By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, April 7, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Roig returns to QV lineup as WPIAL all-star

The Quaker Valley girls lacrosse team enjoyed a banner season in 2023.

After winning eight of its first nine games, QV landed a WPIAL playoff berth later in the year.

The senior-driven Quakers racked up seven straight victories — hitting double digits seven times — and finished with a 15-6 record. They placed third in the WPIAL and advanced to the state tournament, losing in the first round to state finalist Twin Valley.

“I have high expectations for this year’s team,” coach Laura Peery said. “I’m hoping to build off the momentum we gained last season and continue to build from there. We are a young team with a lot of talent.

“We have amazing youth coaches that have really been working hard to develop some of our talented underclassmen that I am confident will be ready to step up.”

Last year’s squad lost nine senior players to graduation: attackers Isabella Murano, Tia Pethel and Emma Smith; midfielders Kyra Gabriele and Shannon Von Kaenel; defenders Grace (Lizzie) Evans, Maria Helkowski and Hannah Lubert; and goalkeeper Abbey Rose.

One of the team leaders in 2024 is sophomore center midfielder Lucy Roig, who along with Von Kaenel was an All-WPIAL selection in Class 2A a year ago. Von Kaenel and Roig led the Quakers in scoring last season. Roig accounted for 87 goals and 77 draw controls.

“My expectations are high this year,” Roig said. “Although we have lost quite (a few) seniors, our team is still strong and ready to compete. Two expectations I have for our team are that we make it to playoffs and work hard no matter the circumstances.”

Other returning starters/letter winners include seniors Taylor Cupelli, Kendall Foster, a Chatham commit, Sydney Hewitt and sophomores Lily Millet and Mia Floro at attack.

Between them, they accounted for 25 goals and 24 assists last season.

“Taylor plays low attack,” Peery said. “She was out a lot of last season with injuries, but we see good things this year.”

Sophomore Alexa Westwood also is back at the midfield area. Westwood finished with 20 goals and 19 assists a year ago.

A WPIAL qualifier for the QV girls swim team, Westwood is looking forward to a winning season for the Quakers this spring.

“My expectations are to make playoffs and have a winning record in both section and nonsection games,” she said, “as well as improving throughout the season and working well as a group.

“I hope to reach 50 all-time assists and have a positive effect and lead the team both on and off the field.”

Another sophomore, Meredith Fallgren, has switched from defense to a midfield position.

“Meredith’s a solid defender who we moved to midfield this year,” Peery said

Juniors Lily Pulkowski, Ruby Krotine and Grace Wiehe will anchor the Quakers defense.

Krotine placed fifth in WPIAL Class 2A girls diving this past season and 10th in the state, her best finish in her third PIAA meet.

The starting goalkeeper for the Quakers is junior Emily Reiner, who made 181 saves and posted one shutout last season. Her goals-against average was 5.70 with a .571 save percentage.

“Emily is a really strong goalie with over 300 career saves,” Peery said.

Two juniors looking to make an impact in 2024 are Nora Hammond (D/M) and Anna Hanley (A).

Roig (first team), Reiner (second team) and Fallgren (honorable mention) were all-section selections in 2023. Roig was honored to be named All-WPIAL and grateful that her diligence was recognized.

“It was a great season for us because we made it all the way to states,” Roig said. “We worked very hard, and it paid off. We might take a little time to adjust (this season) due to the loss of our seniors, who had a major impact on our success. But in the end, we will be a powerful team.”

Roig was an integral part of the team’s offensive flow in 2023, reaching the scoring column in every game.

“Lucy really understands the game and is able to read what the other team is doing in order to force turnovers and gain possession,” Peery said. “Her strength is her ability to cut and get open in tight places. She does a great job of making quick cuts with her eyes up, reading the goalie and (getting) the open spots.

“She was a big contributor. She opened the scoring in many big games, giving her teammates the confidence to play their game.”

The Quakers compete in Section 2-2A along with Ambridge, Aquinas Academy, Blackhawk, Chartiers Valley, Knoch, Mars, Moon, North Catholic, Seton-La Salle, South Fayette and Trinity.

“I’m excited for section play this year,” said Perry, whose assistants are Kristin Hric and Gretchen Barbera. “Our section is so big, so there are going to be a lot of tough matchups. My girls are driven and want to win, so I think that will take them a long way. I’m looking forward to another exciting lacrosse season.”

Cupelli, Foster, Hewitt, Reiner and Roig are QV’s co-captains. Hewitt and Reiner also are hockey players.

“My personal goals for this season are to reach 100 career goals and to be a leader on and off the field,” Roig said. “I want to make sure my teammates are feeling good and are ready for whatever comes our way.”

QV has won three WPIAL championships in girls lacrosse. The Quakers took the 3A crown in 2015 and won the first two titles in 2A in 2009 and 2010.

Times' Top Performances from last week: April 8-14

Ethan Morrison, Special to the Times

USA TODAY NETWORK

Every Monday, the Beaver County Times will recognize both individual athletes and teams for their impressive performances that took place in the last week of high school sports action. Here are the standout efforts from the week of April 8-14.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Lucy Roig, Quaker Valley

Roig was dominant in the team’s 13-5 win over North Catholic as she netted four goals while recording two assists in the team’s win over the Trojans.