Leopards repeat as section champions
By JOSE NEGRON
jnegron@yourmvi.com
For the first time in program history, the Belle Vernon Area boys soccer team has won back-to-back section championships.
The Leopards captured the program’s fifth title with a dominant 11-1 victory Saturday over Laurel Highlands in Section 3-3A play.
“It was a tremendous response from our guys after a tough loss (to Trinity) on Thursday,” BVA head coach Rob Miele said. “We played like an angry team, and a lot of the things we talked about on Friday when we watched the film came out in this game.
“We checked another box off with this win and clinching the section but these guys have bigger goals ahead. We have a pretty focused group right now.”
Daniel Sassak established a pair of school records, scoring six goals and adding three assists. He broke the record for goals in a game held by Markello Apodiakos (2017) and Ryan Gargan (1989). He also broke the school record for most points in a game with 15. That mark was previously held by Josh Page (2011) with 11.
“I couldn’t be happier for Daniel. He had a special performance and once the guys realized he was close, they all wanted it for him just as much as he did,” Miele said. “That speaks volumes about this group and how close they are.”
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