Eight SOL field hockey teams will be in action Monday when the District One Tournament begins. Three more will see action on Tuesday. Check back for a recap of all the action.
Panthers end playoff drought with remarkable turnaround
‘Team first’
Those two words – the motto for this year’s Quakertown field hockey team – were emblazoned in bold letters on the front of the squad’s travel shirts.
Coach Kate Kemp didn’t just give her players a motto, she turned it into practical advice.
“Whatever you do on the field, whatever you do off the field, in the community and in the classroom, it all has to be putting your team first,” Kemp said. “We said, ‘You might wake up some morning in the summer and say, ‘I don’t feel like running today,’ but is that going to be best for the team?
“That’s what we were trying to get them to think – what’s going to be best for us, not me as an individual but us as a whole. What’s going to get us to that next level?”
The Panthers’ coach knows that while catch phrases and mottos are great, they don’t win games, but the players took that theme to heart.
“All of the seniors this year came together and pulled everyone in as a team that I feel like we didn’t have years before,” senior Kylie Lerch said. “We really do a lot more team bonding, which helps a lot. We trust each other more, and the team bonding has helped so much.”
Team bonding was the beginning of a remarkable turnaround for the Panthers, and after compiling a league record of 0-33-1 the past three years (4-41-1 overall), Quakertown was 9-8-1 overall and 8-7-1 in the SOL Liberty Division, good enough to earn a berth in the District One 3A Tournament for the first time since 2014 when the Panthers broke a streak of over a decade without a trip to the playoffs.
“Preseason definitely got us ready for the season,” Lerch said. “We took it a lot more seriously this year.”
The players had the idea things might be different this time around after notching a 4-0 win in a preseason scrimmage.
“(In the past), we always tried our best, but we were used to losing, and all of a sudden, we were like, ‘Wait, this is really good. Something might change this year,’” Lerch said.
Things did change. A whole lot, and the Panthers’ senior goalie – a three-yar varsity starter – is quick to credit Kemp, who took over the helm last year after previously serving as an assistant.
“She just really bonds with us,” Lerch said. “She’s a teacher at the high school too, so if we need something, we can go to her. She just wants us to be happy with how we’re playing and wants us to do our best and give it our all every game.”
The Panthers followed their coach’s advice, and good things began happening, culminating with earning a playoff berth.
“I don’t think the team realized if we won our Abington game last Wednesday, we were going to go to the playoffs – I don’t think they understood,” Lerch said. “We came off the field, and Kemp was like, ‘Hey, you guys just qualified.’ It was crazy.”
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Kemp’s first order of business when she took over the program last year was to change the culture.
“I went to Quakertown, and I played hockey there,” the Panthers’ coach said. “I was trying to go back to what (coach) Sylvia Kalazs and (assistants) Audrey Waddell and Tracy Houston had built for us there because it opened up a lot of different avenues for me, and I wanted that for these girls as well.
“When the other coaches and I talked, we said, ‘We have to change the culture first. The respect, the accountability, the commitment to the team was the first thing we worked on. Last year was still a little shaky, but we held open turfs almost immediately after the season ended last year, and we had 20 girls come out after their season was done.”
That was just the beginning.
“We held things through the winter, a mini camp in the spring and summer sessions all summer, and they showed up for it, and to me, that was the difference,” Kemp said.
The Panthers’ second year coach credited this year’s seniors for their role in the turnaround.
“I started out last spring with the current seniors that were then juniors and gave them a leadership pamphlet and said, ‘Go home and read it. In two weeks, we’re going to meet and we’re going to figure things out,’” Kemp said. “Every single one of them came back with notes, suggestions and input, and we put it all together, and that’s where it started.”
Kemp would be the first to acknowledge that the Panthers benefitted from the realignment and their move to the Liberty Division.
“We were in that really tough division a couple years ago where we were playing Souderton and the CBs, so it helped dropping down,” she said. “I don’t want to sound like they’re worse teams because they’re not. They’re still definitely challenging, but we’re at least at a more competitive level with these teams. We went 0-5 to start, but they were closer games”
Kemp went on to credit her assistant coaches – Chris and Brenda Roth and Rebecca Hamel.
“This is not just me – they’ve been out there every single day with me all summer, all winter,” she said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without them. If it was just me, we wouldn’t be anywhere close, but it’s them and the things they bring to the team as well.”
On Monday, the Panthers will be the underdog when they travel to 12th-seeded Central Bucks East, but win or lose, this year has been a remarkable success story.
Class 3A
#1 SOUDERTON (Bye)
- 17-1 overall
- 16-0 SOL Colonial Division champions
- University of Virginia commit senior forward Lauren Kenah (24g,17a) is the engine that drives the squad and is equally adept at scoring or finding a teammate.
- Also making important contributions to the attack are senior forward Reiley Knize (16g), freshman mid Ava Jones (11g) and junior defender Ang Borisow (6g,11a)
- Other key players are Grace DeMarzio (Sr/Def), Lauren Frye (Jr/Mid), Ashley Magnus (Jr/Def), Olivia Nogami (Soph/Mid), Ashley Patruzo (Soph/Def) and Ava Shaw (Jr/F)
- Senior goalie Tegan Farina has nine shutouts and an .833 save percentage
- Swept season series with #10 Central Bucks South (3-2, 4-1), #11 North Penn (4-3, 3-1), #12 Central Bucks East (3-1, 1-0).
- Wins over #15 Neshaminy (6-0) & #19 Council Rock South (4-0)
- Class 3A #6 Methacton handed Souderton its only loss (2-1) on Sept. 7
Coach Sue Casciato says: “The girls are excited heading into the postseason. If we continue to play good team hockey like we have been the last few weeks, I feel like we can be competitive with any team.”
#3 WISSAHICKON (Bye)
- 17-1 overall
- 16-0 SOL Liberty Division champions
- Trojans are led by senior defensive center mid Brynne Miller (14g,17a), senior center back Julia Shields, junior forward Ella Hummel (11g, 17a) and junior offensive center mid Sophia Havrilla
- Key contributors also include Kendall Crowley (14g,6a) and Riley Ball (16g)
- Goalie Julianna Thomas boasts a .950 save percentage
- Trojans have 16 shutouts this season, scoring 85 goals and allowing just 10.
- Swept season series with #13 Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-0, 4-0), #17 Abington (5-0, 5-0), #20 Quakertown (4-0, 3-0) & Class 2A #11 Upper Dublin (2-0, 3-0).
- Wins over Class 3A #19 Council Rock South (4-3) & Class 1A #1 New Hope-Solebury (3-0), #4 Springfield Twp (1-0) & #5 Lower Moreland (7-0)
Coach Lucy Gil says: “We are very happy to be competing in the tournament and our hope is to keep playing better and better each game. The leadership displayed by the captains and seniors on the team has been tremendous and the team has benefited from their experience, commitment and determination.”
#23 PERKIOMEN VALLEY at #10 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH (Monday, 6 pm)
Central Bucks South
- 13-4-1 overall
- 11-4-1 SOL Colonial Division third place
- Titans have outscored opponents 75-16 this season with 11 shutouts
- Top scorers for the Titans are Erin Smith, Julia Cooper, Anna Shirley, Megan Reilly, Rebecca Zakrzewski and Bella Schute.
- Defense is anchored by Grace and Lily Haag, Sarah and Julia Cooper and goalkeeper Emma Kraft.
- Swept season series with #12 Central Bucks East (5-1, 2-0).
- Wins over #15 Neshaminy (2-0), #17 Abington (5-0), #19 Council Rock South (2-0)
- Defeated #11 North Penn 2-0 in first meeting and tied the Knights 3-3 in the second go round.
Coach Pat Toner says: “We are excited to be in the playoffs. At this point, rankings no longer matter as we know any team can beat any other team on a given day. Our defensive team has kept some very strong opponents off the scoreboard. Good luck to all of our SOL teams as we enter the playoffs.”
Perkiomen Valley
- 8-9-1 overall
- 4-5-1 PAC Liberty Division third place
- Fell to top-seeded Upper Perkiomen in PAC semifinal 3-2
- Kiki Rotay ignites the Vikings’ offense
- Wins over #22 Haverford (3-0)
- Split season series with #6 Methacton (1-0, 1-3) & #24 Owen J Roberts (3-0, 1-2)
- Lost five of six games to close out season.
#22 HAVERFORD at #11 NORTH PENN (Monday, 6 pm)
North Penn
- 12-5-1 overall
- 10-5-1 SOL Colonial fourth place
- St. Francis University bound senior midfielder Madison Waldspurger (15g,11a) is the Knights’ catalyst at both ends of the field.
- Other key players are senior forward Erin O’Donnell (7g,2a), senior midfielder Bay Detweiler, junior defensive back Annabelle Smink, sophomore forward Riley O’Donnell (20g,1a), and sophomore midfielder Kerry O’Donnell.
- Catherine McGeehan (8g,4a) also has contributed to the attack.
- Wins over #3 Wissahickon (7-1), #6 Methacton (2-1), #15 Neshaminy (5-0) & #19 Council Rock South (5-1).
- Tied Class 3A #10 Central Bucks South 3-3 after dropping first game to the Titans 2-0.
Coach Shannon McCracken says: “We are excited to compete in the District Tournament as this was a goal from day one of preseason. This team is working hard to extend our season for as long as possible because they truly have become a family who play for each other and have fun competing together.”
Haverford
- 9-9 overall
- 6-4 Central League fourth place
- Victoria Madden & Maria Graham help lead the attack
- Kailyn Distler anchors the Fords’ defense in goal
- Wins over #19 Council Rock South (1-0) & Class 5A #10 Penncrest (3-1), #14 Strath Haven (6-1) & #16 Harriton (7-1)
- Lost four straight games to close out regular season
#21 QUAKERTOWN at #12 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST (Monday, 4 pm)
Central Bucks East
- 13-5 overall
- 12-4 SOL Colonial second place
- Patriots’ attack is led by senior midfielder Sophia Parker (13g,4a), junior forward Caroline Suko (12g,2a) & senior midfielder Olivia Nolan (6g,4a). Other key players are senior midfielder Paige Hussie, sophomore midfielder Paige Keller and senior defender Kiera Lamb
- Senior goalkeeper Grace Gidwani has 111 saves and boasts a .781 save percentage
- Swept season series with #11 North Penn (3-2, 4-2)
- Wins over Class 3A #15 Neshaminy (2-1) & #19 Council Rock South (4-1)
Coach Emma Rosenthal says: “Our energy is up, and we’re excited to take on district playoffs one game at a time.”
Quakertown
- 9-8-1 overall
- 8-7-1 SOL Liberty Division fourth place
- First trip to the postseason since 2014
- Balanced Panther attack led by Kaitlin Calvello (5g,2a), Daniella Burns (5g,3a), Alexis Mowrer (5g,2a), Kiera Gallagher (4g,3a). Other key players include junior midfielder Alex Bevan-Xenelis, sophomore midfielder Kiera Gallagher, sophomore midfielder/back Megan Roth, senior forward Alexis Mowrer
- Senior goalie Kylie Lerch has recorded 117 saves (including 2 strokes) and anchors the defense.
- Split season series with #17 Abington (0-1, 1-0)
- Wins over Class 1A #1 New Hope-Solebury (1-0), #5 Lower Moreland (2-0)
Coach Kate Kemp says: “It’s been a long time since Quakertown sent a field hockey team to playoffs. Our players have worked hard to reach this milestone, and we can’t wait to see them play on Monday — we’re excited and ready.”
Winner plays: #5 Downingtown West
#20 WEST CHESTER HENDERSON at #13 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH (Monday, 4 pm)
Plymouth Whitemarsh
- 12-4-1 overall
- 12-3-1 SOL Liberty Division second place
- Swept season series with #17 Abington (4-2, 2-0), #20 Quakertown (1-0, 1-0) Class 2A #11 Upper Dublin (1-0, 3-2) & Class 1A #4 Springfield Twp (3-0) & Lower Moreland (2-0) and tied #1 New Hope-Solebury (0-0).
West Chester Henderson
- 11-7 overall
- Led by senior Lauren Fulling (Mid/Forward) and junior Hillary Hoffman (Forward).
- Wins over Class 3A #18 Unionville (3-1), Class 2A #10 Penncrest (8-4), #12 Oxford (2-0) & #14 Strath Haven (7-0)
Winner plays: #4 Great Valley
#18 UNIONVILLE at #15 NESHAMINY (Monday, 3:30 pm)
Neshaminy
- 13-5 overall
- 11-5 SOL Patriot Division co-champions
- The Redskins’ attack is led by freshmen forwards Kasey Rieger (16g,9a) and Ava Arbakov (7g) while the midfield is anchored by junior Mia Martin, senior Colette Schardt (7g) and junior Olivia Roscoe. Junior Avery McGinty (7g) has been a rock on defense.
- Won five straight to close out regular season
Coach Jamie Pinto says: “We have practiced hard the last few days— we’re going to come out Monday ready to go, the girls are confident and excited to play. We have improved throughout the season, and I am proud of how hard the girls have worked to get this point.”
Unionville
- 9-9 overall
- Senior forward Zenna Mariani was an All-Ches-Mont selection as a junior
- Wins over Class 2A #6 West Chester East (2-1), #7 Phoenixville (1-0) & #12 Oxford.
Winner plays: #2 Souderton
#17 ABINGTON at #16 DOWNINGTOWN EAST (Monday, 7 pm)
Abington
- 11-7 overall
- 10-6 SOL Liberty Division third place
- Ghosts are led by junior midfielder Camryn Stewart, senior defensive back Tara Hughes, senior defensive back Devan DiMaria and sophomore midfielder/defender Olivia Dougherty.
- Maddie Slavin & Rachel Kallan lead a balanced attack with six goals each
- Defense anchored by goalie Marilynn Capps, who has 10 shutouts and a goals-against average of 1.33
- Split season series with #13 Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-4, 2-0) & #20 Quakertown (1-0, 0-1),
- Swept season series with Class 2A #11 Upper Dublin (1-0, 10). Win over Class 2A #5 Lower Moreland 3-1.
Coach Katie Small says: The season begins Monday. Every win, every loss brought us to this moment. The girls are ready to go out, have fun and hopefully win Abington’s first district game in 25-plus years.
Downingtown East
- 10-8 overall
- Led by senior midfielder and Ursinus commit Lauren Sieczkowski
- Wins over Class 3A #14 Avon Grove (3-2), #19 Unionville (2-1), #20 West Chester Henderson (3-1), #23 Perkiomen Valley (4-2) & Class 2A #6 West Chester East (4-0)
Winner plays: #1 Conestoga
#19 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH at #14 AVON GROVE (Monday, 7 pm)
Council Rock South
- 11-7 overall
- 11-5 SOL Patriot Division co-champions
- Attack is led by senior midfielder Kerry Kaufman (18g, 12a), junior mid Amanda Green (10g, 5a, 2 defensive saves), sophomore forward Kylee Hager (13g,9a), junior forward Caroline Martin (9g,1a) and sophomore forward Annagrace Kinney (5g),
- Defense anchored by sophomore Megan Rafter (4g, 3a, 13 defensive saves), senior Kasey Knapp (4 defensive saves), junior Grace Franchini (8 defensive saves), junior Breanna Gable, junior Clare Neville (9 defensive saves) and sophomore goalie Peyton Wright (111 saves)
- Swept season series with #15 Neshaminy (2-1, 1-0)
Coach Colette Paprocki: “The team is really excited to be entering the playoffs. Everything starts fresh from here on out, so it is an exciting time to give it our all and show the hard work the team has been putting in all season. We are taking things one game at a time, will continue to play our game, and make adjustments where needed. We are looking to come out strong and continue to work together as a team.”
Avon Grove
- 13-5 overall
- Junior captain Madison Britton is a key on both ends of the field
- Wins over #18 Unionville (2-1), #20 West Chester Henderson (2-0) & Class 2A #8 Springfield-Delco (5-1), #10 Penncrest (3-2), #12 Oxford 4-2, #14 Strath Haven (6-0).
Winner plays: #3 Wissahickon
CLASS 2A
#11 UPPER DUBLIN at #6 WEST CHESTER EAST (Monday, )
Upper Dublin
- 8-9 overall
- 8-8 SOL Liberty Division
- Senior goalkeeper Dara Fishman has 125 saves and anchors a defense that also includes Erin Muth (6g,2a) and Caitlyn Darcy.
- Key players include senior midfielder Avery Lennon (1g,8a), sophomore midfielder Olivia Vitella (3g,1a), junior forward Ashley MacNeal (5g,2a) and sophomore midfielder Mason Kullman.
- Wins over Class 1A #5 Lower Moreland (3-1) & Class 3A #21 Quakertown (2-0)
West Chester East
- 11-5-1 overall
- 4-3 Ches-Mont League
- Junior Anna Capelli anchors the forward line
- Wins over Class 2A #10 Penncrest (8-0), 12 Oxford (4-2), #16 Harriton (6-0), Class 3A #14 Avon Grove (3-0), #20 West Chester Henderson (3-1), #22 Haverford (3-2) and tied 6A #8 Kennett (2-2).
Winner plays: The winner of #3 Gwynedd Mercy vs. #14 Strath Haven game.
CLASS 1A
#1 NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY (Bye)
- 14-2-1 overall
- 13-2-1 SOL Freedom Division champions
- Outscored opponents 64-6
- Defense anchored by Lydia Eastburn, Kathryn Thistlewaite and Jess Kinker has posted 11 shutouts.
- Key players in the midfield and forward line are Sophia Cozza, Avery Mendola, Mia Gomolinski, Laura Genovay and Ava Cozza.
- Swept season series with Class 1A #4 Springfield (1-0, 3-0) & #5 Lower Moreland (3-0, 5-1).
- Wins over Class 6A #17 Abington (2-1), Class 5A #11 Upper Dublin (2-1) and tied Class 6A #13 Plymouth Whitemarsh (0-0)
- Only losses to Class 6A #3 Wissahickon (3-0) & #21 Quakertown (1-0).
Next game: New Hope-Solebury will host the winner of the #5 Lower Moreland at #5 Springfield Township game on Thursday at 6 p.m.
#5 LOWER MORELAND at #4 SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP (Tuesday, 6 p.m.)
Springfield Township
- 12-5-1 overall
- 11-4-1
- Defense is anchored by senior goalkeeper Erin Roy, who has 10 shutouts and a .903 save percentage.
- The Spartans are led by senior mid Annie Coll (12g,7a), senior forward Norah Conlin (8g,3a), sophomore mid Emma Yoder (6g,5a), senior forward Anna Jablokov (6g,1a), junior defender Hailey Lesniak (4g,4a)
- Swept season series with #5 Lower Moreland (2-0, 1-0)
- Wins over Class 5A #11 Upper Dublin (2-1) and Class 6A #17 Abington (1-0), battled Class 6A #20 Quakertown to a scoreless tie.
Lower Moreland
- 8-9-1 overall
- 6-9-1 SOL Freedom Division third place
- Lost season series to #4 Springfield Township, 2-0 early in the season and 1-0 a week ago
- The Lions will look for leadership from captains Meredith Lutter, Zoe Karros and Sarah Rosala as well as starters Liz Neeld, Jess Shein and Kathleen Chen.
Coach Janet Lutter says: “We battled it out a week ago with Springfield winning 1-0. It was a well-played game by both teams, so I fully expect this to be another close one. We will look for the leadership of our captains as well as Liz Neeld, Jess Shein and Kathleen Chen to help calm the nerves of those who are new to playoff play. It will take a full team effort, and we will take on this game as we have all the rest this season, playing for each other, having fun and loving the game.”
Winner plays: #1 New Hope-Solebury on Thursday.
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