Schuylkill League Teams Gear Up for PIAA State Playoffs

The PIAA state soccer and volleyball playoffs are set to begin this week, with six teams from the Schuylkill League competing for a chance at state glory. The playoffs will showcase the talents of local athletes as they aim to make their mark on the state stage.

Boys Soccer Matchups

On the boys’ soccer side, both Blue Mountain and Minersville have secured spots in the first round of the PIAA state playoffs. Blue Mountain, with an impressive record of 19-3 this season, will face Franklin Towne Charter in a Class 3A state playoff opener on March 5, 2024, at 17:00 from Blue Mountain’s Eagles Nest. Meanwhile, Minersville, boasting a record of 17-4, will compete against Wyoming Seminary at 18:00 on the same day at Wyoming Seminary High School.

Blue Mountain clinched the District 11 3A championship by defeating Southern Lehigh 3-1. The Eagles had a strong playoff run, earning a first-round bye and then dominating Jim Thorpe 8-1 in the semifinals. Key players Evan Burcik and Aidan Varney contributed significantly, scoring in the first half, while Andrew Waschko added a penalty kick goal in the championship match.

Minersville made history by winning the District 11 1A Championship for the first time with a 2-1 victory over Tri-Valley. Jordan Bowers was the standout player, scoring both goals for the Battlin’ Miners. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Ed Burke, Minersville has achieved a remarkable record of 28-13 over the past two seasons.

Girls Soccer Highlights

In girls’ soccer, Blue Mountain, with a record of 19-3, will take on Lower Dauphin in the PIAA Class 3A first round on March 5, 2024, at 19:00. Schuylkill Haven, sporting a record of 16-6-1, will face Holy Redeemer at 19:00 from Wilkes University.

Blue Mountain’s journey to the playoffs included winning the District 11 3A Championship with a decisive 5-1 victory over Southern Lehigh, marking their first district title since 2018. Hailey Scheuer and Gianna Chipriano have been the team’s leading scorers, while Karley Koch has proven to be a reliable goalkeeper.

Schuylkill Haven also celebrated a championship win, claiming the District 11 1A title for the first time since 2013 with a commanding 7-2 victory over Minersville. Kylie Siket was instrumental in the win, netting four goals, supported by Ava Terefencko and Taylor Haag, who also contributed to the scoreline.

Volleyball Teams Ready for Action

On the volleyball court, both Tri-Valley and Pine Grove are set to commence their playoff journeys. Tri-Valley will host Ephrata Mennonite for the PIAA 1A first round matchup on March 5, 2024, at 18:00, while Pine Grove welcomes Masterman to their home venue for a PIAA state playoff opener at the same time.

Tri-Valley secured the District 11 1A Championship with a narrow 3-2 victory over Marian. Pine Grove also claimed the District 11 1A title, defeating Mahanoy Area 3-1. Notable players include Tri-Valley’s Liv Lupole, who leads the offense with an average of 3.7 kills per set, and Emma Moore, who has recorded 33 blocks at the net. Pine Grove’s Molly Drumheller has earned recognition on the Schuylkill League coaches Division I First Team, with teammates Lily Flynn and Payton Harris also receiving accolades.

As the playoffs unfold, local fans are encouraged to follow the performances of these talented teams from Schuylkill County as they strive for state championship success.