By Melissa Yerkov

Times Sports Editor

Over the past two years, Michelle Saklad has guided her Archbishop Ryan High School soccer squad to glory - two consecutive Northern Division titles in regular-season play and two Catholic League championships.

"The past two years, it's been amazing," said Saklad, a three-year varsity starter on the pitch. "We have had such a strong team and great coaching."

The junior forward, who is the team's leading scorer this season, has helped the Ragdolls go 10-5-3 and outscore their opponents by 14 goals this season.

Ryan shut out Catholic League foe Little Flower, 3-0, in a playoff bout on Oct. 29. Junior forward Kelsey Stevens scored two goals, with freshman midfielder Lindsay Rogers knocking in another, for the big win. Veteran goalkeeper Jess Koci had six saves.

"It was a great effort by all the girls," said coach Ryan Haney. "We have some important games coming up. We plan to take it one game at a time and continue to do our best."

The good times came to an end, though, when the Ragdolls went on to face Lansdale Catholic in the Catholic League semifinals on Monday, and suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss. Lauren Heisse scored the Ragdolls' only goal.

"The team played together really well," said Saklad. "The beginning of the year was a little bit rough. There were a lot more young girls than last year. We've progressed well."

The mighty Ragdolls lost 13 players to graduation after last season's success, paving the way for plenty of rookies to step up their game and also allowing some of the former youngsters to jump into a leadership role.

"It feels great. I was always one of the younger girls on the team, because I started my freshman year, but I'm loving being one of the older ones," said Saklad. "My sister (Anna) has definitely helped me, leadership-wise. I took her role the same way. She's a strong player, so I tried to do the same thing she did."

Anna was among the many graduates to bid farewell to the Academy Road school and soccer last year. Now she's a freshman at La Salle University, but was unable to play soccer for the Explorers this season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

"She's always been there for me and always cheers me on," said Michelle. "It's difficult with her not here, but she still comes to all my games. My family is always there."

Yes, the Saklad crew is plentiful, and they can always be spotted in the sea of fans cheering from the Archbishop Ryan sidelines.

"They come to all my games," said Michelle, who has four sisters and two brothers. "Every time I see my mom (Janet), I get so happy. I feel like it helps me feel better and do my best.

"They're all amazing. I love them," she continued. "I don't know what I would do without them."

The Saklad family are all athletes - some play baseball, others hockey, and Michelle and Anna get their kicks on the pitch. So it's no surprise that Michelle started playing soccer when she was 4, and also runs track and coaches cheerleading during the offseason.

"I like being busy," said Saklad, who played soccer for local squads like Fox Chase, FC Bucks and Coppa while growing up in Northeast Philly. "I started running track last year. It's definitely different from soccer. It's just running to get from one spot to another. I decided to try it and I really liked it."

She also keeps active during the winter months. The former cheerleader helps coach at her alma mater, St. Cecilia Elementary School in Fox Chase.

"One of the coaches asked me to coach the younger girls, so I started last year and I love it," said Michelle, who mentors fifth- and sixth-graders. "I love teaching."

Whether she's on a soccer field, in the gymnasium or running down a track, there's no doubt that Michelle Saklad is a competitor. She loves the atmosphere, the dedication. Most important, she loves the feeling of triumph.

"Being on the field with everyone, and being there and everyone working together, is what makes sports so great," she said. "The adrenaline. What makes me the happiest is everyone winning together."

Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com