some space and I was able to take a shot. I was just focused on getting the ball in the upper left-hand corner (of the net).”

With 17 seconds left before halftime, Natalie Daube was able to grab a pass from LaVigna and pushed in a goal from up close for the fourth goal of the half for PT.

After a back-and-forth start to the second half, in which both teams had quality scoring chances, Peters Township’s offense again cashed in on their opportunities with a goal from LaVigna at 20:51. The goal was assisted by Daube.

Emma Sawich picked up the win in net for the Indians with five saves. Through 14 matches this season, Peters Township has registered seven shutouts.

“I really liked the way our keeper and our back line played,” Vereb said. “They were solid and communicated really well. We had good spacing and really took away some of their offensive chances before they could even developed. Hopefully, we can carry this play for the rest of regular season and into the playoffs.”

Goalkeeper Madison Sleva was tagged with the loss for the Tigers (7-3-2, 9-3-2).

“Our prep has been really good this week,” Stuck said. “We were dialed in. We are just really diverse on offense. Our outside forwards are always busting down the sides and looking for openings. Regan always does a nice job of founding space in the middle and I just try to get her the ball. We just have to keep the pressure on for the rest of the season.”