Confident Eagles aiming high
By DEAN DELLAMALVA JR.
MVI Sports
History was made last season during the Ashley Dorn era at Serra Catholic.
For the first time in her six-year tenure, the Eagles scored a victory in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs with a 1-0 decision over South Side Beaver.
Serra’s season ended in the quarterfinals in a 3-1 loss to Bentworth. But the fruits of that playoff win can be seen on the field as the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season.
Confidence is there and Dorn and her Eagles are shooting for bigger accomplishments after a 10-8 overall record and 5-5 mark in section play.
“(A playoff win) was sort of a mythical thing that we could not achieve,” Dorn said. “Now that we have achieved it, we realize this is something we are capable of doing. We do not have to think of it as such a lofty goal. It’s a goal we can achieve. It just builds some confidence within the team.”
Despite the boost in confidence, the Eagles do need to replace a great deal of skill due to graduation.
Maddie Carr, who led the team with 25 goals last season, has moved on to Seton Hill. Also gone are goalkeeper Jules Marshall and midfielder Rayna Andrews.
“We’re just trying to maintain and replace those players,” said Dorn. “Carr scored a lot of goals, so we have to find more people to finish the ball.”
Some of those players who will look to put the ball in the net are seniors Jaime Dermotta and Maya Poziviak, who was a defender last season and may move up on this year’s squad.
On the back side, senior Gabby Mejalli and sophomore transfer Makaila Sunder will bring the speed Dorn is looking to bring on board this season.
“Two things we are really focusing on is having a fast defense and playing defense as a team,” said Dorn. “I think we will be quicker than we have been in years past. That will really help us against difficult teams.”
Dermotta has been an assist machine in her time with Serra. She is also very close to reaching the 50-goal mark for her career. Now she takes on the leadership role and is ready for the challenge.
“I am excited to be a senior and we have some good players coming in and we are very excited to play this season,” said Dermotta. “I am hoping that we can go deep into the playoffs. Last year we had our first playoff win in a while and it was very exciting.”
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