The Almanac: Development keys Lebo's soccer success

Despite returning only three starters from last year's district semifinalist club, Mt. Lebanon has forged a successful soccer campaign.

With their 5-0-1 start in section, not to mention their 8-3-2 overall mark, the Blue Devils promise to be a formidable playoff opponent once the WPIAL tournament commences later this month.

"As guys gain important experience, the team is playing well," noted the Lebo head coach, Ron Wilcher.

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• www.thealmanac.net/alm/sportstory11/10-05-2011-Lebo-soccer-w-pic--amp--2-sidebars (The Almanac)

The Almanac: Lebo's Batteer best of the boys

With two teams capturing WPIAL championships and a handful of individuals garnering all-state honors, 2010 marked another banner season for local soccer clubs. To the victors go the spoils as those successful players dominate this year's Almanac Elite Eleven all-star squad.

Zach Batteer headlines the list. For the second time, the Mt. Lebanon High School senior nabbed MVP honors. He led the area in scoring, registering 28 tallies for the Blue Devils, who reached the district semifinals after graduating 17 seniors from its championship club in 2009. Batteer also dished up 12 assists for Lebo, which finished as Section 4-AAA champions.

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• www.thealmanac.net/alm/sportstory10/12-15-2010-boys-soccer-all-star-story (The Almanac)

Trib: Mt. Lebanon boys, girls get top seeds

The top of the WPIAL boys soccer Class AAA playoff bracket has a familiar look.

After Wednesday's seeding meeting, the Mt. Lebanon boys soccer team was awarded the No. 1 seed in the WPIAL's highest classification for the third season in a row. The Blue Devils are reigning champs in AAA and edged Bethel Park for the Section 4-AAA title. They'll also receive a first-round bye before hosting the Pine-Richland/Franklin Regional winner next Thursday in the quarterfinals.

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• www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_705404.html (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Mt. Lebanon Star Still Striving For Ultimate Goal

Considering how far he has come, it's hard to believe that Zach Batteer scored only one goal his freshman year at Mt. Lebanon.

Since that time, he has attained almost every individual accolade.

In 2009, he scored the game-winning goal in double overtime against Upper St. Clair in the WPIAL Class AAA boys soccer championship game. He was the only boys soccer player in the WPIAL to be named a national All-American. He made a verbal commitment to Stanford in February, and he enters his senior season ranked by ESPNU as the No. 7 player in the country and the top forward in the nation.

Read more: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/highschool/s_695980.html

Junior Batteer Came Up Big For Mt. Lebanon

Mt. Lebanon junior forward Zach Batteer led his team to the WPIAL Class AAA boys soccer championship in the most significant way possible. Batteer scored the winning goal in a 1-0 double overtime victory against Upper St. Clair. It was a free kick from 30 yards.

"It was pretty cool," Batteer said, in massive understatement. For the second consecutive season, Batteer was named all-WPIAL and all-sate, finishing with 23 goals to give him 44 for his career. He also was named a Region II (East) and national All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Read more: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_657555.html

Mt. Lebo Blanks USC In AAA Title Game

Junior forward Zach Batteer scored on a free kick from 30 yards out with 8:37 remaining in the second overtime Saturday night, leading top-seeded Mt. Lebanon (19-1-1) to a 1-0 victory against Upper St. Clair (18-3-2) for the WPIAL Class AAA boys soccer championship at Elizabeth Forward.

The championship is Mt. Lebanon's 10th — the most of any Class AAA school — and its first since 2002.

Link: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/highschool/s_652157.html