When top-seeded Sewickley Academy and No. 2 Bentworth advanced to the WPIAL Class A girls soccer championship game at Highmark Stadium, it guaranteed the final would be a star-studded affair.
The teams’ rosters include seven district all-stars, including four from Sewickley.
The Panthers are led by junior midfielder Emilia Carabba, senior forward Makenzie Dice, junior forward Emma Eannarino and freshman midfielder Claire Karsman — each an all-WPIAL selection in 2025.
“The last time Sewickley Academy girls soccer made it this far was in 2012, so I’m grateful to experience this moment as both a senior and a captain,” Dice said. “It’s an incredible feeling. We’ve worked all season with this exact goal in mind, so to finally get the chance to compete for the title means a lot.
“It’s a reflection of our team’s effort, chemistry and belief in one another. We’ve grown so much as a group. Our strengths are definitely our teamwork and communication. Everyone understands their role and plays for each other, not just themselves. Whether it’s our defensive organization or the creativity in our attack, we’ve found a rhythm that makes us really hard to play against.”
Bentworth’s leading players include district all-stars Julia Brandau, a junior goalkeeper, Madelyn Johns, a junior midfielder/forward, and Megan Keturakis, a freshman defender.
Sewickley went into the Oct. 30 WPIAL finals 18-1 overall while Bentworth was 18-1-1. Both squads took impressive 16-game winning streaks into the championship game.
“Making it to this game was one of our many goals going into the season. We’re so excited,” Eannarino said. “Having lost in the semifinals last year, we’re thrilled to advance further and be able to play in the finals at Highmark this year. We’ve had a really great season. We’ve really figured out our positions, and everyone is excelling in where they are on the field.
“Our goalie, Gabby Edmunds, is doing a spectacular job for her first time in that role. Our defensive line has let in so few total goals and denied a ton of shots to even get near the goal. They’re doing their job perfectly. Our attack is also great. We have both upperclassmen and freshmen making significant contributions. I think our strength is how well we’re working together as a team.”
Bentworth actually owned an 18-game unbeaten streak and didn’t lose a regular-season game in September or October. Sewickley’s lone regular-season loss occurred Sept. 4 against rival Quaker Valley.
The Panthers defeated No. 16 Ellis School, 7-0, No. 9 Carlynton, 2-0, and No. 4 Springdale, 2-1, in the district tournament.
“We’ve had a great season and have definitely proven we can play under pressure in close games,” Carrabba said. “We know how each other plays.
“It’s so exciting to be in this (championship) game because this team means so much to me and it could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Sewickley captured the Section 3 crown with a 12-0 record and 70-9 scoring advantage, finishing ahead of Seton LaSalle (10-2), Carlynton (7-5), Aquinas Academy (7-5), Serra Catholic (4-8), Bishop Canevin (2-10) and South Allegheny (0-12).
The Panthers held a 94-14 scoring advantage through 20 games with 11 shutouts and limited five other opponents to one goal.
“Our team has worked and fought very hard all season,” Karsman said. “We (plan) to leave everything on the field in the championship game. We worked so hard to there.”
Karsman added that teamwork and the players’ positivity carried the Panthers this far.
“We really support and trust each other and communicate well,” she said.
Bentworth edged No. 15 Freedom, 3-2, blanked No. 10 Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 2-0, and squeaked past No. 11 Waynesburg, 1-0, in the postseason.
The Bearcats won the Section 2 title with a 10-0 record and 49-6 scoring advantage.
Prior to the WPIAL final, Bentworth had outscored the opposition 73-16, which included nine clean sheets. Six opponents were held to one goal.
Sewickley averaged 4.9 ppg this season. Bentworth’s offensive average was 3.6 ppg. Both sides had allowed less than one goal per game average-wise.
The Panthers defeated eight playoff squads in advancing to the championship round: Seton LaSalle (twice), Aquinas Academy (twice), Eden Christian Academy, Carlynton (three times), Winchester Thurston, OLSH, Ellis School and Springdale.
Freshman midfielder Sarah Merryman’s goal with 20 minutes, 47 seconds left in regulation was the difference in Sewickley’s 2-1 victory over Springdale.
“When we started last season, the group wanted to restore the girls soccer tradition at Sewickley Academy,” coach Gary Weber said. “We all believe this has been accomplished. Our strength lies in our unity, and it’s that collective effort that defines who we are as a team. Every player on our roster plays a vital role in our success. While some may receive more recognition, we firmly believe that no individual is above the team.
“Last season, we set out with a clear goal: to establish Sewickley Academy’s tradition as a winning program, one that competes with purpose and pride every time we take the field. Our commitment to consistent preparation ensures that we approach every opponent with focus and respect.”
Bentworth ran past seven playoff teams prior to the WPIAL final: Brownsville (twice), Waynesburg (twice), Chartiers-Houston (twice), Class 2A Belle Vernon, 2A Ringgold, Freedom and OLSH, and tied 3A Laurel Highlands, another team that advanced to the postseason.
“Bentworth is a solid team that plays with a lot of energy and intensity. We know they come ready to compete,” Dice said.
The top three teams in Class A will advance to the PIAA playoffs.