The Mount Pleasant Area girls soccer team experienced a banner season, as the Vikings went 21-3-0, reaching both the WPIAL Championship match and the PIAA semifinals.

Because of their tremendous accomplishments, they are recognized as our female Shining Stars Team of the Fall.

The Vikings went unblemished in Class 2A Section 3, posting a mark of 10-0-0, while the lone setback during the regular season came against reigning 4A state champion Moon Area. In the WPIAL Class 2A postseason, Mount Pleasant blasted West Mifflin Area and Freeport Area, and edged South Park to advance to the title game. With gold on the line at Highmark Stadium, however, the Vikings came up just short, falling to Avonworth 2-1.

Undeterred, the Vikings rebounded with a pair of wins in the state bracket, as they bested Bedford and Fort LeBouef. The historic season for the Vikings ended in the state semifinals, as they fell to General McLane.

With third-year head coach Rich Garland leading the way, the Vikings frequently stifled their opposition, allowing just 16 goals in 24 games. Freshman keeper Laurel Rummel was stellar in net, while Marissa Garn, Morgan Gesinski, Riley Gesinski, Rylin Bugosh, and Maggie Piper were All-WPIAL selections.

With the Shining Stars recognition, Mount Pleasant will receive $500 to go towards their booster organization courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a partnership between Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with each receiving funding to help their booster programs.