Leopards motivated, loaded up for WPIAL run

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

As the Belle Vernon Area girls soccer team walked off the field following a 2-0 loss to Mars in the WPIAL semifinals last season, there was no hanging of heads. Yes, the Leopards were disappointed but they kept their focus on the big picture.

Mars is a powerhouse program with Division I prospects that went on to win a state championship and the Leopards made them work for the win. It was one of the Planets’ closest games of the season.

This season, the Leopards must replace a couple of key defenders but are still loaded up with plenty of firepower and talent.

“We’re poised for another big year. The girls remember how it felt when they lost to Mars,” BVA head coach Tracy Lovett said. “We have our key contributors coming back. We’ve built off that loss and we’re expecting big things this year.”

Belle Vernon finished 16-5 overall last season and went 12-0 in Section 2-3A. They’re currently riding a 26-game section winning streak.

While the Leps will have to replace some key pieces of their back line, including All-WPIAL and All-Section defender Marissa Grubbs, BVA should have no issues finding the back of the net offensively.

In all, 88 goals return with senior Jillian Butchki (38), sophomore Farrah Reader (25) and junior Morgan Einodshofer (25).

“Jill is just so athletic and is coming off a big season. She has the potential to get to 100 career goals with her 74,” Lovett said. “Farrah had 20 assists to go with her 25 goals. I think her speed, size and physicality are going to make her difficult to defend and I’m looking for her to score even more.

“And Morgan, she’s the one trusted with having everything happen in the midfield. Her game is so evolved and she’s become the total package player. Her leadership has really emerged.”

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