Check out the results for SOL field hockey teams in action Tuesday. CR South/Neshaminy photo provided courtesy of John Gleeson. The Pennsbury/Truman photo provided courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography. Check back for a complete gallery of both games.
National Conference
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 2, NESHAMINY 1 (OT)
So much was at stake for both sides when Rock South travelled to Neshaminy on Tuesday. The Golden Hawks – who edged the ‘Skins 2-1 in the initial meeting – held a one-game lead over the defending champions in the conference standings.
“We played them earlier this season,” South coach Lisa Belz said. “They have some strong players, they’re well coached, and we know they’re always going to play hard, especially when we play them the last game of the season every year and this one even more.
“Going into it, we had to win or tie to have the sole league championship. If they had won, we would have been tied. There was a lot on the line today.”
Both teams left it all on the field, and in the end, it came down to a penalty corner and Caroline McGovern writing a script that bordered on magical when she turned the insert pass from Tori Wright into the game winner, firing a rocket into cage from the top of the circle with 5:34 remaining in OT to propel the Golden Hawks to the win and sole possession of the conference title.
The goal – appropriately – was number 100 of a stellar career for McGovern.
“About midway through the season, we knew she was potentially going to get her 100th goal, and we were hoping it would be in a big game,” Belz said. “I’m just thrilled for her that it could be a game winner for the league championship. It makes it that much more fun for her.”
The goal was the second of the game for McGovern whose goal during Rock South’s seventh corner of the second half – also with a Wright assist – knotted the score at 1-1 with 15:53 remaining in regulation.
“I knew before the game I was two away, but I didn’t even think about it during the game,” McGovern said. “League champs was the first thing that was on my mind.”
The Redskins had the upper hand early, taking a 1-0 lead when Kayla Connelly turned a Mia Sexton pass into a goal with 7:01 remaining in the first half.
After the Golden Hawks knotted the score, the Redskins closed out the second half with four straight corners of their own. They also drew three in overtime and came close to scoring on several occasions but couldn’t find the cage.
“We had our opportunities,” Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto said. “I can’t fault the girls for trying. We played hard. We just didn’t finish when we had the opportunity, and they did, and that’s the game.
“We were so close. We’ll be working on that tomorrow.”
The Golden Hawks had just one corner in the first half before drawing nine in the second half and four more in OT.
“As usual when we play away on a grass field, it takes us some time to settle in,” Belz said. “It happened last week against Pennsbury, and it happened a little bit today.
“We were just having a hard time connecting. We had to change up our normal game we usually play – which is small passing – because the small passes didn’t work in the grass. We just had to move the ball a little quicker.
“They came out hard (after halftime),” Pinto said. “We knew they would come out hard.
“During halftime, our plan was to score another goal, and that didn’t happen. They had I don’t know how many corners in a row – it seemed like a hundred. We worked hard, our defense was playing well.”
Council Rock South (15-2, 12-0 SOL) will close out its regular season with a non-league game at Pennridge on Wednesday. Neshaminy (12-5, 9-2) will finish its regular season at Bensalem on Thursday.
“We still have another league game left, so we’re going to work on things we need to carry over into districts,” Pinto said. “The girls were upset that we didn’t win today, but we have to move on, take the positives from this game because we have a whole another season starting in districts. We’re just going to keep on working.”
Council Rock South 0-1-1 2
Neshaminy 1-0-0 1
PENNSBURY 8, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
Kate Chesney connected for the hat trick, benefitting from assists from Olivia Maura. Nell Webber added a pair of goals while Maura, Samie Hackman and Maya Geller each contributed a single goal.
The Falcons, who got off to a slow start, led 2-0 at halftime but exploded for six second-half goals.
Pennsbury closed out its regular season with a 9-8-1 record. The Falcons – who were 6-6 in conference play –were seeded 23rd in the most recent power rankings. Harry S Truman (2-13-1, 1-10-1) will close its season with a non-league home game against Bristol on Friday.
Pennsbury 2-4 6
Harry S Truman 0-0 0
Continental Conference
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0
The Titans honored their team’s six seniors prior to Tuesday’s game, but it was the Patriots doing most of the celebrating as they put an exclamation point on their SOL Continental Conference championship – the program’s first since 2002 – with a shutout win over their neighboring rivals in their SOL finale.
“Our team is really connected this year,” senior Sarah Sheehy said. “We’re extremely close. We all pass to each other, and we know where each other are. Everything is connected, and it’s just working.”
“We all – for the most part – really try to have positive attitudes,” senior Abbey Butler added. “I think that’s really a good environment for everyone.
“Once one person starts to become negative, everyone goes downhill. Everyone tries to pick each other up, and we’re all really close.”
Both seniors credited the Titans for making things tough in Tuesday’s win.
“They’re a strong team,” Butler said.
“Very,” added Sheehy.
The Patriots came out strong and controlled play but didn’t cash in until their fifth corner with 7:03 remaining in the first half. South goalie Francine Richick turned away the initial shot, but Cailey Lever was there for the follow, finding the cage with a goal that sent the Patriots into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
“It does get frustrating when we don’t score, but our coach always tells us to settle down,” Butler said. “I think if we didn’t play that hard team yesterday (Cardinal O’Hara), maybe the score today would have been different. Playing those hard teams is the best type of practice.
“I wasn’t even upset with our play yesterday (in a 2-1 loss). In all honesty, I thought we played amazing. Cardinal O’Hara is 14-0. I’m happy with our play.”
The Patriots went on top 2-0 six-and-a-half minutes into the second half when Riley Donnelly (Butler assist) took it in for the score. That score stood the rest of the way.
Tuesday’s Senior Night celebration was the third the Patriots have been part of this season.
“The first Senior Night was before the Senior Night at Tennent, and I was standing there in front of everyone, all these younger girls, and it’s surreal,” Butler said. “It’s exciting, but it’s also sad.”
The Patriots – seeded fifth in the most recent district power rankings – are assured a high seed in the upcoming tournament while the Titans, seeded 21st, are in a position to land a postseason berth as well. A remarkable feat for a program that won all of three games last season.
“We tried to set some goals for ourselves this year,” coach Pat Toner said. “I knew that there was a lot of teaching that needed to occur.
“(Assistant coach) Meg (Hutchinson) and I worked really hard on trying to change the culture, turn them into a team and get them to believe in themselves. They still struggle at times to believe in themselves.
“When we’re playing teams that have phenomenal skills like East does – we’re in a pretty tough league. If you look at the top 10 in District One (6A), three of them are in our own Continental Conference, and they’re excellent teams.
“Our goal is to be able to win the games we’re capable of winning, and I feel like we did that. I’m really proud of them. The fact that they’re frustrated right now shows me that they do care and they have turned into a team.”
East held an 18-3 advantage in shots and 10-1 edge in corners.
Richick turned away nine shots, and senior Ashley Arcangelo had three saves for South. East’s Sydney Richter was forced to make just one save in the shutout.
“Their goalie, Francine Richick, was getting peppered, and she did really well,” East coach Michelle Finegan said. “I felt the biggest thing tonight was our passing – we weren’t hitting the ball aimlessly. We were hitting to people on our team.
“I thought they hustled, and I thought they fought. It was a good game.”
The Patriots’ coach lauded the strong play of Butler, Sheehy, Donnelly and Reilly Finegan as well as South’s Lauren Dougherty, Casey Reilly and Megan Weeks.
Central Bucks East (13-4, 11-1 SOL) will close out its regular season with a non-league game at Methacton on Saturday at noon. Central Bucks South (8-7-1, 5-7) will host Conestoga on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Central Bucks East 1-1 2
Central Bucks South 0-0 0
NORTH PENN 8, PENNRIDGE 4
Bri O’Donnell contributed three goals and three assists in a dazzling offensive showing to lead the Knights to the win in their SOL finale Wednesday night.
O’Donnell wasted little time before getting started, scoring at the 27:29 mark. That 1-0 lead stood until Mikayla Barrow turned an Emily Crawford pass into a goal 11 minutes later. The Rams got on the scoreboard when Caitlyn Amsden found the cage at the 13:48 mark with an assist from Sydney Borneman. Just over a minute later, Madison Stotler (O’Donnell assist) and O’Donnell scored back-to-back goals in a 27-second span to put the Knights on top 4-1 heading into halftime.
O’Donnell converted a penalty stroke to open the second half, and then it was Barrow (O’Donnell assist) scoring her second goal at the 24:34 mark. Tori Bickel – with assists from Amber Blackshear and O’Donnell – scored on a penalty corner, and four minutes later, Bickel tacked on her second goal, this one with a Crawford assist to put the Knights on top 8-1. The Rams closed out the game with a mini-tear, scoring three unanswered goals. First it was Macy Price scoring on a rebound, and then senior Kellie Drugotch scored with an Abby Bruzas assist. Broneman connected on her second goal with two seconds remaining, using a Drugotch assist.
“It was a rough day for us, but there were a few positives,” Pennridge coach Becky Spahr said. “I was proud of the team for never giving up and for finishing the game strong.
“During both halves, North Penn took advantage of us in the circle and finished their offensive opportunities too easily.”
The Rams’ coach had high praise for one of her senior leaders.
“As always, I was impressed with Kellie Drugotch,” Spahr said. “Regardless of the score, she led her team with intensity and never gave up, scoring with 5:40 seconds left in the game and then dribbling through North Penn’s defense to assist Borneman from the baseline with two seconds left in regulation.”
The Knights held a 23-17 advantage in shots while Pennridge had a 13-11 edge in corners.
North Penn goalie Brynne Schoppe was credited with 12 saves while Anissa Gardizy had one. Pennridge goalie Mackenzie Bross had 15 saves.
North Penn (11-6, 9-3 SOL) – seeded 10th in the latest power rankings – will travel to Hatboro-Horsham for a non-league game on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Pennridge (5-12, 2-10) will close out its season with a non-league game at home against Council Rock South on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
North Penn 4-4 8
Pennridge 1-3 4
American Conference
UPPER MORELAND 2, UPPER DUBLIN 1 (OT)
The Golden Bears found themselves in a precarious position in the latest Class 5A district power rankings, occupying the 20th and final spot in what will be a 20-team field. Tuesday’s scintillating Senior Day overtime win over second place Upper Dublin should go a long way toward solidifying the Bears’ spot in the postseason.
“Yesterday we had a discussion with the team about the importance of playing hard and getting wins this week, so that we could remain in the running for a playoff spot,” UM coach Karen Grossi said. “In the end, I was extremely happy that the girls came out ready to play, concentrating more on the game at hand and less on the upcoming senior day celebration.”
Molly Lunney (Jess Grodsky assist) found the cage to give the Flying Cardinals a 1-0 lead with 19:57 remaining in the first half. That, however, would be their last hurrah.
With 4:13 remaining in the half, Madison Casey connected on the equalizer, benefitting from a Jess Flanagan assist. That 1-1 tie held until the 9:05 mark of overtime when Flanagan set up the game winner by Maddie Mull.
“Jess Flanagan and Noelle Woodman both did an excellent job offensively,” Grossi said. “Working both together and separately, they worked the ball down the field into the scoring circle.
“Jess (Flanagan) chased every ball, attempting to stop it from going out of bounds. Her first assist was a result of her chasing the ball and saving it inches before the end line at which point she sent it across cage to the ever-ready Madison Casey.
“Midfielder, Maddie Mull played her best game of the season. She did a nice job of cutting onto the ball, making smart, strong passes, and sending the ball into the circle. Her game-winning goal was beautiful – she received the ball from Jess and immediately sent it towards cage with a strong push pass. We're constantly working with Maddie on not making unnecessary touches or pulls; she picked the perfect time to show the coaches she's been listening to our advice.
Grossi also credited her defense in the shutout win.
“Once again, defensive midfielder Kylee Bowman did a great job cutting to the ball and starting UM's transition to attack,” the UM coach said. “Kylee's play helped elevate the play of her teammates. Emily Keene and Becca Miekley were both a presence in the defensive end, with good block tackles and hard hits.”
Both team had five corners. Upper Dublin had five shots while Upper Moreland had six, underscoring just how evenly-matched Tuesday’s game was.
“Both teams had their fair share of wide shots, and much of the game was played between the 25s,” Grossi said. “Upper Dublin did a great job passing and double- and triple-teaming the girl with the ball. UD's Shannon Reape and Alex Thompson both did a nice job in the midfield and on defense.”
Upper Dublin (11-5-1, 11-3 SOL) – the 16th seed in the latest power rankings – will close out its regular season Wednesday when the Flying Cardinals will host Germantown Academy in a non-league game. Upper Moreland (7-9, 7-7) will host Radnor in a non-league contest on Thursday.
Upper Dublin 1-0-0 1
Upper Moreland 1-0-1 2
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 7, QUAKERTOWN 0
The Colonials closed out a perfect American Conference season with a convincing Senior Night win over the Panthers.
“Tonight was a great team win for PW as we celebrated the accomplishments and dedication of our seniors – Kerin Bechtel, Kolby Bechtel, Amanda Colton, Sami Mangine, Frankie O’Brien and Emma Truong,” coach Charise Halteman said.
O’Brien led the Colonials with the hat trick while Bechtel – who scored the game’s first goal, Julia Fiddler, Michelle McGrath and Gia Schweitzer each added single goals.
“Junior Sophie Kolkka and sophomore Sam Spera played outstanding throughout the game, keeping PW in the attacking end of the field,” Halteman said.
On the other side of the field, coach Diane Molinaro credited the play of her team in its season finale.
“I am extremely proud of how hard our girls fought the entire 60 minutes and executed the game plan,” the Panthers’ coach said. “Going into our last game of the season, knowing we did not make postseason, we wanted to come out and play to the best of our ability.
“We succeeded in many ways with every single player making a significant contribution. Our defense held strong due to the efforts of our goalies, Morgan Craighead and Amanda Tuley. Our defense led by senior Sydney Fondl and Melanie Olivieri and supported by Maddie Haley and Mackenzie Hadfield, who prevented many scoring threats by PW and only gave up six corners.
“Our midfielders, led by seniors Anna Thompson and Julia Ely, took control of the play and successfully transitioned the ball into the attack. Our forwards, Brianna Nadal, Becca Musselman, Adriana Alexander and Laura MacIntyre, were relentless in pressing and forcing turnovers.
“Lastly, our freshmen, Makenzie Adamson and Halle Frederick, held their own and forced many turnovers. PW is a talented team with many skilled players. We with them the best in the postseason.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh – seeded seventh in the latest rankings – closed out its regular season with a 16-1-1 record (14-0 SOL). Quakertown finished its season with a 3-15 mark (2-12 SOL).
Quakertown 0-0 0
Plymouth Whitemarsh 3-4 7
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 2, WISSAHICKON 1
The Spartans saved their best for last, turning in their strongest performance of the season in a hard-fought Senior Day win over the visiting Trojans.
“This was a super win,” coach Linda Nixon said. “Springfield finally played two halves of a hockey game.
“It was Senior Day, and the kids just played really well overall. They just played a nice hockey game on our grass field. We played pretty well in other games. Even when we played Methacton, we had one half we played really well, but we haven’t had two halves. Our kids just played today. I was just standing there saying, ‘Wow, we’ve been waiting for this all year.’ I was very proud of them.”
The Spartans took a 1-0 lead heading into halftime, thanks to a goal by Hannah Grouthusen (Madison Baer assist) with 2:11 remaining.
The two teams exchanged goals in the second half with Victoria Ebner scoring the game winner for the Spartans with 24:20 remaining, using an Ellie Hamilton assist.
Anna Blackney (Sam Pak assist) found the cage to put the Trojans on the scoreboard.
“Springfield played a terrific game today,” Trojans coach Leah Angstadt said. “We had trouble outletting the ball against them. They were able to trap and intercept everything.”
Izzy Boles turned away 10 shots in a strong effort for the Spartans in goal.
“We played almost half our season without our starting goalie,” Nixon said of Boles. “She sprained her ankle and then sprained it again.
“Our schedule was so packed this year, and if you were out for a week, you could miss four or five games. It was crazy. She did a nice job today.”
The Spartans’ coach lauded the efforts of several players in the win.
“I though Madison Baer played really well,” Nixon said. “Victoria Epner really played a nice, nice game. Hannah Grouthusen and Caira Cox both had nice games.”
Wissahickon goalie Wumi Popoola was credited with four saves.
Wissahickon closed out its regular season with an 11-7 mark (9-5 SOL). The Trojans were seeded 24th in the most recent power rankings with 24 teams advancing to the postseason in Class 3A.
“We struggled today, and it was a tough loss,” Angstadt said. “We needed a win to help our power ranking, so now we are hoping we still have a chance to make districts.”
Springfield (7-11, 7-7) found itself on the outside looking in, the eighth seeded team in what will be a seven-team Class A field, and the Spartans will find out on Thursday if Tuesday’s win is enough to vault them into the tournament.
Wissahickon 0-1 1
Springfield 1-1 2
HATBORO-HORSHAM 10, CHELTENHAM 0
The Hatters were on fire offensively, racing out of the gate to a 4-0 lead on their way to the big win. They received scoring from eight different players.
“We moved the ball with quick transition up the field,” coach Laura Swezey said.
Lizzy Theurer put the Hatters on the board at the 25:21 mark, and just over eight minutes later, Mariella Spiezio connected, using a Gabby Acker assist. A goal by Priscilla Yoo midway through the half put the Hatters on top 3-0, and Mia Hallowell’s goal with three second remaining (Yoo assist) made it a 4-0 game at the half.
Theruer got things started in the second half with a goal during corner play at the 27:33 mark (Gabby Acker assist). Brenna Reilly scored with an Acker assist during a corner, and then it was Kait Wallace and Acker scoring unassisted goals during corner play. Spiezio and Paige Mullen (Angelina Spiezio assist) scored in the final minutes of the game to put the Hatters on top by their final margin of victory.
The Hatters held decided advantage in shots (32-6) and corners (12-5).
Hatboro-Horsham (6-11, 6-8 SOL) will close out its season on Wednesday with a Senior Night home game against North Penn at 7 p.m. Cheltenham (0-16, 0-14) will host Upper Merion in a non-league game on Thursday.
Cheltenham 0-0 0
Hatboro-Horsham 4-6 10
Non-league
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 4, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 1
The Bucks closed out their regular season with a non-league win at Rock North.
Despite dominating play in the first half, the Bucks – who held a 9-3 advantage in corners – took just a 1-0 lead into halftime. Senior Bryn Boylan accounted for her team’s lone goal.
“Bryn had to work through a very crowded circle to create space and find the cage,” coach Courtney Lepping said.
At the 21:54 mark of the second half, Kaci Murray tipped a shot by Taylor Mason into the cage, giving the Bucks a 2-0 lead. Nineteen minutes into the half, Eva Altadonna scored on a beautiful deflection across the cage off the stick of Ryan Murray. The final West goal was scored by Kaci Murray after a strong individual effort by Cadera Smith on a penalty corner that, according to Lepping, resulted in chaos in front of the cage with 9:12 remaining.
The Indians broke up the Bucks’ shutout bid with 55 seconds remaining when they scored on their only penalty corner of the half.
Central Bucks West – ranked sixth in the latest district power rankings – closed out the regular season with a 14-3-1 record (9-2-1 SOL) and will await the results of Thursday’s seeding meeting. Council Rock North – 19th in the latest rankings – closed out the regular season with a 9-9 record (8-4 SOL).
Central Bucks West 1-3 4
Council Rock North 0-1 1
Monday, Oct. 17
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 11, WILLIAM TENNENT 0
Seniors Bryn Boylan and Cadera Smith celebrated Senior Night by netting hat tricks. Senior Ryan Murray also found the cage in the first half. Also contributing goals were Taylor Mason with a pair of goals and Eva Altadonna and Olivia Fitzgerald with single goals. For Fitzgerald, it was the first of her career.
William Tennent 0-0 0
Centra Bucks West 7-4 11
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 6, CHELTENHAM 0
Ellie Hamilton connected for the hat trick while teammates Victoria Ebner, Mason deLarso and Madison Baer each added single goals.
The Spartans took 29 shots and drew 12 penalty corners.
CARDINAL O’HARA 2, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 1
In an evenly played game, it was an undefeated O'Hara squad edging the Patriots in non-league play on Monday. Both teams had 16 shots on goal with O'Hara holding a 9-8 edge in corners.
"All the scoring took place in the first half with O'Hara taking a 2-1 lead," coach Michelle Finegan said. "The game was close the entire time, and I was very proud of the CB East team with their hustle and fight for the bal.
"Sarah Sheehy and Isobel Mannino stepped it up in the backfield, stopping many O'Hara attacks. Sydney Richter did well in the cage with some great saves and strong clears."
Goalies from both sides recorded 10 saves. Mackenzie Boyle had a pair of defensive saves.
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