Tigers Fall in Overtime to Mt. Lebanon in WPIAL Semifinals
by: Bob Orkwis
If you got a sense of déjà vu with North Allegheny and Mt. Lebanon squaring off in the WPIAL 3A Field Hockey semifinals, it may have even seemed more familiar when the game went to overtime. Last year, the Tigers defeated the Blue Devils on the road, this year Mt. Lebanon returned the favor, posting a 1-0 victory to advance to the championship game.
In a well-played contest, the Blue Devils held a possession advantage early, but neither team could get inside the circle much to create any scoring opportunities.
North Allegheny led in penalty corners 6-5, and the Tigers did create some chances, with most of their corners coming later in the game.
The Blue Devils had a great chance on a penalty corner, but Cailyn Graham was able to clear the ball off the line.
Mt. Lebanon looked like it scored the game winner with 35 seconds left in regulation, when they put the ball into the net on a penalty corner, but the goal was waived off as it was kicked in.
The eventual game-winner came on the second of back-to-back corners two minutes into overtime as the ball found the stick of junior Aubrey Betler, who ended the game with the only marker.
Maggie Bader made three saves for the Blue Devils, while sophomore Sydney Bragunier finished with four saves for the Tigers.
After creating several chances with her nifty dribbling and being the primary insert on penalty corners for North Allegheny, sophomore Kaylee Volk was chosen as the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.
After qualifying for the post season once again, North Allegheny sees its season end at (10-8-1). Mt. Lebanon heads to the title game for the first time since 2024. The Blue Devils will face Pine-Richland. The Rams have won seven consecutive WPIAL 3A Field Hockey titles.
Field Hockey Summary at Mt. Lebanon, 10-29-26
| SCORE BY QUARTERS | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | OT | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Allegheny | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mt. Lebanon | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
