Tigers and Blue Devils Battle to Scoreless Draw in Section Opener
By: Bob Orkwis
The Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils came to Newman Stadium to open Section 1-AAA play against the Tigers in a rematch of last year’s semifinal contest. Sixty minutes of regulation and another fifteen minutes of overtime were not enough to produce a goal for either team, as the tight defensive game ended in a 0-0 tie.
Mt. Lebanon had ten of the game’s thirteen penalty corners, and the Blue Devils unofficially outshot North Allegheny 6-1, but the Tigers’ defense did not allow any great scoring chances against a goalkeeping unit that is battling some early-season injuries.
North Allegheny had an extra player opportunity late in regulation, when Mt. Lebanon was issued a green card, but the Tigers could not convert. Mt. Lebanon’s best opportunity came late in the second quarter, but junior Grace Zahorchak stood firm at the near post to make a kick save.
The Tigers had an opportunity in the third quarter that was just sent wide of the far post, and North Allegheny had the best opportunity of the night with 3:10 remaining in overtime. Emi Barreiro sent a pass to Kaylee Volk that sprung the freshman free on the right side of the circle, but senior goalie Olivia Marcovitz made her only save of the night a big one, and the game would end scoreless.
Normally a midfielder, but forced to don the pads due to inquiries, Grace Zahorchak earned the initial Wright Automotive Player of the Game Honors for the season by posting the shutout.
North Allegheny (0-1-3) has now tied three consecutive games. The Tigers will play their first section road game of the season when they visit Hempfield on Thursday night.
FIELD HOCKEY SUMMARY VS. MT. LEBANON, 9-2-25
| SCORE BY QUARTERS | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | OT | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Lebanon | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| North Allegheny | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
