GIBSONIA, PA | The Aquinas Academy boys and girls soccer programs wrapped up successful fall seasons, with both teams earning spots in the WPIAL Class A playoff bracket. The boys earned the No. 7 seed following a strong regular season, while the girls finished third in Section 3 and earned their own postseason berth. Both programs also received strong contributions from younger players who will be returning next fall. BOYS SOCCER EARNS NO. 7 SEED Under head coach Mat Anselmino, the Aquinas boys soccer team put together a strong 2026 campaign, earning a spot among the top five teams in the Trib HSSN Class A rankings during September. The Crusaders recorded several notable results, including a 3-1 road victory over Freedom Area, a 5-1 win against Bishop Canevin, and a 10-0 victory over St. Joseph. Aquinas also battled to scoreless draws against Neshannock and Eden Christian Academy. Lorenzo Anselmino led the Crusaders offensively with 10 goals on the season. Junior goalkeeper Oggie Pribich was another standout, delivering excellent performances in net throughout the fall. Pribich's play was a major part of the team's success, particularly in several closely contested matches against strong WPIAL opponents. Aquinas earned the No. 7 seed in the WPIAL Class A playoffs and was scheduled to face Trinity Christian in the opening round. Unfortunately, the Crusaders never got the opportunity to take the field. A PIAA ruling retroactively enforced a forfeiture of the team's October 20 match, removing Aquinas from the postseason. The school appealed the decision, but the appeal was unsuccessful. The ruling brought a disappointing end to a season in which the Crusaders had worked their way into the playoff bracket. Seniors John Dolan, Liam Kelch, and Rocco Fischer helped lead Aquinas throughout the season. While their high school soccer careers ended under difficult circumstances, their contributions to the program went well beyond the final results. With several experienced players returning, including Pribich in goal, Coach Anselmino will look to build on this season's success in 2027. GIRLS SOCCER FINISHES THIRD IN SECTION, EARNS PLAYOFF BERTH The Aquinas girls soccer team entered the season with a young roster and limited depth, but head coach Matt Stalder's Crusaders found a way to earn another WPIAL playoff appearance. Aquinas finished third in Section 3 behind Winchester Thurston and Carlynton, securing the No. 12 seed in the Class A postseason. The Crusaders were led offensively by sophomore Gabby Keverline, who finished with a team-high 10 goals. Freshman Adeline Phelps followed with seven goals, while sophomore Mary Grace Dolan added six. Freshman Reese Dippold led the team in assists with five. Much of the team's offense came from freshmen and sophomores, giving Aquinas a promising group of returning players for next season. The Crusaders also received strong play from senior defender Lucy Keverline and junior midfielder Macy Thiel. Both players were selected to the WPIAL Section 3 All-Section Team in recognition of their performances throughout the season. Keverline anchored the Aquinas defense and provided leadership as a senior captain, while Thiel was an important presence in the midfield and served as a team captain. Freshman goalkeeper Bella Rossi and senior Aurora Predis also contributed in goal throughout the season. Aquinas picked up several important section victories, including a 6-1 win over Serra Catholic on September 14, a pair of 2-0 shutouts against Ellis School, and two wins over Bishop Canevin by scores of 6-1 and 5-0. The Crusaders also battled Serra Catholic to a 3-3 draw on October 5. In the opening round of the WPIAL playoffs, Aquinas faced No. 5 Bentworth, the defending Class A champion, at Peters Township Middle School. The Crusaders' season came to an end with a 5-0 loss. Despite the playoff defeat, Aquinas finished the season with another postseason appearance, two All-Section selections, and considerable varsity experience for a young roster. LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027 Both Aquinas soccer programs have reasons to be optimistic heading into next fall. The boys will return several players from a team that earned the No. 7 playoff seed, including junior goalkeeper Oggie Pribich. The girls will bring back their top three goal scorers, their leading assist provider, and All-Section midfielder Macy Thiel. That returning experience should give Coach Stalder a strong group to work with next season. Aquinas Academy also recognizes the graduating seniors who helped lead both programs this fall, including John Dolan, Liam Kelch, and Rocco Fischer on the boys team, along with Lucy Keverline and Aurora Predis on the girls team. Congratulations to head coaches Mat Anselmino and Matt Stalder, their coaching staffs, and all the student-athletes on successful 2026 soccer seasons. -------- Follow Aquinas Athletics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquinascrusaders/ Follow Aquinas Athletics on X: https://x.com/AquinasAD For the latest Aquinas Academy Athletics news, schedules, results and more, visit: https://aquinascrusaders.org/ #GoAquinas #AquinasAthletics