Rivalries return for Ringgold in Class 2A
After realignment, the Rams landed in a section with Charleroi, Belle Vernon and South Park.
Despite having a young team this season, Ringgold girls soccer coach Ed Rosensteel isn’t hiding the fact he has some high hopes for his Rams team.
The Rams dropped down from 3A and have found a home in Section 1-2A.
“The best way to describe it is familiarity,” Rosensteel said as his team officially open camp Monday. “I’m really excited to have some natural local rivalries back. The girls are excited about it, too. I think there’s still some stiff competition, but I like where we’re at after a great offseason.”
The Rams will see rivals Belle Vernon and Charleroi twice this season in section play. They’ll also face off against Keystone Oaks, Mc-Guffey, South Park and Steel Valley.
“South Park is going to be the cream of the crop. They have high numbers and are well-coached. They’re a true program over there. I think they’re going for something like their 24th straight section title or something crazy like that,” Rosensteel said. “I’m excited to keep the rivalry going with Tracy (Lovett) and Belle Vernon. I’m excited to play Tom (Cameron). It’s going to be a bit of a different team over there for him at Charleroi, but he’s a great coach.
“I don’t know much about KO and McGuffey, but we will once we play and we’ll adjust. Steel Valley, they still have a Salopek over there that’s a great player and they’re well coached.”
Rosensteel also beefed up the schedule a little bit late in the season as his Rams will face off against Class 4A Penn-Trafford and Class 3A power Mars.
“Hoping we have a playoff berth wrapped up by then. What better way to get ready for the postseason than playing a 4A team and a team that’s been in multiple 3A championship games?” he said.
After graduating 12 seniors from last year’s team, there will be plenty of young players that will need to step into important roles for Ringgold. With the players he has returning, though, Rosensteel is hopefully the learning curve won’t be too steep.
“The returning seniors we have back are going to be critical for us,” he said. “It’s going to start with Bridget Callahan. She’s a senior captain and we’re going to be relying on her a lot. She has to be that leader and coach on the field for us.”
Senior Rihanna Fordham “has to perform” out of her midfield spot and Morgan Bell will be moved out of goal and into the field.
“Morgan was kind of thrust into the goalkeeper spot when Emily (Doleno) went down last year. We really could have used her in the field last year, so that’s where she’s going to be now,” Rosensteel said of the senior forward.
Alexis Martin, a senior defender, will be counted on to help anchor and bring experience to the back line and the Rams’ defense.
“Lex is going to get a lot of playing time. It seems like we have a senior in all the key spots. They have to take on leadership roles when they hit the field,” he said.
Taking over in goal for Ringgold will be freshman Alayna Macioce. Rosensteel is excited for the frosh to take over between the pipes, adding that her ceiling and potential continues to rise with the more work she puts in.
“She’s going to be a good one. She’s a pure athlete and she’s big already,” Rosensteel said. “She’s so naturally strong and she just absorbs everything and picks things up quickly. Of course, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on her and the defense in front of her. Is she going to make mistakes, sure, but she’s able to put them behind her quickly. That’s important as a keeper.”
If there were any doubts about her being the choice in net heading into the season, those were quickly cast aside after the Rams’ annual trip to Youngstown State in July.
“We played some really good teams from Ohio out there. Alayna and the defense adjusted, as did the whole team. They played really well and we ended up going 3-1 out there.”
In front of Macioce along the back line for the Rams will be freshman Olive DiBernardo and sophomore Natalie Walsh.
Right now at outside-back, there’s a battle brewing between Isabella DiPiazza (junior), freshman Braylynn Romito and sophomore Isabella Horning.
In the midfield, Miranda Santina – a returning junior – will be counted on to be another leader on the field.
“She’s a three-year starter and I think she suffered a little bit of the little-sister complex with Emma (Santina) here,” Rosensteel said with a laugh. “This girl is one that can be counted on. She’s been to everything we’ve had in the offseason, she’s always there. She’s been a lot more vocal and is helping the other girls. Her confidence is really through the roof. She’s a completely different player from last year. She kind of reminds me a little bit of Elizzabeth Wilson from last year. She’s going to be a leader for this team.”
Joining Santina will be “Booch” – junior Emily Bucchianieri, Fordham and Isabella Schnupp.
“I love a player like Booch,” Rosensteel said. “She’s the kid that’s always been told she’s too small. Well, that’s not the case. She’s taking on a whole new role. Everything we’ve asked her to do, she’s picking up everything that we’re asking her to do. She’s technically sound and has great vision. She’s a coach’s kid and is becoming a more vocal player.”
Joining Bell up front will be Imani Arnold, who found herself as the team’s option in their 1-high offense last season. A talented player, Rosensteel is hoping shifting a few things around will allow her to regain her footing and become the scorer and offensive leader the Rams are going to need.
“I know last season was a little frustrating for her, and all of us. I think the big issue was with the formations we played, we weren’t getting her the ball where she needed it,” Rosensteel said. “She’s a great player and she puts in a lot of work on her own outside of here and Cup soccer. I’m really hoping this year the shape and style we want to play will let her have more opportunities, but also more support.
“If teams decide she’s the one they want to lock up and mark, well, we’re going to have some other weapons to throw at you.”
