Young Mars girls crush Victors, 8-0
WEXFORD Youth is a good thing for the Mars girls soccer team these days.
While most coaches prefer to have an experienced and veteran team once the PIAA playoffs begin, Planets coach Blair Gerlach is thankful his team doesn't know any better.
“Every time these girls get into a game at another level, they're nervous,” Gerlach said. “They still don't understand that even though they are young, they are talented.”
District 10 runner-up Villa Maria found out how talented the Planets are in the first round of the PIAA Class AA playoffs at North Allegheny Tuesday night.
Mars scored its first goal less than two minutes into the match, netted two goals in a one-minute span at the end of the first half and thoroughly dominated for 80 minutes in an 8-0 trouncing of the Victors.
Blowout wins are becoming the norm for Mars. Few lopsided victories occur in the state playoffs, but the Planets delivered another one.
“It's crazy how fast and how skilled we are as a group,” said senior goalkeeper Meghan Kelly. “Everyone can score from anywhere.”
Mars (23-0) often did against overmatched Villa Maria (16-6).
Amber Fitcher scored the first and final goals of the first half as the Planets led 5-0 after 40 minutes.
Karli Paracca scored two goals, and Kristen Check, Mani Brueckner and Olivia Haefner also scored for Mars.
Villa Maria didn't shy away from playing Mars straight up.
Other opponents have tried an offside trap or a bunker defense loading the penalty area with defenders to slow the Planets.
“I'm appreciative of that,” Gerlach said. “In the spirit of the game, it makes it a better soccer game. I understand a lot of teams would rather play poorly and get the win than try to play good soccer.”
Villa Maria's early aggressiveness led to six shots by the Victors two on goal.
But Mars outshot them 37-8 in the match and 26-3 in shots on goal.
Villa Maria keeper Nicole Shellenbarger made 15 saves.
Kelly had two for the Planets as the defense recorded its 17th shutout of the season and 11th in a row.
Mars will play District 9 champion Bradford Saturday at a site and time to be determined.
