H.S. Sports Central

Springdale's girls soccer coach Jerry Concannon believes the importance of playoff experience is immeasurable.

However, these numbers are worth a look.

With many of the same players in its lineup over the last three years, Springdale has played in 10 WPIAL and six state playoff games and posted a combined record of 12-4.

On the other hand, Center is 2-2 in the playoffs over the last three years.

No. 2-seeded Springdale (16-1-2) hopes experience is one of the deciding factors when it takes on No. 3 Center (16-2-1) in a WPIAL Class AA semifinal game at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at Mars High School in Adams Township.

The Dynamos are shooting for their third consecutive trip to the WPIAL finals, following back-to-back runner-up finishes.

"Playoff experience is very important, for sure," third-year Springdale coach Jerry Concannon said. "The kids understand the nature of the environment, the importance of staying focused the whole time, of preparing for these games. They are well versed in that. They get it."

Springdale cruised by No. 15 Quigley, 5-0, and No. 7 Sewickley Academy, 3-0, to earn a spot in the semifinals.

Center promises to be a bigger challenge, after annihilating No. 14 McGuffey, 4-0, and No. 6. Mt. Pleasant, 8-2.

"I've seen them play," Concannon said. "They are well coached. They're also an up-and-coming team. They have some seniors, but also freshmen and sophomores playing a lot."

One of the things Springdale has developed during its extended seasons in recent years is versatility. Senior midfielder Alexa Sarsfield, who is among the team leaders with 12 goals and 12 assists, has been a key for the Dynamos in that department.

Sarsfield has played forward, midfielder and defender during her career. In the quarterfinals, she started at outside midfielder, contributed at center midfielder and moved to striker in the second half.

"She's a player we're able to move around to accommodate any changes we need to make," Concannon said. "We could put her anywhere, and she would be effective."

Senior striker Brittany Loveland, who is receiving Division I interest, leads Springdale with 35 goals. Loveland's sister, Breanne, a junior defender, chipped in a goal in the quarterfinals.

Senior forward Cayley Perrett is third on the team with 10 goals.

Senior goalkeeper Sabrina Adams and the Dynamos have recorded 14 shutouts.

Junior midfielders Ally Overly and Julie Bentley have done a good job of controlling the middle of the field, Concannon said.

Springdale must avoid looking ahead. The Dynamos are eagerly anticipating a rematch with No. 1 South Park (17-1-2), which has defeated them in the last two WPIAL finals. South Park will meet No. 4 Beaver (16-1) in the semifinals at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Mars.

WPIAL Class AA semifinals

Who: No. 3 Center (16-2-1) vs. No. 2 Springdale (16-1-2).

When: 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Where: Mars High School, Adams.

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