St. Teresa of Avila Captures Diocesan Soccer Championship

St. Teresa of Avila School’s varsity soccer team recently won the Diocesan Soccer League Varsity Championship for the Spring 2013 season.

Competing in the World Cup Division of the League, a St. Teresa Titans squad composed entirely of seventh graders finished the season with a record of 10-1, including three playoff victories. In 2012, this same team won the Diocesan junior varsity soccer championship as sixth graders.

The Spring 2013 Diocesan Soccer League tournament was held at the 3500-seat Highmark Stadium at Pittsburgh’s Station Square on May 30 through June 2. The St. Teresa of Avila team defeated top seeds from Plum and Brookline, then advanced to the championship game against a team from Sts. Peter and Paul, located in Beaver, on June 2. The St. Teresa Titans won by a score of 4 to 1.

“We played very well as a team throughout the regular season, as well as the playoffs," said St. Teresa Soccer Program Director and Varsity Coach Roy Arnold. "Our team faced very strong opponents at each stage, and we feel fortunate to have succeeded. This championship title is a testament to the dedication and commitment of all our student athletes through the 2013 season.”

St. Teresa seventh graders Andrew Walker, Jeremy Bertocchi, Luke Evankovich, and Tom Brown were named to the Diocesan All-Tournament Team. Frank Burke served as the Assistant Coach for the championship-winning St. Teresa team.

“More than 100 students in grades 4 through 8 at St. Teresa of Avila School participate in our soccer program,” said Sister Karen Brink, principal at St. Teresa. “Soccer is a tremendously popular sport at our school, and we are proud of the hard work of these athletes throughout the season. The fact that St. Teresa has won a second consecutive Diocesan soccer championship speaks volumes about the quality of our athletic programs — which complement the excellent academic and religious education that our students receive.”

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