Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Friday.
SOL Crossover Games
QUAKERTOWN 1, NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0 (OT)
It’s been quite a week for Quakertown field hockey.
The Panthers, after dropping their first four games of the season, won two of three games this week, capping off the week with an overtime win over a previously undefeated Lions’ squad.
“This is just awesome,” Quakertown coach Kate Kemp said. “It’s been a long process with the girls. Unfortunately, they had been in the mentality they were going to get run over in every game.
“This year they flipped a switch, and they were ready to work hard. We watched film yesterday, and everything that we talked about on the film, they executed during the game. To me, I told them I was more proud of them for that than the win itself. To see them take it to the next level and really want to get better.”
Megan Roth – on the post – tipped in a shot during corner play by Kiera Gallagher from the top of the circle for the dramatic game-winner just 1:16 into the overtime.
“Katelyn Landis made an amazing run up the field from our defensive end and drew a corner,” Kemp said of the sequence leading up to Roth’s game-winner. “We give Kiera Gallagher the go-ahead to take a shot at the top of the circle. She sent a hard shot to where Megan Roth was waiting on the post for the tip-in. It was just incredible.”
While neither team could find the cage in regulation, it took no time at all for the Panthers to finish it in OT.
“This was an awesome win for us,” Kemp said. “The girls played an exceptional game for 60-plus minutes. We came out ready to play and controlled the first quarter.
“New Hope-Solebury flipped a switch after the first quarter and came out really strong, but we were able to hold them off. The second half was a lot of back and forth play – just a really exciting game.”
Kylie Lerch was credited with nine saves in goal for the Panthers, earning the shutout win.
The Panthers’ coach lauded the efforts of several players in the win.
“Alex Bevan-Xenelis, who plays center mid, just controls the game,” Kemp said. “Katelyn Landis, a freshman on defense, took the ball from our defensive end all the way down the field, and three or four girls had a breakaway and then drew a corner to set us up (for the game-winner).”
Quakertown’s two wins this week were the Panthers’ first in SOL play since the 2017 season and exceeded their win total of the past two years combined.
“Quakertown played a nice game,” NHS coach Gwen Smith said. “They moved the ball well and supported each other well all over the field.”
Kemp had high praise for the Lions.
“New Hope-Solebury is a great team with some exceptionally skilled players,” the Panthers’ coach said. “We wish them the best of luck the rest of the season.”
Quakertown (2-5, 2-4 SOL) will travel to Springfield Township on Tuesday. New Hope-Solebury (6-1, 5-1) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Tuesday.
New Hope-Solebury 0-0-0-0-0 0
Quakertown 0-0-0-0-1 1
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 4, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 1
In a battle of two traditionally strong programs, it was the Patriots – after falling behind 1-0 early – reeling off four unanswered goals to earn the crossover win.
“The team did a great job with passing today and controlling the pace of the game,” East coach Emma Rosenthal said. “Council Rock South’s defense did a great job defending our corners, but credit to the entire team for continuing to work together and not give up.
“Getting two goals in the second quarter was key for us to go into halftime up by one, and then keeping that momentum through the rest of the game.”
The Golden Hawks took an early 1-0 lead when Amanda Green scored off the post after a direct shot by Kerry Kaufman during corner play with 9:04 remaining in the opening quarter. The Patriots didn’t flinch, knotting the score five minutes into the second quarter on a goal by Allison Troth.
“Score-wise, we fell behind, but we controlled the game right off the bat,” Rosenthal said. “They had one breakaway, they had a corner, and they had one shot and a goal.”
Olivia Nolan’s unassisted goal with 1:15 remaining in the second quarter sent the Patriots into halftime with a 2-1 advantage. That lead grew to 3-1 when Caroline Suko scored less than a minute into the second half. Paige Hussie put the finishing touches on the big win, scoring three minutes into the fourth quarter for the 4-1 final.
“Today was an awesome win, coming off our overtime win over North Penn,” Rosenthal said. “Every single game we build on the last game. The passing was there, the teamwork was there.
“Paige Hussie, in particular, had a standout game today on both offense and defense. Her stickwork in the midfield was impeccable, and she was an absolute brick wall, stopping breakaways in the midfield – Council Rock South couldn’t get through her, and Paige was able to get some things done on attack as well.
“Caroline Suko has been having some really good games lately, and Sophia Parker in the midfield was excellent as well.”
The Patriots held an advantage in shots (32-10) and corners (22-5).
“We fought hard today,” Rock South coach Colette Paprocki said. “Despite the score, I have to credit our defenders – Megan Rafter, Kasey Knapp, Clare Neville and Emma Franchini. They did a nice job of staying organized and being on their marks.
“Our goalie, Peyton Wright, had a lot of nice saves. We learned a lot from today’s game and are looking to come out stronger tomorrow in our game against Neshaminy.”
Central Bucks East (4-2 SOL) will host perennial state power Emmaus in a non-league game Monday, and Council Rock South (5-2, 5-1) will travel to Neshaminy on Saturday for a key division battle at 9 a.m.
Central Bucks East 0-2-1-1 4
Council Rock South 1-0-0-0 1
NESHAMINY 3, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 1
Back-to-back goals by Kasey Rieger spotted the Redskins a 2-0 lead, and they went on to defeat the visiting Bucks 3-1.
“Today was a total team effort, I couldn’t be more proud of how hard the girls played,” Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto said. “Every player that stepped on the field today contributed to the win. From the start of the game until the end, the girls played hard and together— they supported each other up and down the field, played solid and composed defense and were aggressive in the circle.”
Neither team scored in the opening quarter, and it was Rieger turning a pass from Olivia Roscoe into a goal just over three minutes into the second quarter. The Redskins took that 1-0 lead into halftime.
With 6:32 remaining in the third quarter, Rieger connected on an unassisted goal to put the Redskins on top 2-0. West’s Lily Cosner scored with an assist from Nina Mayro with three minutes remaining in regulation, breaking up the Redskins’ shutout bid, but Ava Arbakov got that goal back, scoring with assists from Avery McGinty and Jackie Oseredzuk for the 3-1 final.
“We were able to control the center of the field today, starting in the back with goalie Riley Wert and defender Michelle Baradziej, who stepped to the ball well,” Pinto said. “Megan Hollenbaugh and Colette Schardt were aggressive and stepped to the ball in the center, creating scoring opportunities. Mia Martin, Olivia Roscoe, and Avery McGinty played well and did a nice job attacking and sending the ball forward.
“Forwards Kasey Rieger and Ava Arbakov did a great job working together and applying pressure in the circle. We have continued to improve with every game and practice— the way we played today is how we need to play every game, hustling, stepping to the ball, and playing together as a team.”
Despite the outcome, West coach Dave DeAngelis was pleased with his team’s effort.
“It was a very hard-played match,” the Bucks’ coach said. “There’s a certain competitive advantage playing this game away, and I was pleased with how we responded. We’re proud of our team and the direction and competitive spirit they showed these last couple of games.
“We had multiple corner opportunities and finally put one away late in the fourth quarter by Lily Cosner. Unfortunately, Neshaminy countered with a goal of their own.”
Neshaminy (5-1 SOL) will host Council Rock South in an important division contest on Saturday at 9 a.m. Central Bucks West (1-5) will host Council Rock South on Tuesday.
Central Bucks West 0-0-0-1 1
Neshaminy 0-1-1-1 3
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 6, BENSALEM 0
Erin Smith had a hand in four goals to lead the Titans to the convincing win, scoring twice and assisting on a pair.
Megan Reilly (Smith assist) opened the scoring with a tipped ball into the cage, and then it was Julia Cooper scoring back-to-back goals – the second with an assist from Anna Shirley.
“Julia Cooper scored on a rocket shot on a corner hit and scored another on a well-placed shot to the corner of the cage,” South coach Pat Toner said.
Smith followed Cooper’s lead and scored back-to-back goals – the first unassisted and the second with a Bella Schute assist. Grace Haag closed out the scoring, benefitting from a Smith assist.
“Erin Smith had an excellent offensive performance,” Toner said. “ Ella Hyde, Rachel Madden, Styler Gannon and Kailey Sarrasin also contributed to the win.
“Bensalem goalkeeper Emily McGivern (37 saves) did a nice job of turning away a barrage of shots while CB South’s goalkeeper, Emma Kraft faced only one shot.”
Central Bucks South (4-2 SOL) will travel to Council Rock North on Tuesday, and Bensalem (1-5) will host Central Bucks East on Tuesday.
SOUDERTON 2, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0
Souderton scored a pair of third quarter goals and remained perfect in the SOL, earning a shutout win over the visiting Indians.
“We were really strong on our defensive end and moved the ball well,” Souderton coach Sue Casciato said. ”But we continue to struggle finishing on offense and converting on corners.
“We’re happy to get the win, but we know we still have some work to do.”
The two teams went into halftime deadlocked 0-0, but 30 seconds into the third quarter Lauren Kenah scored an unassisted goal that turned out to be the game-winner. Midway through the quarter, Reiley Knize scored with an Ava Jones assist for a 2-0 score that held until the final whistle.
The host Indians held a decisive advantage in shots (20-0) and corners (15-0).
Souderton (7-1, 6-0 SOL) will travel to Pennsbury on Thursday, and Council Rock North (3-5, 2-4) will host Central Bucks South on Tuesday
Council Rock North 0-0-0-0 0
Souderton 0-0-2-0 2
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 2, UPPER DUBLIN 1 (OT)
Hailey Lesniak turned a pass from Annie Coll into a goal that propelled the Spartans to the thrilling overtime win.
“Upper Dublin controlled the early parts of overtime, but our goalie, Erin Roy, played a tremendous game with many great stops,” Springfield coach Anita Stum said. Our defense anchored by Hailey Lesniak, Abby Congdon and Emily Jackson all played solid games.
“We had two great defensive saves by Abby Congdon and Annie Coll in overtime, which provided us the opportunity to win.”
The Spartans took a 1-0 lead on a first quarter goal by Coll.
“Annie scored on a corner and was assisted by Hailey Lesniak at the top of the key,” Stum said.
The Cardinals knotted the score in the third quarter, setting the stage for the exciting OT.
“The game was back and forth through regulation,” Stum said. “Our front line of Norah Conlin, Emma Yoder and Anna Joblokov kept pressure on Upper Dublin’s defense during regulation.
“Upper Dublin battled back after going down 1-0 to tie the game up and played extremely hard.”
Roy was credited with nine saves in goal in the win. The Flying Cardinals held a 6-5 edge in shots while the Spartans had a 9-5 advantage in corners.
Springfield Township (6-1 SOL) will travel to Dock Mennonite Academy for a non-league game Monday, and Upper Dublin (2-4) will travel to William Tennent on Tuesday.
Upper Dublin 0-0-1-0-0 1
Springfield Twp 1-0-0-0-1 2
UPPER MORELAND 1, HATBORO-HORSHAM 0
Anna Duncan scored an unassisted goal as time expired in the opening quarter, and the Golden Bears made that 1-0 lead hold the rest of the way.
“We were able to walk away with a win, but we did not capitalize on our opportunities,” UM coach Marissa Elizardo said. “We spent most of the game in our attacking end but took few shots.
“We did a great job moving the ball and switching the field but did not take advantage of our opportunities in the attacking end.”
UM goalie Emma Hurley was forced to make just one save in the shutout. The Golden Bears held an 8-0 advantage in corners.
“Mallory Seider and Ava Bailey both played great today,” Elizardo said. “We will continue to work on converting on corners and making the most of our opportunities in the attacking end.”
Upper Moreland (3-6, 2-5 SOL) will travel to Wissahickon on Tuesday, and Hatboro-Horsham (0-7, 0-6) will host Lower Moreland on Tuesday.
Hatboro-Horsham 0-0-0-0 0
Upper Moreland 1-0-0-0 1
PENNRIDGE 6, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
The Rams received goals from six different players on their way to the shutout win. Lindsey Campione was a catalyst on offense, scoring once and assisting on three other goals.
Campione opened the scoring with an unassisted goal and then assisted on the next two as the Rams took a 3-0 lead after one quarter. Kaelyn Casper and Hannah Capo each scored a goal in the opening frame, both benefitting from Campione assists.
In the second quarter, Leah Verespy turned a Payton Muth pass into her first varsity goal that sent the Rams into halftime with a 4-0 lead. That lead stood until the fourth quarter when Muth connected on an unassisted goal, and then Summer McLean scored her first varsity goal, this one with Campione’s third assist of the game.
Truman goalkeeper Semajaha Robinson was credited with 15 saves.
Maia Machado and Molly Bross combined for the shutout for the Rams.
Pennridge (3-5, 2-4 SOL) will host Pennsbury on Tuesday at 7 p.m., and Harry S Truman (0-6) will host Central Bucks South on Thursday.
Harry S Truman 0-0-0-0 0
Pennridge 3-1-0-2 6
WISSAHICKON 8, WILLIAM TENNENT 0
Thursday, Sept. 23
SOUDERTON 3, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0
The Indians opened up a 2-0 lead after one quarter and never looked back on their way to the shutout win.
Ang Borisow scored just over three minutes into the game, and with a minute remaining in the opening quarter, Lauren Kenah found the cage. Reiley Knize scored midway through the fourth quarter, using a Kenah assist for the 3-0 final.
“Souderton played a complete game and showed a lot of skill throughout their team,” West coach Dave DeAngelis said. “They have several student-athletes that stepped up and controlled play.
“We were pleased with our team’s heart and effort throughout the match today. We created multiple offensive opportunities but (were) just not able to finish. Our defense battled. We must learn to protect the ball and not provide as many easy transitional turnovers on our side of the fifty.”
Souderton coach Sue Casciato lauded the defensive effort of her sophomore sweeper in the win.
“Props to Ashley Paturzo,” the Indians’ coach said. “She’s been solid all season and played another great game against West.”
Souderton 2-0-0-1 3
Central Bucks West 0-0-0-0 0
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