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MATCH SUMMARIES

LADY TIGERS EDGE RAMS IN OVERTIME,
UP NEXT WPIAL PLAYOFFS

by Kat Ghion

(10/16/12) The Lady Tigers were looking to win their seventh game in a row as they hosted the Pine-Richland Rams and came away with an exciting 1-0 victory in overtime on senior night. The 10 senior members of the team were honored before the game, a contest that would turn out to be an overtime showdown. 

As the game got underway both teams played the ball evenly throughout the midfield with neither team being able to carry the ball deep into the opponent's territory. North Allegheny would eventually break free first and carry the ball deep into Pine Richland's end of the field and have several shots on goal that narrowly missed the net. The Rams would return the favor late in the second half, but were also unsuccessful in scoring as the teams went to halftime tied, 0-0. 

The second half was all Lady Tigers as they immediately opened the half with a more intense offensive attack. Throughout much of the second half both teams would battle it out in midfield, each receiving few chances at their opponent’s goal. With both teams still tied at 0-0, the game headed into overtime. With just under five minutes left on the overtime clock senior Emily Humiston would break free of the Pine-Richalnd defense and have a clear shot on goal to give the Tigers the victory 1-0. For scoring the decisive goal, Humiston was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game. 

In additions to Humiston's performance the Tigers also received strong play from seniors Rachel Wetzel at midfield and Kailey Vogl at the forward position. The North Allegheny defense played strong throughout the entire game stopping several Pine-Richland scoring attempts. 

With the win, North-Allegheny goes undefeated in their section and improves to 9-0-1 while Pine-Richland falls to 6-3 in the section. Next up for the Tigers are the WPIAL playoffs which will begin on October 25. 

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TIGERS UNDEFEATED IN SECTION WITH ONE GAME TO GO 

by Carla Brandon

(10/11/12) Senior players from both North Allegheny and Hempfield received recognition during Senior Night on Thursday evening when the two teams met for the second and final time this season.  The Tigers left with a 5-0 win, keeping them at the top of Section 1 with one game remaining. 

North Allegheny maintained the upper hand throughout much of the game at Spartan Stadium, only allowing Hempfield into their defensive zone several times.  During the first half, NA received 10 penalty corners to Hempfield’s zero.  Although NA recorded 9 shots on goal in the half, the game threatened to remain scoreless as half-time approached.  However, just 57 seconds before the whistle, senior Emily Humiston connected on a pass by senior Megan Grzyb, and NA would take a deceptively close, one goal lead into the intermission.

During a penalty corner only three minutes after the break, sophomore Hannah Downing set up senior Rachel Wetzel for the first goal of the half to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.  The Tigers remained on the prowl, taking numerous shots that would hit the post or go just wide and out of play.  NA kept the pressure on though, eventually registering 11 shots on goal and forcing 7 second-half penalty corners.  The seniors were fittingly strong participants in tonight’s match. 

With less than ten minutes remaining, NA tallied two quick goals just two and a half minutes apart.  The first was scored by senior Jaren Shugar and assisted by Briget Zehr.  The second was an unassisted goal scored by Humiston on a strong and well-placed shot from ten feet in front of the net.  Shortly thereafter, Hempfield was forced to make a defensive save with the ball constantly buzzing around their goal. 

Just prior to the end of the game, NA was pressuring Hempfield’s defense, and a goalie infraction would result in NA being awarded a penalty stroke.  Wetzel was given the chance to sizzle a solid shot into the upper part of the net for her second goal of the game with 26 seconds remaining.  Wetzel and sophomore Megan Guzzardi controlled the field for most of the evening and allowed NA’s defense to take a well-deserved break. 

NA’s goalies were untested in the game and should be rested and ready for the final regular season game next week, as well as the ensuing playoffs.  The only team in Section 1 with a chance to beat the Tigers this season is Pine Richland.  The Rams will play NA on Tuesday evening when the Tigers celebrate Senior Night at Newman Stadium.  Game time is 7:45 PM.       

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LADY TIGERS WIN JOUST WITH KNIGHTS, 3-0

(10/9/12)The North Allegheny Field Hockey Team won their fifth game in-a-row with a dominating 3-0 win over the Norwin Knights on Wednesday night.  The Lady Tigers also posted their fourth shut-out in the last five games and did not allow a shot on net all night long. 

While it was a quiet night for NA goalie Morgan Mendehall, it certainly was not for the Tigers offense.  Dictating the pace from start to finish, the Lady Tigers kept the pressure on the Norwin net and capitalized on their second penalty corner opportunity less than three minutes into the game.  Senior Emily Humiston fed a pass to senior Michelle Murray who buried a shot past Norwin goalie Lauren Slivka to give NA a 1-0 lead.  For giving the Lady Tigers an immediate momentum boost with her goal, Murray was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.

North Allegheny scored again with 14:33 remaining in the first half when Humiston threaded another pass through the Norwin defense, this time to senior Marjke Van Der Zee for a goal and a 2-0 advantage.  It appeared the Tigers had scored another goal with three minutes left before halftime as Rachel Wetzel hit a long pass to Jessica Brandon who smoked a rocket shot into the Norwin cage.  However, the goal was waved off by the officials as they ruled the shot came from outside the circle.  While the call was debatable, the fact that NA had controlled the first 30 minutes of the game was not, and the Lady Tigers took a 2-0 lead into halftime. 

In the second half, the Tigers put the game away on a Hannah Downing goal with 4:10 remaining to close out the 3-0 victory.  Aiding in the winning effort was Megan Guzzardi, Nicole Burns and Kailey Vogl, among others, who helped tilt the field in NA’s favor throughout the contest.

North Allegheny improves to 10-4-2 overall and 7-0-1 in Section 1.  Norwin falls to 2-9-1 and 2-5 in section play.  The Lady Tigers look to continue their winning streak with a visit to Hempfield tonight.    

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LADY TIGERS WIN 1-0, STILL UNDEFEATED IN SECTION PLAY

by Carla Brandon

(10/5/12) Penn-Trafford hosted the NA Tigers on Thursday in a critical game between two closely matched teams.  The two had played to a 2-2 tie in September, so both teams were looking to tip the scales in their own favor within Section 1.  In the end, it would be NA that was able to shut out Penn-Trafford, scoring a single goal and winning the game 1-0.  The Lady Tigers have allowed only three goals in their last six games.

The first half seemed to go back and forth with the Tigers showing a bit of an advantage.   Both teams received two penalty corners in the half, and the Tigers would continue to work the ball to the Warrior’s end with good passing and strong play by the midfield.  Senior Rachel Wetzel displayed a command of the field, as did sophomores Megan Guzzardi and Hannah Downing.  Both teams had a couple of scoring chances that were thwarted by the opposing defense and goaltenders.  The goalies made themselves part of the play several times, coming out to challenge passes and crosses toward the net, effectively removing the threat of the other team’s shots.  The teams were tied at zero after 30 minutes of play, with NA taking the game’s only shot on goal. 

There was increased involvement from the crowd in the second half, as NA received two controversial five-minute yellow card penalties within about 10 minutes of each other.  The Lady Tigers were able to hold off Penn-Trafford both times, while mounting a charge toward the Warrior goal and eventually drawing three consecutive penalty corners.  On the final corner midway through the half, senior Emily Humiston deftly used a reverse stick to blast a shot past the Penn Trafford male goalie and gave the Tigers the only goal of the game.  The match continued as a battle for possession by both teams, each desperate to finish with a win.  During a few tense moments, the Warriors pressed toward the NA net, but were ultimately unable to register a single shot on goal.  The Tigers played a solid game, particularly supported by the squad’s seniors.  Eventually the clock ran out with the Tigers on top, 1-0 and NA players and fans breathed a final sigh of relief.

Following a string of nine games in 15 days, the NA girls have a well-deserved five-day break before playing back-to-back games against Norwin at home next Wednesday (varsity 7:45, jv 6:15) and at Hempfield on Thursday.

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LADY TIGERS WIN 5-0, SWEEP LATROBE

by Carla Brandon

The Lady Tigers hosted Latrobe on Monday evening in a rainy rematch, beating Latrobe for the second time this season by a score of 5-0.

In a game that was played mostly in the Latrobe defensive zone, the Wildcats were no match for NA, failing to amass any serious offensive threat and registering no shots on goal.  The Lady Tigers took to the field as the dominant felines, using speed and quick passes to show the Wildcats which team is king of the jungle.  NA would eventually tally 14 penalty corners to Latrobe’s zero.  The Tiger goalies were untested in the match due to the strong defensive play by the NA midfield and backs, including junior Liza Puccerelli who saw considerable playing time.  After 20 minutes of play, the evening’s scoring started with senior Rachel Wetzel’s long pass to center from the right of the goal.  Sophomore Nicole Burns quickly capitalized on the cross, burying the ball in the net to take a 1-0 lead.  Just two minutes later, NA would be given their 7^th penalty corner of the game.  Following the corner hit, NA’s senior Michelle Murray would stop the ball near the top of the circle, setting up senior Emily Humiston for a shot on goal that would blister past the Latrobe goaltender.  The half would end at 2-0 NA.

The second half would begin with a flurry, as the NA players were challenged to score a goal in the first five minutes of play.  The Lady Tigers rose to the occasion, scoring just 34 seconds into the half.  This time sophomore Kailey Vogl would tip in a pass from Humiston to induce a roar from the crowd.  The Tigers would score again just four minutes later, following a series of good passes that quickly moved the ball downfield toward the Latrobe goalie.  Exhibiting her usual assertive style, senior Megan Grzyb would connect on a pass from Vogl to give the Tigers a 4-0 lead.  The final goal of the game was posted by sophomore Jessica Brandon who seized possession of the ball at midfield and took off toward the Latrobe goal, driving the ball on a hard shot past the Latrobe goalie.  NA would keep the pressure on until the final whistle, ending the game at 5-0 and registering 16 total shots on goal.  The Tigers’ shooting surge and team play have favored them recently, and they showed considerable diversity on Monday, with five different players scoring the evening’s goals. 

The Lady Tigers hope for another section win when they meet Penn Trafford in an away game at 4:00 on Thursday.  In their previous match this season, the two teams played to a 2-2 overtime tie. 

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LADY TIGERS ROUND OUT ROAD SWING WITH A PAIR OF WINS

by Carla Brandon

(9/29/12) The NA field hockey team continued a three-game Ohio road trip on Saturday, taking home two victories after playing to a tie on Friday evening against Hathaway Brown.  The Lady Tigers faced Hudson High School and Hawken Prep School on Saturday, winning both games by scores of 1-0 and 2-1, respectively.

The Tigers were hosted by Hudson on Saturday afternoon in another hard fought battle between two closely matched teams.  Much of the 60 minutes was spent battling for field position in a game that was played primarily between the 20-yard lines.  Junior Veronica Iriart and sophomore Kendra Downy each had a strong showing, doing their part to keep Hudson’s offense under control.  The Lady Tigers played a solid team game, with their four shots on goal being registered by seniors – Emily Humiston, Rachel Wetzel, Megan Grzyb and Jaren Schugar.  The game would remain tied at zero until the 53 minute mark, when Schugar drew a penalty stroke after her shot was intentionally blocked at the goal line by a Hudson defender.  Humiston took the penalty stroke, sending a sizzling line drive into the net beyond the goalie’s reach to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.  Humiston’s would be the lone goal of the match and the game would end with NA on top, 1-0. 

Following the Hudson game, NA traveled north to meet Hawken School for an evening game.  Hawken took an early lead just 10 minutes into the game, after pushing their way into NA’s defensive zone, prompting NA to kick into high gear.  Despite playing their third game in 25 hours, the Lady Tigers seemed to become stronger and more focused as the game progressed.  NA took five shots on goal in the first half but failed to score against a tough, senior, Hawken goalie who eventually made eight saves.  Tiger goalie, Morgan Mendenhall would also play well, making a critical save with two minutes left in the half to keep the game close at 1-0.

NA came out after the break with determination.  The Tigers turned the game to their favor, as they received seven penalty corners in the second half and took several shots that steered just wide of the net.  Emily Humiston would keep pressing toward the goal, eventually connecting on a solid shot originating from a speedy penalty corner hit from senior Kate Serody.  Humiston’s goal tied the game with 13 minutes remaining.  Senior Michelle Murray was instrumental in the match, and earned the assist for her stick stop.  Sophomore Megan Guzzardi would help the Tigers keep the pressure on, eventually setting up the game winning goal on a masterful cross to the center of the circle that was picked up by senior Rachel Wetzel with six minutes left.  Wetzel would dive toward the ball, knocking it in to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead.  Sophomore Hannah Downing played solid hockey all day, and Humiston led the team with four shots on goal.   Hawken heightened the tempo, continuing to persist until time ran out, with NA staying on top 2-1. 

The Tigers leave Ohio with their confidence high heading into Monday evening’s section game against Latrobe at Newman Stadium, when NA hopes to tighten their grip on the top spot in Section 1.  Game time is 7:30 (jv 6:00.)

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LADY TIGERS BEGIN ROAD TRIP WITH TIE

by Carla Brandon

(9/29/12) The Lady Tigers hit the highway on Friday afternoon for their final multiple-game road trip.  The team traveled to Shaker Heights, Ohio to take on Hathaway Brown, a private school team that has won their division each of the last nine years.  The teams were evenly matched and played to a 1-1 tie.

After a rocky departure caused by transportation issues, the Lady Tigers settled down, regrouping and pulling together for a strong showing in their first of three Ohio games this weekend.  Hathaway Brown would quickly turn on the offense at the start of the game, but it was NA that would come up with the first goal.  The Lady Tigers charged down the field at the nine-minute mark, sending the ball into the corner where senior Rachel Wetzel took possession and made a solid cross toward the middle.  Sophomore Kailey Vogl tipped the ball in to give the Lady Tigers a 1-0 lead.  Sophomore forward Jessica Brandon was successful in working the ball up the field, taking two of NA’s four shots on goal and developing several other good scoring opportunities that were thwarted by Hathaway Brown’s senior goalie.  Senior Michele Murray played another strong game and was awarded her second defensive save of the season.  Hathaway Brown would score the only other goal of the game following a penalty corner with nine minutes remaining in the half, tying the score at one apiece. 

The second half continued to see the game played primarily in the midfield, with the momentum shifting back and forth between the two teams.  NA had several good scoring chances but couldn’t quite connect.  Senior Emily Humiston would be credited with the only NA shot on goal in the second half.  Despite an injured foot, sophomore Megan Guzzardi did her share to control the middle, aided by the aggressive play of senior Megan Grzyb.  Guzzardi broke up several intended offensive threats, as did senior Kate Serody who has been consistent all season.  The tie at the end of regulation would force the game into overtime, with one ten-minute period being allowed.  Both teams were able to take the ball within scoring distance but were unable to capitalize.  NA goalies, sophomore Isley Smith and junior Morgan Mendenhall, would combine for five saves in the game.  Mendenhall made two sprawling saves in the overtime period, and another big save when she came out of the net to cut the angle on a slap shot, clearing the ball with a kick save.  After quite a few exciting moments that showed promise for both teams, time would run out and the game would end tied 1-1.

Before heading for home on Saturday evening, the Lady Tigers will play Hudson High School on Saturday afternoon, then head toward the Cleveland area to meet Hawken School.  The next NA home game is Monday, October 1 at Newman Stadium, when the Tigers will host Latrobe in their second match of the season.  Game time is 7:30 (jv 6:00.)

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NA MOVES TO TOP OF SECTION WITH 3-1 WIN OVER RAMS

by Carla Brandon

(9/26/12) The Lady Tigers took a short drive on Wednesday evening to meet the Pine-Richland Rams in a crucial section game, coming away with a 3-1 win that places them at the top of Section 1.  Prior to the match, the Rams were unbeaten in five games, four of which were against section opponents.  NA arrived with a purpose, receiving inspiration from the 2-0 win of their JV team in the earlier game. 

Both teams went to work quickly in the game, trying to maintain possession and move the ball.  NA would see several early corners but was unable to convert them into goals.  The game would start to favor the Lady Tigers, when senior Emily Humiston opened up the scoring after receiving a pass from sophomore Kailey Vogl with 10 minutes left in the half.  The Rams would answer with a goal of their own on a penalty corner just eight minutes later, leaving the game tied at 1-1 going into the break.  Humiston would take four of NA’s seven shots on goal in the first half, eventually participating in all three of the Tiger goals.  Junior Morgan Mendenhall stood tall in the NA net, keeping the Rams at bay and registering two saves in the half.

NA returned in the second half with determination, displaying continued effort in passing and moving the ball across the field.  In less than three minutes, the Lady Tigers would score their second goal of the game following a penalty corner, when Humiston found the net after a scramble in front of the Pine-Richland goalie.  Vogl would receive the assist, then go on to score her own goal six minutes later, with an assist by Humiston.  Vogl’s goal came on a well-executed reverse stick shot that boosted the Tigers to their final score of 3-1.  With six minutes to go in the game, the Rams found the energy to mount a serious threat but were halted once again by the consistent play of NA’s defense.  Seniors Katie Serody and Michelle Murray, and sophomore goaltender Isley Smith held their ground and kept the area clear in front of the NA net.  Tiger midfielders, senior Rachel Wetzel and sophomore Megan Guzzardi, maintained their positions well, controlling much of the play and repeatedly breaking up the Rams offense.   The Lady Tigers demonstrated arguably their best team effort of the season, winning their second game in two nights and showing considerable confidence.

The team will travel this weekend to face three Ohio teams, Hathaway Brown on Friday afternoon, as well as Hudson and Hawken on Saturday.  The Tigers return home to host Latrobe on Monday, October 1^st at 7:30 (JV 6:00) for another section match.

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HEMPFIELD FALLS TO RAGING LADY TIGERS

by Carla Brandon

(9/26/12) Under a constant drizzle, North Allegheny hosted Hempfield in a section game on Tuesday evening.  The Lady Tigers stormed the field, overtaking Hempfield by a score of 8-0.  NA had been held scoreless in their previous four games, and welcomed their onslaught of goals.

It took the Lady Tigers just five minutes to open up the scoring, and once they did, there was no stopping them.  NA controlled the play through much of the game, pushing the ball deep into Hempfield’s end and overtaking the Spartans defense.  The scoring began with a shot by senior Marjke Van Der Zee that proved to be the game winning goal.  Van Der Zee would assist on the next two goals as well, working the ball to senior Emily Humiston twice in a one minute span, to give the Tigers a three goal lead.  Humiston would score a third time with seven minutes left, assisted by sophomore Nicole Burns, moving the Tigers to 4-0 going into the second half.  Humiston had six shots on goal in the first half, and two more in the second.

The second half saw Humiston leading the troops toward Hempfield’s net again, scoring two goals in the first three minutes, giving the Tigers a 6-0 lead.  Senior Maria Veres was credited with the assist on the first goal of the half, while the second was unassisted.  NA continued to press into Hempfield’s end, amassing a total of 24 shots on the evening and 8 penalty corners.  The Spartans goalie made several key saves, amassing 16 total saves during numerous attacks by the Tigers.  Senior Whitney Kost would assist on senior Megan Grzyb’s  goal with 23 minutes remaining, and would score her own goal four minutes later, on another assist by Burns to close out the scoring on the evening. 

The Tigers head to Pine Richland on Wednesday evening to face the unbeaten Rams in an important section match at 7:30 (JV 6:00).

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LADY TIGERS DROP TWO AT LINDA ROSE TOURNAMENT

by Carla Brandon

(9/24/12) The Lady Tigers traveled to the East Harrisburg area on Saturday to participate in the Linda Rose Memorial Tournament in Elizabethtown.  North Allegheny faced Donegal and Forbes Road High Schools, strong opponents that each got the best of NA, holding the Tigers scoreless in close games that ended 3-0 and 1-0, respectively.  This would be NA’s second of two regular season road trips to central PA.  North Allegheny routinely schedules these events in their determination to raise their level of play in an area filled with high-powered field hockey programs.

Donegal hosted NA in the morning game, managing to turn away NA’s offense time and again.  NA would hold Donegal scoreless in the first 38 minutes of play, keeping pace with Donegal while deep in their defensive zone.  Donegal opened up the scoring partway through the second half and would find the net three times, outnumbering NA in penalty corners awarded (14-3) and in shots on goal (10-0.)  The game ended with a final score of 3-0. 

The Lady Tigers had 30 minutes to regroup for the afternoon game, when they met Forbes Road HS and played to a 0-0 tie after regulation.  NA came up with the majority of scoring opportunities in the game, with six penalty corners to Forbes Road’s three, and taking all three of the game’s shots on goal.  NA developed several good scoring chances, one coming from senior Emily Humiston, who lifted the ball toward the net from inside the circle for what appeared to be a sure thing, only to see it batted out of the air by a tough Forbes Road goaltender.  Neither team was able to score in the 10 minute overtime period that was played in a 7-v-7 format.  The game would be decided by strokes, and NA’s sophomore Hannah Downing and senior Rachel Wetzel each found the net.  However, their two goals would come up short, as Forbes Road players were able to connect on three of their first four strokes, giving Forbes Road the win over the Lady Tigers, 1-0.

The Tigers host Hempfield on Tuesday evening at Newman Stadium in a section game rescheduled from the previous Thursday.  The Varsity game is slated for 7:30 pm with the JV contest set for 6:15 pm. 

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HERSHEY TOURNAMENT BITTERSWEET FOR LADY TIGERS

by Carla Brandon

(9/16/12) North Allegheny traveled east on Saturday to a hotbed of field hockey in central Pennsylvania.  The 20^th Annual Hershey Invitational hosted the Tigers and three other strong teams from the region.  In two NA games, the Tigers were able to hold their opponent scoreless in the first half, despite serious offensive pressure.  Both matches were decided in the second half, with NA coming up short by a single goal, resulting in final scores of 1-0 in two hard-fought battles against Hershey and Central York.

In the first game, Hershey High School controlled possession in the middle for much of the first half, while the Tigers adjusted to Hershey’s quick passes and aggressive style of play.  NA’s midfield and defense, anchored by sophomore goalie Chip Smith, who tallied eight saves in the contest, played competitively to keep NA in the game.  Senior Katie Serody and sophomore Megan Guzzardi created a wall in their zone and kept Hershey’s offense at bay.  Throughout the match, Hershey was awarded 13 penalty corners versus NA’s two, but still the Tigers never gave up and developed some serious scoring opportunities in the second half.  Senior Emily Humiston took two solid shots on goal, but came up short against a tough Hershey goalie and defense.  Hershey’s single goal in the second half was the only score of the game that ended, 1-0.

The Tigers faced Central York in another tough match that could have gone either way.  Again the first half was scoreless, though NA pressed into York’s zone and created some good scoring chances.  York scored just minutes into the second half, but NA controlled much of the game, with an edge in penalty corners (13-2) and shots on goal.  Junior goalie Morgan Mendenhall stood tough in the Tiger’s goal.  NA pressed hard throughout the last ten minutes of play, outshooting their opponent 9-2 in the game and put forth a good team effort but was unable to counter with a goal of their own.  The final score was again, 1-0.

The tournament was considered by most to be a success for North Allegheny.  The Tigers brought their A-game to Hershey, facing teams in the central and eastern part of the state that are chock full of talent, and are known for their strong and aggressive field hockey programs.  The Tigers face section opponent Hempfield on Thursday evening at 7:30 (JV 6:00).  The Varsity game will be broadcast live via the internet on the North Allegheny Sports Network.

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LADY TIGERS FINISH DEADLOCKED WITH WARRIORS, 2-2

by Lee Mohn

(9/13/12)  North Allegheny opened up their home schedule Thursday night hosting the defending AAA champion Penn Trafford Warriors. This was a rematch from last years championship but this one could not be decided in regulation and ended up in a 2-2 tie.

Penn Trafford controlled play for the first 10 minutes of action but could not create may scoring chances on the Tigers. Penn Trafford would finally break through on a goal by Isabel Siergiej on a corner. The Tigers would answer back quickly when Bridget Zehr took a pass from Nicole Burns and scored the first Tiger goal. The Warriors would take the lead into the locker room scoring with just over 4 minutes to go in the half when Amanda Steffy would find the back of the net.

North Allegheny struck quick just 2 minutes after halftime. Emily Humiston displayed a beautiful spin move and beat goalie Harry Miller to tie the score at 2-2. The game would end up going into overtime and the Tigers had a pair of great opportunities but could not score. On the defensive side for the Tigers Katie Serody was stellar down the stretch and was named the Wright Automotive player of the game.

The Tigers stay unbeaten on the year and will now travel to Central Pennsylvania for the Hershey Invitational this weekend.
 

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TIGERS PERSEVERE, BLANK LATROBE, 3-0

by Carla Brandon

(9/12/12) The North Allegheny field hockey team traveled to Latrobe on Wednesday to face the Wildcats in NA’s second section game of the season.  Under sunny skies in a beautiful mountainous setting, NA fought a tough battle, coming out on top, 3-0. 

Latrobe seemed intent to have the upper hand through the first fifteen minutes of play, penning the Tigers in their own end, though managing only one shot.  Seniors Katie Serody and Michelle Murray held the Latrobe offense at bay by breaking up any scoring opportunities.   Midway through the first half, NA began to generate some serious offensive threats despite playing on a grass field for the first time this season.  NA, unable to convert penalty corners into goals, kept the pressure on and took several solid shots, though the half ended with no score.

After nearly 50 minutes of play, NA finally took the lead when senior Emily Humiston fielded a pass from sophomore Megan Guzzardi, carried the ball into the circle and blasted a slapshot for an unassisted first goal of the game.  NA would find the net two more times with only 2:02 remaining.  Sophomore Kailey Vogl scored on a rebound from a Rachel Wetzel shot to send the ball past a sprawling Latrobe goalie, giving NA a 2-0 lead.  Vogl’s goal seemed to take the wind out of Latrobe’s sails, allowing NA to penetrate the Wildcat defense a moment later for the final score.  Vogl tallied her second goal of the game with a tap-in, after another accurate pass by Guzzardi to Nicole Burns, who passed to Vogl and received the assist.  NA finished the game with nine shots on goal, yielding only two shots to Latrobe, and posting their second shutout in as many games.

The Tigers face a tough Penn Trafford team on Thursday evening in the home opener at Newman Stadium.  Game time is set for 7:30 pm.  Please come out and cheer on the Tigers as they take on the defending WPIAL champs in an attempt to extend their season win streak to four.  

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LADY TIGERS SHUT DOWN NORWIN, 4-0

by Carla Brandon

(8/31/12) The Lady Tigers traveled to Norwin on Saturday to take on the Knights for the second game in as many days.  Play started slowly with countless free hits, overwhelmingly awarded to Norwin, but North Allegheny eventually found their rhythm for a 4-0 section victory. 

Play remained choppy for both teams midway through the half, until junior Briget Zehr opened up the scoring after a scramble at the feet of the Norwin goalie to give the Tigers the 1-0 lead.  The Knights persevered but couldn’t quite push past NA’s strong midfield and defense.  NA kept the pressure on with an unassisted goal by senior Emily Humiston from 20 feet out.  Humiston had 5 shots on goal in the game.  Sophomore Kailey Vogl padded the lead with her fourth goal of the season on a breakaway, after an accurate feed from senior Rachel Wetzel, to end the half at 3-0 Tigers.

The second half was equally dominated by NA, with solid play by senior Michelle Murray and sophomore Jessica Brandon, who tallied 4 shots on goal.  Coach Berkley continued to move players around and directed frequent substitutions.  Taking advantage of their time on the field, sophomores Hannah Downing and Kendra Downy, as well as senior Maria Veres, had ample opportunity to possess the ball and ward off the Norwin attack.  Wetzel and sophomore Megan Guzzardi continued to rule the midfield while Guzzardi also added 3 shots on goal.

Humiston finished off the scoring for the day midway through the second half to make it 4-0 Tigers.  With a display of ball handling and pinpoint accuracy in shooting, Humiston sent a crisp shot into the net for her second unassisted NA goal.  NA goalies, junior Morgan Mendenhall and sophomore Isley “Chip” Smith combined for the shutout, but has yet to be adequately tested this season.

With the win, NA field hockey improves to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in section play.  The Lady Tigers take a nine-day break as the team prepares for section opponent Latrobe on September 11^th.  The Tigers invite students, families and friends to support the team at their home opener against section rival Penn-Trafford on Thursday, September 13^th at 7:30 PM (JV at 6:00.)  This will be the first time the Tigers face Penn-Trafford after falling to the Warriors last season in the WPIAL Championship. 

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LADY TIGERS WIN OPENER OVER WESTERN RESERVE, 4-1

by Carla Brandon

(8/31/12) On Friday evening, Coach Maddy Berkley led the North Allegheny Tigers to a 4-1 win over Western Reserve Academy (WRA) in the 2012 season opener in Hudson, Ohio.  Coach Maddy, in her first year as Tigers Head Coach, is no stranger to the NA field hockey program.  Last year she coached the JV team to an undefeated season.

Displaying an aggressive and fast-paced style, the Tigers were kept fresh and engaged throughout the game with a steady rotation of subs.  Western Reserve jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, with their only goal of the night.  Soon afterward, Coach Berkley called a time out, which appeared to settle and motivate the NA team.  Only seconds later, NA tied the game when sophomore Kailey Vogl picked up the rebound off of a shot from senior Megan Grzyb to score her first of three goals on the night.  Vogl and Grzyb each tallied three shots on goal. 

Halfway through the first half, WRA’s goalie was penalized during an NA offensive threat in front of the cage and NA was awarded a penalty stroke.  Sophomore Megan Guzzardi’s shot blasted into the back of the net to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead.  The stroke turned out to be the game winning goal.  WRA never fully recovered the confidence they exhibited at the start of the game, barely testing NA’s goaltenders, junior Morgan Mendenhall and sophomore Isley “Chip” Smith.  Though possession went back and forth throughout the half, seniors Katie Serody and Michelle Murray each made several solid defensive plays to keep WRA from advancing.  Murray added a defensive save, effectively blocking an increasingly frustrated WRA offense.  Vogl and Guzzardi connected on a two-on-one near the end of the half, to give NA a 3-1 lead from Vogl’s second goal of the game.

The second half saw only one additional goal, Vogl’s third of the night off of a solid cross to the middle by sophomore Nicole Burns.  Seniors Rachel Wetzel and Emily Humiston contributed to NA’s strong showing by controlling the midfield for much of the game.  The Tiger’s first win of the season can truly be described as a team victory.

NA hopes to continue with another win when they travel to face Norwin in a section game on Saturday, playing their second away game on consecutive days.

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Any questions or comments should be directed to Athletic Director
Bob Bozzuto at:  bbozzuto@northallegheny.org