A tradition continues.
With one game remaining, the Sewickley Academy girls soccer team was 14-1 overall, 11-0 in Section 3-A and ranked No. 1 in Class A. The Panthers were hoping to take a 13-game winning streak into the WPIAL playoffs.
“The players are focused on what they want to achieve,” coach Gary Weber said. “When we started last season, the group wanted to restore the girls soccer tradition at Sewickley Academy. We all believe this has been accomplished.
“A great deal of credit goes to the entire team from last season into this season for their work and dedication.”
The Panthers have had a remarkable two-year run, outscoring the opposition 75-12 in 2025 and 62-8 in section play.
Sewickley tied for first in Section 3-A last season, advanced to the playoffs for the fifth time in six years, reached the WPIAL and PIAA semifinal round and finished 13-5-1.
“As the 2025 season progressed, we continued to improve week by week,” Weber said. “Our players consistently demonstrated dedication and a strong determination to succeed, approaching each game as a meaningful step toward achieving our regular-season goals.
“Our players set out a list of goals, one being to win the section, a second to qualify for the WPIAL tournament. Now that we’ve reached those goals, the team would like to advance as far as possible once the playoffs begin.”
Junior forward Emma Eannarino and freshman midfielder Claire Karsman are the headliners on offense for the Panthers.
Another offensive catalyst in ‘25 has been midfielder Marin Edmunds, one of the three returning senior starters on the team along with forward Makenzie Dice and defender Bella Ballard.
“From my perspective, I think the team’s had a really solid season so far, improving in all aspects,” Edmunds, 17, said. “We come out with a lot of energy every game, no matter the team. Our chemistry on and off the field has gotten stronger, and you can really see how much more connected we’ve become on the field.
“Offensively, we’ve created a lot more scoring chances, and defensively we’ve gotten better at staying more organized.”
Edmunds has been joined in the lineup this fall by her sister Gabby, 16, a sophomore goalkeeper.
The Panthers racked up nine shutouts and allowed just one goal in four other contests — all wins — in the regular season.
“The team has shown a lot of growth and determination,” the younger Edmunds sibling said. “We’ve faced some tough competition, but every game we’ve come out stronger and more connected. The chemistry on and off the field has been a big part of our success, and it’s been great to see everyone stepping up and contributing.”
Gabby Edmunds is in her first season as the Panthers’ varsity starter at the netminding position.
“Playing varsity was definitely nerve-wracking at first,” she said, “but it’s also been really exciting. My coaches and teammates believing in me and trusting the process have made it so much easier. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today as a goalkeeper.
“The key to playing the (goalkeeper) position is confidence and communication. You have to stay focused, read the game and trust your instincts. But you also need to talk to your defenders and keep everyone organized.”
This is not the first time the Edmunds siblings have been teammates on the pitch.
“Gab and I played together for Sewickley Area soccer when we were younger, then a little in middle school before I moved on to high school soccer,” said Marin Edmunds, who is most comfortable providing offense from the midfeld.
“I think the key to playing midfield is recognizing who you’re playing with and knowing how your teammates play,” she said. “You need to know the types of plays work best with who’s on the field at that time and just try to create as many scoring opportunities as possible.
“You also have to make sure you stay composed and connected to the team, make sure you’re communicating so we can play to the best of our ability.”
Gabby Edmunds said competing in soccer with her sister has been an unforgettable experience for both girls.
“Getting to play with my sister this season has been really special,” she said. “Not everyone gets the chance to share something like this, and it’s made the season even more meaningful.
“We push each other to be better, but we also have each other’s backs no matter what. This is our second year being teammates, and it’s been such a memorable experience.”
With the regular season completed, the Edmunds sisters, Eannarino, Karsman, Dice, junior midfielder Olivia Stefanik and freshman midfielder Sarah Merryman have turned their full attention to the district playoffs. Merryman has been filling in for an injured Mya Spadafore.
Sewickley is reputed to have an unyielding defensive corps dominated by senior Bella Ballard and a trio of juniors — Grace Jardini, Emilia Carrabba and Josie Courtney.
“Moving forward, I know we will have a strong playoff run,” Marin Edmunds said. “If we continue to keep our energy high, stay connected as a team and play with the same intensity we’ve shown all season, I really believe we can compete with anyone.
“Our growth this year makes me confident we’ll go far and hopefully win playoffs.”
It will be the first taste of the postseason for Sewickley’s first-year goalkeeper.
“We’re excited and confident going into playoffs,” Edmunds said. “Our goal is to stay disciplined, play our game and support each other the way we have all season.
“We know every game will be a challenge, but we believe in what we’ve built and want to make a deep run. We want to do it for our seniors and make the best of our opportunities while we can.”
Raneem Wahdan, a defender, is the fourth senior on the team.
Weber, meanwhile, knows there is little room for mistakes in the playoffs.
“The WPIAL tournament is a difficult event,” he said. “It’s a new season and what you accomplished during the regular season really does not come into play for the postseason.
“Every game is difficult and there is no room for error because if you lose the season is over. The team and coaches have to be at their very best each time we take the field. Every team that qualified has the belief it can advance to the finals and win the WPIAL.”
The Panthers included.