Wood girls take on Conestoga

Archbishop Wood has been the No. 1 team in both The Inquirer's weekly top 10 girls' soccer rankings and the Pennsyvlania Soccer Coaches Asssociation rankings virtually the entire season.

On the other hand, Conestoga, under first-year coach Meghan Brogan has just recently joined the elite group and is No. 5 in The Inquirer's top 10.

Tuesday night, the teams will meet in a bid to move into the PIAA championship game Saturday at HersheyPark Stadium. Wood and Conestoga will meet at 5:45 at West Chester East.

Reaching the title game would be a first for the Vikings (22-1), the Catholic League and District 12 champions. Wood lost its opener to Central Bucks South, 2-1, but has won 22 straight since. The Pioneers, the sixth-place team out of District 1, won fall state championships in 2007 and 2008. A number of players from those title teams are still on the squad.

All PIAA championships are now held in the fall.

"I haven't seen Conestoga play, but my assistant coaches tell me how strong they are, especially in the middle," said Vikings coach Bill Cappo. "There are all good teams playing now."

Cappo will try to counter the Pioneers' strength with two of the area's premiere players, senior Christine Verrelle and junior Kelsey Celline.

Verrelle, a midfielder, was selected most valuable player in the Catholic League this season. She also plays basketball for Wood.

Celline is dangerous anywhere around the cage. She has 35 goals to her credit this season. Freshman Deanna Messner has been a standout in goal for the Vikings.

Brogan was an assistant to Danielle Fagan before Fagan was named to a U.S. Soccer post earlier this year. Her Pioneers tied Owen J. Roberts, 0-0, in their opener then lost two of their next four.

"We're young, and it took them time to realize how talented they are," Brogan said, "They may lack experience, but they are grateful for what they have achieved."

Senior goalie Anna Walker and senior back Tamzin Ellerbeck anchor a solid Conestoga defense.

"Our scoring has been spread around," Brogan said.