Who are the Somerset County girls soccer players and teams to watch in the postseason?
Conemaugh Township earned the top seed in the District 5 Class 1A playoffs. The team suffered only one loss this season, an overtime setback to rival, Windber.
Five Somerset County teams punched tickets to the postseason in District 5 Class 1A and District 5-6 Class 2A.
The District 5 Class 1A quarterfinals are set for Wednesday while the District 5-6 Class 2A playoffs open on Thursday.
Here is a look at the players at teams to watch in the postseason:
Preseason players to watch Who are the Somerset County girls soccer players to watch in 2023?
Class 1A
Defending champion: Windber
Favorite: Conemaugh Township
Contenders: McConnellsburg, Windber, Northern Bedford County
Dark horse: Rockwood
Outlook: This has been one of the tightest battles amongst the top three teams. Windber is the 2-time defending champs. However, the Ramblers lost a bevy of talent from those teams. They still have plenty of scoring talent, and a freshman keeper that has learned the position in a hurry. Meanwhile, Conemaugh Township has two extremely skilled scorers and a crop of role players that complete a deep roster.
Players to watch
Mariah Andrews, Windber, sr.
Andrews bounced back from a knee injury sustained last basketball season and finished second on the team in goals and assists.
Addie Barkman, Rockwood, jr.
Barkman led the Rockets in goals. This is Barkman's second straight season turning in impressive stats.
Riley Brubaker, Windber, sr.
Brubaker topped the Ramblers in goals and assists. The senior is one of the most dynamic players in the area.
Kaylee Dowdell, Windber, sr.
Dowdell has played through a leg injury and made contributions on both ends for the Ramblers. She finished third on the team in goals.
Ashlyn Fetterman, Conemaugh Township, jr.
Fetterman is first on the team in assists and second in scoring. With 24 assists, Fetterman's ability to create chances for her teammates is second to none in the county.
Mikaela Glessner, Berlin Brothersvalley, fr.
Glessner's breakout season led to a team high in goals. She was tied for second on the Mountaineers in assists.
Mercy Sechler, Berlin Brothersvalley, so.
Sechler finished first on the Mountaineers in assists and second in scoring.
Izzy Slezak, Conemaugh Township, jr.
Slezak is the top goal scorer in the county with 44 goals to go along with 16 assists. She possesses the ability to score anytime she touches the ball.
Mollie Wheatley, Rockwood, sr.
Wheatley finished second on the Rockets in scoring and first in assists. She has been a model of consistency these past two seasons.
Class 2A
Defending champion: Bedford
Favorite: Bedford
Contenders: Forest Hills, Central, Central Cambria
Dark horse: Somerset
Outlook: Bedford claimed its 7th straight District 5-6 Class 2A title a year ago, upsetting Central in penalty kicks. The Bisons are the top seed this year. Meanwhile, after a rough stretch in the middle of the season, Somerset bounced back and won five of its final seven matches down the stretch. Somerset, the No. 6 seed, opens up at No. 3 Central on Thursday.
Players to watch
Freshman Lily Witt and junior Kamryn Ross have led the way for Somerset this season. Head coach Brett Gardner has received contributions up and down his lineup. Sarah Boden, Kylee Chabol, Rihanna Hillegass, Kassidy McKenzie, Madison Ohler and Josie Steele have all been key contributors for the Golden Eagles.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X (Twitter) @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Windber seeks 3-peat; Conemaugh Township No. 1 seed in soccer playoffs
