Check out Andrew Robinson’s recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Friday. New Hope-Solebury/Cheltenham photos courtesy of Tracy Valko. Check back for a gallery of photos: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f405978483 (Pennridge/North Penn photos courtesy of Abbe Kiwak/Pennridge soccer)
SOL Colonial
Central Bucks West 0, Central Bucks East 0 (2OT)
Soccer can be a strange sport.
A team can play poorly but put away that one chance and win. A team can play exquisitely and come away on the wrong side despite an overwhelming advantage.
Then, there are matches like Friday’s where there’s no debate from anyone who watched that both sides left every little bit of what they had on the field and all that shows is two zeroes on the scoreboard.
East and West delivered another high-intensity duel in their annual Kick For Pink game, played for the ninth year in a row but for the first time at Central Bucks East on Friday night.
“We take everything as a lesson,” East winger Julia Santanello said. “This is a game we’re going to learn from. We’re going to take it, apply it to districts and hopefully states too. It’s a good learning experience for us.”
Santanello was the architect of quite a few of the offensive chances the Patriots challenged the Bucks defense with over the course of the 100 minutes. It certainly wasn’t for lack of effort or opportunities, as East came up with idea after idea to try and put the ball in the net, it’s just that the Bucks weren’t having it.
West came in down two of its top players and leaders in midfielder Alexis Castro and Eva Wierzbowski due to injury. They got to watch an inspired effort led by the back line of senior captain Ava Brunner, Kira Winn, Janelle Blokker and Cece Funseth determined not to let anyone score on keeper Camryn Nocito.
“We really stepped up, especially coming off our loss to Neshaminy, we knew we needed to get better and work together after losing two very important players,” Brunner said. “I think tonight as a program, we stepped up and showed what CB West soccer really is.”
Of course, the same could be said for CB East’s defensive mentality. West didn’t have quite as many shots on goal as the home side, but the Bucks did have a couple really dangerous ones.
Everything else was seemingly turned away by the Patriots’ locked-in back four of Jessie Bernabe and Grace Craig at fullback and seniors Sophie Schorn and Katie Bullard at center back.
Knowing West needed just one well-hit ball to spring a counter and capable finishers like Emery Sterling, Avery Markowitz or Rian Detweiler ready to get on the end of them, Schorn and Bullard were at full awareness all game, with each coming up with more than one timely tackle or clearance in front of Arralyn Patterson and Mae Leedy in goal.
“Our back line kept us in this game,” Santanello said. “They did a great job and I’d give all the credit to them.
“Sophie Schorn had a really, really good game and the efforts everywhere, from our goalkeepers up, we didn’t stop for that full 100 minutes.”
There might not have been a better moment to sum up West’s effort than when Blokker lived up to the way her last name is pronounced in the second half. The sophomore put herself in front of a hard-hit ball, taking it off her face and just getting up to keep playing.
“I feel like I can’t let anyone down,” Blokker said. “I want to step up for everyone, even if I’m injured, I get knicked up every game, but I know everyone has my back the way I have their back.”
East has shown plenty of versatility in its attack this fall, whether it’s through the middle or out wide, the Patriots have plenty of ways to challenge opponents. West captain Kate Weyer said as much, adding the newer attacking talent East has on the field this year has been tough to handle in two games between the rivals.
Freshmen Ava Mignon, Mia Forney and Kiera Sleicher certainly did have their time on the ball, all three East attackers having opportunities but just unable to put any away. They all knew what the game meant, and it wasn’t surprising to see East captain Sofia Mignon making sure to prop up her sister Ava and Forney after the final whistle at the end of the second overtime.
“It comes down to energy and execution. We all hold ourselves to a really high standard and that’s why I really like this team,” Santanello said. “We’re all really supportive of each other and we all give our best effort. That’s all I can ever ask of a team.”
Weyer, who has committed to play at VCU was all over the middle of the field as usual and she even expressed the admiration she had for the efforts of Blokker and Funseth at the center of West’s backline. A four-year varsity starter, Weyer feels like the script of seeing her teammates injured on the sidelines is a bit played out, but at least she knows the next players up will carry on for them.
Ashley Lott also had a strong effort up top for CB West and Mackenzie Gausch and Reegan Moran constantly pursued the ball.
“I feel like this happens to us every year, we have major players that go down but it’s people we are and the kind of team we are that we always bounce back and find ways to fill those major holes,” Weyer said. “People step up and play the role they need to for this team, and I’m really proud of all of them.”
It seemed like every East attacker had at least one good crack at goal, including Stella Gening on the wing opposite Santanello and Mikayla Hill coming off the bench. All match, Santanello was a presence herself, either going at defenders or looping balls into the box that had to be dealt with promptly.
While she has thrived as a first-time starter this year, the junior was quick to point out the accolades she most enjoys are those that belong to her teammates.
“Individually, confidence is really important,” Santanello said. “I’m a player that likes to drive endline and likes to serve crosses. I like to see my teammates score over me.”
Brunner, a senior co-captain, wanted the effort her teammates gave on Friday to show that the Bucks are a good side. Their closing stretch of the schedule isn’t easy, but the way they played Friday is what Brunner expects a CB West team to do every time out.
“West isn’t a program that’s known for its special talents and being able to dribble the ball around, it’s known for its heart,” Brunner said. “That comes from being out on the field and leaving it out on the field.”
East had a focused team huddle at the end of the second overtime, stressing that they’d played a really strong match even if it had ended scoreless on both sides. It’s the kind of effort a team that expects to play a long season needs to have consistently and that’s what stuck out to Santanello over any missed chance or opportunity.
“We never hold each other to the standard that you have to be perfect,” Santanello said. “We’re not big on perfection, we’re big on trying the best you can every time you take the field.”
CB West (9-2-1, 9-2-1) visits North Penn at 7 pm on Tuesday. CB East (10-2-2, 8-2-2) hosts Central Bucks South at 7pm on Tuesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0 0 0 0 – 0
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 0 0 – 0
Central Bucks South 6, Souderton 0
The Titans had a strong first half showing on their way to a win as SOL Colonial play restarted.
CB South led 5-0 at the break. The Titans were led by a hat trick from Kelly Donnelly, who brought her total for the week to five goals, and also received goals from Riley Karpinski, Tessa Hughes and Morgan Hughes.
Souderton had an early chance by Jules Purvy and a free kick from Nicole Schulingkamp to Hannah Beckett in the first half, but were mostly under pressure from South and defending set pieces.
“Second half we settled in a bit and were controlling the ball more. I thought Khalan Hurley had a strong second half in net, coming up with some really big saves including an impressive double-save to deny two South attackers,” Souderton coach Ian Smith said. “We had a few quality chances in the half that we just weren’t able to put away.”
Beckett was just high on a look while Schulingkamp and Riley Lowery had good shots saved.
CB South (7-4-1, 6-4-1 SOL) visits Gwynedd Mercy Academy at 3:45 on Tuesday. Souderton (2-11, 1-11) hosts Pennridge at 7 pm on Tuesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 5 1 – 6
SOUDERTON 0 0 – 0
Pennridge 6, North Penn 0
Hailey Primwhere’s been the Rams’ scorebook plenty this fall as either a scorer or an assist-maker.
Friday, the senior forward had her breakout individual game with a hat trick as the Rams began the second half of SOL Colonial play with a solid win over a Knights team that’s really been playing well of late. Primwhere scored the team’s first and third goals, both assisted by Lindsey Balmer, then got her hat trick off an assist by Casey Malone for the Rams’ fourth goal.
“The team was so happy for Hailey and her hat trick today,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said of the hard-working senior. “They celebrated each goal like it was her first of the season.”
Tori Angelo finished a Liv Grenda pass for a 2-0 lead before Primwhere made it 3-0 at half. Jenna Gagliardi and Gabby Hermann also scored in the second half, both assisted by Riley Williams.
The Knights (7-6-1, 5-5-1 SOL) host Central Bucks West at 7 pm on Tuesday. Pennridge (13-0-1, 11-0-1 SOL) visits Souderton at 7 pm on Tuesday.
SOL Liberty
Abington 2, Plymouth Whitemarsh 0
The Ghosts evened the season score with the Colonials to start the second half of SOL Liberty play.
Earlier this season, PW had knocked off Abington to start divisional play and another tough match was due on Friday.
“They played pretty well today,” Abington coach Rick Tompkins said. “The defense had a difficult task, (PW) is tough but they played great. Addy (Hayden) had to make some saves, but I thought we controlled the play.”
Senior Kara Slavin opened the scoring with a goal in the first half, following another effort that the midfielder clanged off the post early in the match.
“It was a team effort all the way around,” Tompkins said. “We had some other chances, but I was happy to see Hannah Gilchrist get one on a follow. We’ve had a lot of difficulty converting when the first shot is taken, but she was in the right spot and made it 2-0.”
Abington led 2-0 at the half, with the teams going back and forth the rest of the way.
“We played a lot of different people and I thought everybody played pretty well,” Tompkins said. “Nya Riggs has worked her way into the starting lineup and she had a couple plays today that were pretty exciting.”
Abington (9-4-1, 9-1-1 SOL) visits Hatboro-Horsham at 7 pm on Tuesday. PW (8-3-2, 7-3-2) hosts Quakertown at 7 on Tuesday.
ABINGTON 2 0 – 2
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0 0 – 0
Goals; A – Kara Slavin, Hannah Gilchrist
Wissahickon 3, Hatboro-Horsham 1
Lucy Greenstein had something to say.
The Wissahickon senior, normally a defensive midfielder but shifted to the role of center back on Friday, wanted to make sure her teammates knew what she was thinking. What Greenstein was thinking about was what a tremendous job they’d all done in giving her very little to do while chalking up their biggest win of the season.
“Lucy just gave an awesome post game talk, saying ‘I’m playing out of position, I’m playing in the back and you guys just did such a good job working hard to get behind the ball defensively and made my job easier than I thought it was going to be,'” Wiss coach Chris McDaniels recalled of the senior’s speech. “We’ve been going with a new formation for about three games now and we were a little tentative about it today.
“Lucy’s playing a little deeper than she’s used to, she isn’t totally comfortable in the spot, but it was awesome to see her tell everyone else they made her job so easy.”
McDaniels is always quick to compliment the Hatters, especially how hard they play, but it’s a team that usually gives his Trojans fits. Friday’s win improved the Wiss record against Hatboro-Horsham to 2-6 in the last four years.
Between graduations and injuries, Wiss got off to a slow start this fall. Their first chance to pick up a resume win this season didn’t go very well in a 5-1 loss to SOL Freedom leader William Tennent in crossover play.
After that, the Trojans would win four of five with a draw in the fifth fixture heading into Friday.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, we started the season in a rough spot and not giving ourselves a shot,” McDaniels said. “More recently, our effort has improved and we’ve found something that worked for us formation-wise and we’ve been feeding off having a little bit of success.
“Today was the culminating moment where we’re down 1-0 at half, showed some resiliency, came out of the half and outscored them 3-0.”
Friday’s result snapped a nine-match win streak for the Hatters.
“We were just not clicking anywhere on the field today,” HH coach Kelsey Daley said. “It was not our game and the score reflected that.”
Despite not being their sharpest, Hatboro-Horsham did have the lead at halftime.
“Our one goal was from a cross from Emma Levin and Tara Orloski was in the right spot at the right time and able to find the back of the net,” Daley said.
McDaniels gave props to the Hatters for the goal, especially the efforts of Levin, with the Towson-bound senior fighting through Wissahickon’s defense to set it up.
“We let Emma Levin get a 1-on-1 with one of our players out wide, she beat the player and played a beautiful ball into the box,” McDaniels said. “She put it on such a platter their player ran into it, hit it off her hip and it rolled into the corner.”
Wissahickon had a defensive mindset and aside from the breakdown that led to the Hatters’ goal, McDaniels felt his team played really solid team defense. The Hatters did gain some momentum after their goal, but once the Trojans held to the break, they could reset.
“The best thing to happen to us was halftime,” McDaniels said. “We had a good halftime talk, we were really specific about some changes we could make and had some tweaks about how we were reacting to them that seemed to work really well.”
McDaniels also praised the efforts of goalkeeper Olivia Lore for a pair of pivotal saves, one on each side of halftime.
“They were a couple beautiful kick saves, she really came out and challenged the ball well,” McDaniels said. “We otherwise limited them to shots from deep and I’m really comfortable with my keeper saving shots from 20 yards or deeper.”
Wissahickon opened its scoring with a penalty kick drawn, taken and converted by Lannah Werynski.
“The second goal was really impressive for me,” McDaniels said. “We struggle at times with a willingness to challenge for balls in the air. A ball was bouncing about 12 yards away from the goal and Lila Marciniak, our ninth grader, she’s starting to figure out how to play a more physical brand of soccer and she jumped up and won the first header.
“The keeper made a save but knocked it up in the air that came back to Sophia Yeh and she headed the ball into the back of the net.”
The Trojans added an insurance goal late, taking advantage of the Hatters’ chasing the game and attempting to pull level. A mis-hit clearance only made it as far as Werynski, who blasted a shot from about 30 yards out to wrap up the victory.
Hatboro-Horsham (10-4, 10-2 SOL) remained atop the SOL Liberty, but its next game is against second place Abington.
“Nat Tocci played a great game at outside back tonight,” Daley said. “We will bounce back from this game and learn from our mistakes and grow from this.”
The Hatters host Abington at 7 pm on Tuesday. Wissahickon (5-6-2, 5-5-2) visits Upper Dublin at 7 pm on Tuesday.
WISSAHICKON 0 3 – 3
HATBORO-HORSHAM 1 0 – 1
Goals: W – Lannah Werynski 2, Sophia Yeh ; HH – Tara Orloski
Quakertown 5, Upper Dublin 2
The Panthers had this one marked.
After falling to Upper Dublin on their home field in overtime to start the season, the Panthers got their rematch with the Flying Cardinals in the midst of a hot streak. A stellar second half helped Quakerton end UD’s five-match winning run.
“The game was a super close game up until the 70th minute,” Quakertown coach Jon Gingrich said.
Speedster Ashlyn Calabria sparked Quakertown to a good start with an eighth minute goal. However, the teams would go into halftime tied 1-1.
“Upper Dublin really attacked our middle in the first half,” Gingrich said. “We countered that in the second half by dropping an attacking midfielder to a holding mid and it gave us a better defensive hold on their attacking midfielder.”
Taylor Kletzing pounced on a loose ball rebound in the 44th minute for the Panthers’ second goal. The junior was also the player in the middle who dropped out of her attacking spot into the holding role, adding a huge impact on the outcome beyond her goal.
Quakertown would break the game open with three goals in the final 10 minutes.
“In the 71st minute, junior Ashlyn Calabria scored again with a one-time finish from a beautiful cross from junior Rachel McMonagle,” Gingrich said. “Rachel McMonagle with a loose ball rebound goal in the 73rd minute. Finally, in the 75th minute, sophomore Faith Greenday scored on a beautiful shot assisted by a cross from Ashlyn Calabria.”
Calabria and McMonagle were the sparks up top all afternoon, using their speed and finishing ability to secure three needed points in the SOL standings.
“Ashlyn Calabria and Junior Rachel McMonagle were just excellent on the attack today. Combined they had three goals and two assists in the game,” Gingrich said. “I was extremely happy with our energy today. We asked the girls to get up for this game and they came to play today. It was a good team win.”
Quakertown (4-7-1, 4-6-1 SOL) visits Plymouth Whitemarsh at 7 pm on Tuesday. UD (6-5-2, 5-5-2) hosts Wissahickon at 7 on Tuesday.
QUAKERTOWN 1 4 – 5
UPPER DUBLIN 1 1 – 2
Goals: Q – Ashlyn Calabria 2, Rachel McMonagle, Taylor Kletzing, Faith Greenday
SOL Freedom
Upper Moreland 1, Lower Moreland 1
Defense ruled the day as the Golden Bears and Lions slugged their way to a draw.
Lower Moreland coach Todd Hill noted the Bears’ wealth of attacking options and lauded the play of his defensive unit overall.
“Our goalie Sandra Malave has been playing injured, so it was a really gutsy performance from her,” Hill said. “Our freshman right back Agnes Kroll saved us on multiple occasions today, literally laying out her body on multiple occasions to stop an UM attack inside the box.”
UM took the pitch for a third time this week and looked to start the second half of SOL Freedom play strong.
“I am really proud of our girls for the grit, determination and unity they played with,” UM coach Lisa Benvenuto said. “We came out strong in the first half winning 50/50 balls and stringing together some really dangerous opportunities. We weren’t able to capitalize but we knew we just needed some time.”
The second half would see the only scoring of the match from both teams. Upper Moreland made a few changes and focused on trying to force some opportunities with restarts.
“Maggie Brophy took a corner at the 46th minute and was able to find Brooke Lobban who headed the ball in,” Benvenuto said. “We have been stressing this point of capitalizing on our set pieces, so it was awesome to see a corner with a header goal—kudos to Lobban, she utilized her speed and read the flight of 
the ball perfectly. Kudos to Brophy for the ridiculously good placement.”
With UM scoring six minutes into the second half, the pressure was on Lower Moreland to respond. The Lions would about seven minutes later.
“Our tying goal came from a beautiful cross from Nikki Sahl to the head of Kenna Rozanski,” Hill said. “It was really well executed.”
While there weren’t any more goals to be had, the two sides put forth plenty of effort trying to find them anyway.
“Into the overtime we had chances, some very dangerous, but LM’s defense and goalie were able to collapse and hold us off,” Benvenuto said. “Again, we had a really strong offensive effort, we just couldn’t put away the winner. It was a great game, with momentum flowing from one side to the other, and each team giving their all.”
The Lions likewise felt like they’d put their all into the match.
“UM has a really talented group of attackers, so I am proud of my girls for holding them at bay apart from a single goal from a corner kick,” Hill said. “I also thought Edona Selemaj worked really hard in the middle today getting the ball to her feet and being really smart with her play.
Lower Moreland (5-7-2, 3-7-2 SOL) visits Cheltenham at 3:30 on Tuesday. Upper Moreland (6-7-1, 4-7-1) hosts William Tennent at 3:30 on Tuesday.
LOWER MORELAND 0 1 0 0 – 1
UPPER MORELAND 0 1 0 0 – 1
Goals: LM – Kenna Rozanski; UM – Brooke Lobban
William Tennent 2, Springfield Twp 0
The Panthers snapped a three-match losing skid with a shutout win on Friday.
“It was good to put the last two weeks behind us and get a win going back into divisional play,” Panthers coach Elise Jara said. “I’m proud of the way the girls were able to turn things around after the last few games.”
Tennent had fallen to Hatboro-Horsham, Plymouth Whitemarsh and Abington, the top three teams in the SOL Liberty, in its last three. That didn’t mean turning around to face the Spartans was an easy task, especially with the experience Springfield has up top.
“We knew we had to mark Kaleigh Evans going into today and the back line of Theresa Ditri, Abi Meehan and Sami Roby did well to contain her,” Jara said.
A lot of minutes on the starters’ legs had also been starting to show, so with the defense doing its job on Friday, Tennent tried to get players some rest where it could.
“We were able to really use our bench today and shift everyone around to give some of the girls well deserved rest,” Jara said. “We had time in the middle of the field today and were able to transition well.”
The Panthers scored a goal on each side of the halftime break.
“Our goal in the first half was from a direct kick by Paige Marek and deflected in by Bailey Kasner,” Jara said. “The second half goal was off a great cross from Lia Jalonowski with Maddie Hughes finishing it off on the back post.”
Tennent visits Upper Moreland at 3:30 on Tuesday. Springfield Twp hosts New Hope-Solebury at 3:30 on Tuesday.
SOL Patriot
Neshaminy 2, Pennsbury 1
Fresh off a big win on Senior Night, Neshaminy kicked off the second half of SOL Freedom play against its biggest rival.
“There’s a longtime rivalry between the two schools so you’re always going to get their best game,” Neshaminy coach Josh Van Reed said. “Again, our defense Carly Hock-Smith, Keira Siwinski, Ava good and Sierra Cofer did a nice job of minimizing opportunities in the first half and Pennsbury did also.”
The Falcons were more than ready for the challenge and looked to knock off their rivals on their home field.
“It definitely was a battle, and it was back and forth the whole entire game. We were connecting the ball, getting many opportunities,” Pennsbury coach Jenna Peters said. “Sofia Gorski and Ashlyn McEwing were winning us many corners and getting off a lot of crosses, but we could not finish on them.”
Junior Abby Collins has been a force for Neshaminy all season, the tough-minded midfielder also taking on more of a scoring role for her young team.
After a scoreless first half, it would be Collins coming through to give Neshaminy a lead. A throw-in off the left side would lead to the break the visitors needed.
“Ava Hood took a nice long throw and Cassidy Tweedie, who gave us some really strong play at midfield today, flicked a ball onto the post where Abby Collins ran into it and put it in,” Van Reed said.
Neshaminy had a chance to double its lead when Aislyn Fitzgerald was fouled in the box, but Pennsbury was able to make the save.
“We kept high-pressing and playing the ball around. We looked hungry for a goal, and we got one,” Peters said. “Our senior captain Josey Smith scored an amazing goal outside of the 18 with under two minutes left in the game.”
With limited time left and having already gone into extra time earlier in the week, Neshaminy found itself in familiar ground.
“We have been in a lot of tight games this year. The girls didn’t panic and kept pushing and we had a free kick,” Van Reed said. “Ava Hood stepped up and hit a great ball into the box to give us a chance and then the ball flicked off Bri Garyah and Abby found the second touch and headed it in.”
Collins has been the finisher of late, which is a credit to the junior’s determination, but it’s also a result of her teammates’ work getting the ball to her.
“The girls have been putting in a lot of hard work inside the box to find the ball. Lately Abby has been the beneficiary and finished when given the opportunity,” Van Reed said.
Neshaminy (6-6-1, 6-5-1 SOL) hosts West Chester Rustin at 10 am on Saturday. Pennsbury (2-11-1, 2-9-1) hosts Harry S Truman at 4 pm on Tuesday.
NESHAMINY 0 2 – 2
PENNSBURY 0 1 – 1
Goals: N – Abby Collins 2, P -Josey Smith
Council Rock South 1, Bensalem 1 (2 OT)
A rugged game saw the Golden Hawks and Owls split a point each to start SOL Patriot play back up.
“We took a bit to get adjusted to the game but once we did, I felt we had the better chances,” South coach Nick Heim said. “We had our chances but just couldn’t convert.”
After a scoreless first half, a Hawks foul spotted Bensalem a penalty kick. Vanessa Shay stepped to the spot and converted, giving the Owls a 1-0 advantage.
“It was a very hard-fought, tough match,” Bensalem coach Bob Crawford said. “Our goalie Haley Esposito played great, as did our defenders. Caitlin Groves and Farrah Watson played well.”
With CR South chasing a goal against a defense that had its plan down pat, it took some persistence before the payoff came late in regulation.
“Bob had them very organized and they’re tough to crack when their offside trap is on, and it was definitely on,” Heim said. “Jenna Waterman broke their back line and took a shot, with a Kate Deal rebound to tie us and force OT.”
Bensalem (5-7-1, 5-6-1 SOL) travels to Council Rock North at 3:30 on Tuesday. CR South (6-4-3, 5-4-3) hosts Neshaminy at 6 pm on Tuesday.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0 1 0 0 – 1
BENSALEM 0 1 0 0 – 1
Goals: CRS – Kate Deal, B – Vanessa Shay
Council Rock North 4, Harry S Truman 0
A long week for the Indians ended with a solid second half effort to find the win.
“We were a little slow in the first half today. Truman defended well and we couldn’t take the chances we created,” North coach Gavin Flannigan said. “After half time we were able to add goals from Olivia Ralston, Keagan Terry, Isabel Diaz and Brynn Rodgers.”
The Indians also received assists from Abby Hinderberger, Ashley Barone, Brynn Rodgers & Audrey Rogan.
“Ellie Beldowicz and Sophia Mills combined for the shut out,” Flannigan said. “Aside from the goal scorers Darcy McCullough had a really good game.”
Council Rock North (8-4-2, 6-4-2 SOL) hosts Bensalem at 3:30 on Tuesday. Truman (0-12, 0-12) visits Pennsbury at 4 pm on Tuesday.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 4 – 4
HARRY S TRUMAN 0 0 – 0
Thursday, Oct. 5
New Hope-Solebury 1, Cheltenham 0
The Lions celebrated the team’s six seniors – Nina Meixler, Isha Mukherjee, Sammy McAndrews, Grace Fitzgerald, Maya Rosenberg and Autumn Brasof – with a hard fought win over the visiting Panthers.
“It was our Senior Night, so I want to say how proud of the effort our seniors gave,” NH-S coach Matt Duffey said. “We played our most complete game of the season. Our passing and movement were good. We were pressuring the ball effectively. We were able to create some very good scoring chances.”
Appropriately, it was a senior – Meixler – scoring the game-winner with an assist from freshman Ceci Capriotti.
Duffey also lauded the standout efforts of Capriotti, sophomore Elena Shire and sophomore Hayden Tumminello.
The Lions’ coach went on to credit the effort of his opponent.
“Cheltenham always give us a great game,” Duffey said. “I have a lot of respect for coach Leah Matusow. Her team always
plays hard and never shows any quit.”
The Lions’ also recognized Cheltenham’s seniors.
“They had a great turnout for Senior Night, and it was a competitive environment under the lights,” Matusow said. “We didn’t play our best soccer the first half but bounced back in the second.
“Aniya Gladden did a great job in net, and our team worked hard to contain their speed while trying to create our own opportunities.
“Congratulations to their seniors and thank you to New Hope for recognizing our seniors as well.”
New Hope-Solebury (2-10, 2-9 SOL) will travel to Springfield Twp on Tuesday, and Cheltenham (2-11, 0-11) will host Lower Moreland on Tuesday.
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