By Jennifer Goga

Published: Friday, September 7, 2012, 11:55 a.m.
Updated: Monday, January 21, 2013

The Seton-La Salle Lady Rebels soccer team has spent more time on conditioning and skill development than it ever has since Brooke Mangis took over as head coach in 2006.

But with a key player lost to graduation and a WPIAL section realignment, it may be tougher than ever to win a section title.

“This group has worked really hard during the offseason,” Mangis said. “They've done speed training and indoor leagues. And we should be pretty experienced with 12 seniors on the team.”

That experience seemed to pay off during preseason practice and scrimmages.

“We're working more as a unit this year,” Mangis said.

Mangis has led Seton-La Salle, which compiled a 7-7-1 record in 2011, to the WPIAL playoffs every year under her leadership.

“We'd like to keep that streak going,” she said.

Fortunately, two players who were out with injuries a year ago are back in the starting lineup for the Lady Rebels.

Senior Courtney Krempasky scored 14 goals during her sophomore season, but missed last year due to a knee injury.

Krempasky is back as a starting forward.

Also returning from an injury is Tess Brust, a senior midfielder.

“We're excited to have those two back,” Mangis said.

Junior Cassie Manion starts for the third consecutive year at midfield.

“She takes all of our free kicks,” Mangis said.

Talented defender Maggie Ianchiones is part of a strong sophomore class that is expected to make an impact this season.

Ianchiones has secured a starting job, and several others are expected to get minutes off the bench.

Senior Rhiannon Lews returns at the goalkeeping position. But newcomers Kelly McConville, a senior, and Bobbi Garrity, a sophomore, also have been competing for minutes in net.

Seniors Julia Rodaitis and Maddie Hanley are two more top defenders for the Lady Rebels.

All-WPIAL player Katie Murphy, who manned the sweeper position, graduated in 2012. Mangis said Murphy's departure has left a big hole to fill.

But she expects Hanley is up to the challenge to fill Murphy's shoes.

“(Hanley) is fearless and aggressive. She plays mostly defense, but can play anywhere,” Mangis said. “She even had two game-winning goals last season.”

With this year's WPIAL realignment, Steel Valley has joined Avonworth, Vincentian Academy and Bishop Canevin on the Seton-La Salle section schedule.

“Every game is going to come down to the wire. Hopefully all of our hard work will pay off,” Mangis said.

Other seniors in the Seton-La Salle soccer program include Victoria Andrews, Nora Simmers, Maria DeAngelis, Raelyn Fencik, Brittany Ott and Maggie McGrath.

Kristine Nutter, Megan Richards, Alina Fencik, Hannah Duffy, Maura Bevan and Shannon Redding are juniors.

Additional underclassmen include sophomores Kelsey Reiser, Gina Laudato, Hannah Marrone, Samantha Saunders, Shannon Perrett, Samantha Hildebrand, Carly Malczi and Anna Buttgereit.

Freshman prospects include Lisa Richards, Olivia Caragein and Jennifer Murtha.

Jennifer Goga is a freelance writer.

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