You always want to control your own destiny, so there is something great about a win-and-in contest.
Several WPIAL girls soccer teams are in that situation Monday heading into the final two days of the high school soccer regular season.
Thus far, 14 Class 3A girls soccer teams have clinched playoff berths with three more teams still in the chase for a postseason spot.
In Section 1-3A, Shaler (2-6-1) visits Gateway (2-6-1).
The winner of the match clinches a playoff spot. If the Titans and Gators tie, then both will qualify.
The two teams tied 1-1 in their previous meeting this season.
In Section 4-3A, Indiana (3-6-2) hosts Kiski Area (6-4-1).
If Indiana loses or ties, then Elizabeth Forward (4-6-2) qualifies.
However if the Little Indians win at home Monday, they will tie the Warriors for fourth place and Indiana owns the head-to-head tiebreaker at 1-0-1.
In that case, Indiana would qualify and EF would be out.
Finally in Section 4-A, The Ellis School (5-6) clinches with a win at home against Winchester Thurston (8-3).
If the Tigers lose, then Greensburg Central Catholic (4-6) would clinch with a victory at home against Springdale (11-0) or Centurions win at Apollo-Ridge (2-8) on Tuesday.
Boys soccer playoff picture
There are some key matches in WPIAL boys soccer on Monday as well.
In Section 3-4A, Pine-Richland (4-6) can clinch a playoff berth without even playing.
The Rams are interested spectators when North Hills (4-5) hosts Fox Chapel (7-2).
If North Hills wins or ties, Pine-Richland is eliminated.
If the Indians lose, then the Rams qualify for the postseason.
In Section 3-3A, West Mifflin (2-7) needs to win and then wait for its fate to be determined Tuesday.
The Titans have to be victorious when they visit Uniontown (0-9) on Monday, then they need Belle Vernon (3-6) to lose at home when it hosts Penn-Trafford (5-4) on Tuesday.
Finally in Section 2-2A, Hopewell (8-7), Keystone Oaks (7-7-1) and Beaver (7-7-1) are in a battle heading into the final two days.
Beaver needs a win and some help Tuesday when it visits Riverside (3-12) on Monday.
If the Bobcats win, they need a tie in the Hopewell at Keystone Oaks match to qualify.
Team tennis final four
The 2024 WPIAL girls team tennis playoffs have reached the semifinals round, with all four matches slated for neutral sites Monday.
In Class 3A, the top three seeds and the No. 5 seed have reached the final four.
Top-seeded Mt. Lebanon will battle No. 5 Fox Chapel at the Nichols Court at Sewickley Academy.
The Blue Devils have knocked off Baldwin and Pine-Richland to advance while the Foxes defeated Mars before upsetting No. 4 Upper St. Clair in the quarterfinals, 3-2.
Defending champion and No. 3 seed Bethel Park goes up against No. 2 Shady Side Academy at Chartiers Valley.
The Black Hawks have eliminated Thomas Jefferson and Peters Township while the Bulldogs own wins over Norwin and North Allegheny.
Seeding-wise, the same situation has happened in 2A with the top three seeds and No. 5 moving through to the third round.
Top-seeded North Catholic will take on No. 5 Oakland Catholic at Shady Side Academy.
The Trojans have beaten Ellwood City and Winchester Thurston to advance while the Eagles have soared past Greensburg Central Catholic and No. 4 Sewickley Academy to reach the final four.
The other match has No. 2 Hampton facing No. 3 Quaker Valley at North Allegheny.
The Talbots beat Lincoln Park and Beaver to reach the semis while the Quakers got there with victories over South Park and Indiana.
All four matches begin at 3 p.m.
The winners advance to the championships Wednesday at the Janet L. Swanson Tennis Center at Washington & Jefferson College.