Kiski Area girls soccer puts last year’s playoff loss behind them

By: William Whalen
Saturday, August 26, 2017 | 9:18 PM

Previous Next

Previous Next

The climb to the top is a brutal one and is often paved with tears and heartbreak.

Last October's bus ride from Gibsonia following Kiski Area's 2-1 loss to No. 5 Pine-Richland in the first round of the WPIAL Class 4A girl's soccer postseason had a funeral-like silence.

“It was very, very quiet,” said Kiski Area coach Melisa O'Toole, who is beginning her eighth season. “We lost, and we were up 1-0. They scored off two free kicks in the second half. No matter what, when you lose a playoff game it hurts, but that was like a dagger. It was quiet (on the bus) and there were tears.”

O'Toole lost five starters off last year's team, meaning most everyone is back who was a part of that heartbreaking loss to the Rams. O'Toole said her team doesn't really talk about the loss, but if the defeat did one thing, it galvanized the program.

“It still hurts a little bit, O'Toole said. “Until we get that win, I don't think it will go away. Until you get to that next step, it's always in your mind.”

Just like any tragic ending, Kiski Area (8-7-3, 6-3-1) went through the stages of grief. Coaches and players had a chance to talk about the loss during one-on-one meetings a week later.

Much of the team rallied together to play a few indoor tourneys in January and February in addition to a weekly practice. One might get the sense the seeds for the 2017 season were planted then.

“They're really excited about (the upcoming season),” O'Toole said. “Their first thought is that they don't want this to happen again.”

While the loss remains a permanent stain in everybody's mind, it's what's in their guts that will get the Cavaliers over the hump. O'Toole said her team returned to camp with a razor-sharp focus and determination.

The first sign the Lady Cavaliers came prepared and ready to play was when O'Toole's players came into camp in top shape. She said that team is the most conditioned she's had in her eight seasons as coach. Instead of wasting practice time on conditioning, O'Toole and her staff can work on strategy.

“We lost five starters who both started or played significant time,” O'Toole said.

The Cavaliers' ship will be steered by the Palla twins. Starters a year ago, sophomores Christa and Sidney Palla will once again start at midfield. O'Toole said the sisters are inseparable and play great together. Kiski Area benefited from a strong freshman class last season, and the Palla twins were a part of it.

Sophomore Chloe Galo and junior Ally Guido will join the Pallas at midfield. Freshman Kaylee Ellwood also made a strong case for playing time at midfield.

The Cavaliers will be young, but talented, up front too. Sophomores Brooke Bires and Reagan Frederick will get the nod at forward alongside Clarion recruit Lexi Moyer, last season's leading scorer.

“Frederick is the person who has surprised me the most,” O'Toole said. “She's one of the ones who changed her mentality (since last season).”

O'Toole is perfectly fine letting things play out on the back end as she will choose her defensive starters wisely. Sophomore Alyssa Poleski has the inside track at one of spots.

Kiski Area still has two goalkeepers in seniors Camrynn Morlacci and Kelsey Craig. O'Toole said both are top-notch goalkeepers and will split time this season.

“I see us definitely in the playoffs and I really truly think that we'll win in the playoffs this year,” O'Toole said. “Especially with everyone being a year older and feeling what we felt last year.”

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Kiski School