Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Thursday.
SOL Patriot Division
NESHAMINY 2, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 1
The Redskins fell behind early, rallied to knot the score and then endured a rain delay.
A goal by Lauren Staines (Mia Brooks assist) in the third quarter turned out to be the game-winner for the Redskins, who remain atop the standings in the SOL Patriot.
“We had a 50-minute rain delay with four minutes left in the third quarter— the girls did a good job at staying focused and coming out strong,” Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto said. “They were excited to play and able to score quickly once taking the field again.”
Earlier, Brooks scored the equalizer with an assist by Hailey Wert.
Scoring summary:
First quarter – No score
Second quarter
Council Rock South goal
Mia Brooks (N) assisted by Hailey Wert, 3:24
Third quarter
Lauren Staines (N) assisted by Mia Brooks, :17
Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto: “Tonight was a good team win. We battled back from a tough loss on Monday and were able to come out with a win. We played hard tonight, we were able to control most of the play, but we had to come back from a South goal scored early in the second quarter. Our passing looked better tonight and we, were cutting back to the ball well and supporting each other.”
–Props: “Taylor Tenaglia did a nice job stepping up from the back and carrying the ball down the field to help generate offense, and Reese Merrill and Hailey Wert played their consistently strong defense and helped lead the team. Ellie Miller hustled in the middle, working well with Chloe Brison, and Mia Brooks did a nice job at cutting back to get the ball and attacking in the circle.”
Up next: Neshaminy will travel to Council Rock North on Monday, and Council Rock South will be on the road at Harry S Truman Monday.
Council Rock South 0-1-0-0 1
Neshaminy 0-1-1-0 2
BENSALEM 1, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0
(Article submitted by Bensalem FH)
The Bensalem Owls Field Hockey team has a long history of playing in a very difficult division, a very difficult league, in a very competitive state. In fact, through this coach’s eyes (and former field hockey dad who lived through it), it’s been a long and forgetful path.
To my knowledge, Bensalem had neither tied nor beaten another team in this division besides Truman in around twelve years. Twelve very long years. Earlier in this season, we were able to tie Council Rock North on our home field. Tonight, we were able to take the lead in the game at North that was stopped early because of lightning. It was not the way that we wanted it to happen. I’m sure it was not what CRN wanted to happen. But we were the lucky recipient of a timely goal and some untimely bad weather.
CRN held most of the possession in the first half, but we had our chances. Their senior midfielder, Kailyn Smith, was all over the field in the first half. She’s a very talented player, and we were just trying to contain her as much as possible. Veronica Lennon played such a solid game against her, but she continued to move the ball down the field. At halftime, the coaches were reminding our players about their body positioning and footing as the rain poured down on us all just before the halftime break.
We came out of halftime trying to adapt to the rainy conditions, and early on we got a corner. Just two minutes and 52 seconds into the second half, Abby Cheung inserted a ball up high, and through some fortunate bounces the ball found its way past the CRN goalkeeper where Cheung directed it to goal, and senior Abby Kazimer backhanded it into the back of the net.
Just moments after the goal was scored, we had our first lightning strike which put the game on hold. Both teams gathered into the school to wait out the storm. After waiting for some time, the game was called due to the lightning. It was the second game that ended this way in the past week for CRN. It was an unfortunate way to have to end that game for CRN, especially on their senior night. I wish their team, and especially their seniors, a good finish to the year and good luck to them all in all of their future endeavors.
For Bensalem, it was special. We’ve been telling ourselves for the past year and a half that we’re getting there, that we can compete with some of these teams, even if it wasn’t for a full game. We would have moments, but they never were sustainable. We’re finally getting to see some of that come true, even if it was on a stormy night. It was a great team effort tonight with the forwards getting enough pressure on the CRN defense, the midfield holding its own against the very talented midfield of CRN, and the defense shutting down the CRN offense when it needed to. Goalkeeper Hailey Fricke was big when she needed to be and recorded her fourth shutout of the year and lowered her GAA to 1.77. The Outstanding Owl award went to Abby Cheung for her game-winning assist and her quality of play tonight and throughout the season.
Up next: Bensalem will host Pennsbury Monday, and Council Rock North will host Neshaminy Monday.
Bensalem 0-0-1 1
Council Rock North 0-0-0 0
(Submitted by Council Rock North field hockey)
(Tonight’s) Senior Night didn’t end the way we planned because the rain rolled in, the game was cut short, and the scoreboard didn’t reflect the heart we showed. But honestly, none of that really mattered in the grand scheme of what we were out there to do. We were there to honor seven incredible seniors who’ve poured everything they have into this team.
Brooke, Scarlett, Ella, Ellie, Alessia, Kailyn, and Payton: this group has been the backbone of our squad. They’ve led by example, brought the energy, held teammates accountable, and shown what it means to wear the uniform with pride. Every one of them has grown into someone their younger teammates look up to, and as a coach, that’s what you hope for – leaders who make the team better even when they’re not holding a stick.
The younger players have seen it. They’ve learned from it. And now, they’ll carry it forward.
So while the game didn’t get its proper finish, the season, and these seniors’ impact surely will. We’re still growing, still figuring it out, but because of these seven, we’re on the right path.
To Brooke, Scarlett, Ella, Ellie, Alessia, Kailyn, and Payton: Thank you. You’ve left your mark, and your shoes won’t be easy to fill.
PENNSBURY 9, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
Lily Fanini scored three straight goals in the second period – her hat trick led a balanced Falcons’ attack. Abby Iacona had a hand in four goals, scoring twice and assisting twice. Regan Rodriguez had two goals and one assist, and Ryan Burdette and Mallory Harrison both added a goal and an assist.
The Falcons, who led 2-0 after one quarter, took a 6-0 lead into halftime on their way to the big win.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Regan Rodriguez (P) assisted by Abby Iacona
Ryan Burdette (P) assisted by Regan Rodriguez
Second quarter
Lily Fanini (P)
Lily Fanini (P)
Lily Fanini (P) assisted by Ryan Burdette
Abby Iacona (P)
Third quarter
Mallory Harrison (P) assisted by Abby Iacona
Regan Rodriguez (P) assisted by Mallory Harrison
Abby Iacona (P)
Up next: Pennsbury will travel to Unionville Friday for a non-league game, and Harry S Truman will host Council Rock South on Monday.
Pennsbury 2-4-3-0 9
Harry S. Truman 0-0-0-0 0
SOL Colonial Division
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 5, NORTH PENN 2
The Bucks took a 3-0 lead into halftime, and although the Knights trimmed that advantage to two with a goal late in the third quarter, they would get no closer.
Claire Demmer’s two goals – one during corner play – and one assist led a balanced West attack. Aida Ierubino added a goal and an assist while Laney Hall and Zola Morelli each added a goal.
Kylie Barwis and Cara Albano each had a goal for the Knights.
The Bucks are 6-0 in division play with a showdown against second place Souderton on Monday night.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Aida Ierubino (CBW) 12:58
Laney Hall (CBW) 8:18
Second quarter
Claire Demmer (CBW) assisted by Aida Ierubino, 0:48
Third quarter
Kylie Barwis (NP) 3:01
Fourth quarter
Claire Demmer (CBW) 2:14
Cara Albano (NP) 1:52
Zola Morelli (CBW) from Claire Demmer, 0:29
By the numbers: Shots: CBW 28, NP 10; Penalty corners: CBW 9 NP 3; Goalkeeper saves: Kendra Pitts (CBW) 8, Kiley Moister (NP) 21.
Central Bucks West coach Lori Ierubino: “We got an early lead about two minutes into the game, and that was a relief with the threat of a storm in an early game on the road.
“North Penn is always a relentless team that plays to the final whistle, and their goalie does a fantastic job of thwarting scoring chances. We were experimenting with our structure today and where different players were playing in an effort to prepare for future games.”
–Props: “Shoutout to Margot Trask, Leah Cipollo, and Laney Hall for their versatility and willingness to play where the team needs them.”
Up next: Central Bucks West will travel to Souderton on Monday (6:30pm), and North Penn will be on the road at Central Bucks South Monday (7pm).
Central Bucks West 2-1-0-2 5
North Penn 0-0-1-1 2
SOL Liberty Division
HATBORO-HORSHAM 1, ABINGTON 0
Avery Mullen turned a MacKenzie Harmon pass into a goal midway through the first quarter, and that goal stood as the game-winner for the Hatters, who won their fourth game in their last five after a 1-6 start.
“It’s exciting,” Hatboro-Horsham coach Marie Schmucker said. “It was just a shame we couldn’t get a couple more goals, but it was a great team effort.”
Thursday’s win avenged an early-season 1-0 loss to the Ghosts and is the first division win for the Hatters.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Avery Mullen (HH) assisted by MacKenzie Harmon, 7:40
Second quarter – No score
Third quarter – No score
Fourth quarter – No score
By the numbers: Shots 9; Penalty corners: HH 4; Goalie saves: Sydney Matthews (HH) 6.
Hatboro-Horsham coach Marie Schmucker: “The game went back and forth. We scored a goal, and they called it back. I’m glad we held them at 1-0. Our passing was outstanding, possessing the ball, playing together as a team – they played well.
“We had nine shots on goal, but we just couldn’t finish. Our defense played well, our midfield played well. It was just a total team effort. They played very well as a team. This was a big win.”
–Props: “Norah Haber played really well at forward. Kenzie Harmon, Sydney (Matthews), Sophia Waynick played well. Madeline Lee played well as a defender. Annabelle Deacon played well. Just the whole midfield – Avery Mullen scored, and she played well. Brianna Soto, Aliana D’Angelo, a forward, played well possessing the ball.”
Up next: Hatboro-Horsham will host Quakertown on Monday, and Abington will host Upper Dublin on Monday.
Abington 0-0-0-0 0
Hatboro-Horsham 1-0-0-0 1
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 2, QUAKERTOWN 1
Emily Dobrowolski scored a goal and assisted on another to lead the Colonials to the win in a showdown between the division’s top squads.
Dobrowolski broke a scoreless tie just over two-and-a-half minutes into the second half, and after the Panthers answered with a goal of their own, Dobrowolski found teammate Gracie Kerns in a scrum in the circle for a goal that turned out to be the game-winner.
It was the second time in as many meetings that the teams battled to a 2-1 final with PW winning both meetings.
“That last game was 2-1 in overtime, so they both have been competitive and close games,” PW coach Charise Halteman said.
Since dropping their first three games of the season, the Colonials have won eight of nine.
“The beginning of the season was tough,” Halteman said. “We were playing teams that are all in the top eight of the district right now. We had a couple positions we were trying to figure out, and we were playing around with some stuff. We were just playing tough teams right away, so we learned a lot quickly about our team and had to figure things out.
“We started hitting some games where we gained some confidence and started scoring some goals and really started gelling as a group. We’re playing good team defense right now. I think they’re more familiar with what they like to do.”
In their three losses to open the season, the Colonials were outscored 19-5.
“A lot of those teams physically were taller and bigger than we were and stronger,” Halteman said. “It wasn’t a fun beginning of the season because it felt like we couldn’t get going.
“We were usually able to get a goal or a couple of goals, but our defense was really breaking down in transition. I feel like we’ve cleaned that up a lot. They’re figuring out how to play together. We learned a lot, and now we’re in a good place.”
Thursday’s win gives the Colonials a two-game lead in the division standings over the Panthers with four division games remaining.
“That’s their goal,” Halteman said of capturing another division title.
PW goalie Carly Spinner was credited with six saves in the win.
“Both Quakertown’s goalkeeper and PW’s goalkeeper Carly Spinner made great saves to keep the game close and competitive,” Halteman said.
Scoring summary
First quarter – No score
Second quarter – No score
Third quarter
Emily Dobrowolski (PW), 12:24
Cameron Landis (Q) assisted by Paige Longacre, 11:19
Gracie Kerns (PW) assisted by Emily Dobrowolski, 0:57
Fourth quarter – No score
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Charise Halteman:
–Keys to the game: “I thought the speed of our attack – we got some good numbers up situations. Gracie Kerns, my center forward, and Emily Dobrowolski, my center mid, with their speed and their skill – they’re really able to eliminate and then create numbers up situation, which I thought put Quakertown’s defense in a tough spot.
“I don’t think we necessarily played our best. We had a week off since last Thursday night, and especially with the weather, I thought it took us a little bit to settle in. I also thought the Quakertown goalkeeper made a lot of nice saves, especially in the first half.”
–The scoring: “Emily Dobrowolski scored the first goal, and she made a great defensive play along the sideline and then just took it on a great angle to cage. As soon as the ball crossed the top of the circle, she ripped one on cage, and I think it ricocheted off the goalkeeper into the net.
“Our second goal, Gracie Kerns scored with an assist from Em, and that was finished in a scrum in front of the keeper in the net.”
–Props: “Gracie and Emily – in the last few games especially – have been working really well together and creating good numbers up opportunities for us.”
Quakertown coach Peach Draper: “Tough one tonight in the rain. PW opened the scoring in the third quarter, but we answered back at 11:19 with a goal from Cameron Landis assisted by Paige Longacre. Unfortunately, PW (scored) with just 0:57 left in the third to go ahead 2-1. We had many chances and many corners in the fourth but couldn’t finish. We will get back to work tomorrow, and we are committed to learning and turning our mistakes into progress and growth.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh will travel to Wissahickon Monday, and Quakertown will be on the road at Hatboro-Horsham on Monday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 0-0-2-0 2
Quakertown 0-0-1-0 1
WISSAHICKON 3, UPPER DUBLIN 0
Annabel Roark’s goal with a Sam Farno assist with two minutes remaining in the third quarter broke a scoreless tie in Thursday’s SOL Liberty battle.
Carly Lehman added a pair of insurance goals in the fourth quarter – the first assisted by Ally Maier and the second with a Farno assist.
Scoring summary
First quarter – No score
Second quarter – No score
Third quarter
Annabel Roark (W) assisted by Sam Farno, 2:03
Fourth quarter
Carly Lehman (W) assisted by Ally Maier, 6:22
Carly Lehman (W) assisted by Sam Farno, 3:17
Wissahickon coach Hannah Havrilla:
–On the game: “Although we started off a little tentative, I am very happy with how the team finished. We played our style of hockey, using strong passes to move the ball up the field, and our fitness showed as we were able to finish strong against another tough league opponent. It was a great team win and the perfect way to head into a competitive week of games.
–Standouts: “I would like to recognize Carly Lehman, who scored two beautiful goals. Her skill, ability to draw fouls, and poise in the circle really stood out today. I also want to highlight Sam Farno, who has been an outstanding player to watch this season. She stepped up in the midfield with her explosiveness, speed, and readiness for rebounds, helping us create multiple scoring opportunities. Finally, a shoutout to midfielder Ally Maier, who showed a lot of effort and displayed excellent vision on the field. I am excited to see her continued growth as we close out the season.”
Up next: Wissahickon will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Monday, and Upper Dublin will travel to Abington on Monday.
Upper Dublin 0-0-0-0 0
Wissahickon 0-0-1-2 3
SOL Freedom Division
LOWER MORELAND 9, CHELTENHAM 0
Cara Torgan opened the game with three straight goals, collecting a hat trick in the first quarter as the Lions opened up a 4-0 lead after one quarter on their way to the big division win. Torgan finished a productive afternoon five goals and two assists.
Alyssa Ayling added a pair of goals while Maci London and Emily Amaral each had one. For Amaral, it was the first of her career.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Cara Torgan
Cara Torgan
Cara Torgan
Alyssa Ayling
Second quarter
Cara Torgan
Third quarter
Alyssa Ayling
Fourth quarter
Maci London assisted by Cara Torgan
Cara Torgan
Emily Amaral
Lower Moreland coach Deborah Lawlor: “Lower Moreland has three games up next in the coming days. We are working hard to improve our record. Today’s contest worked on shooting from the top of the circle and tipping the ball in.”
Up next: Lower Moreland will travel to Jenkintown for a non-league game Friday.
Cheltenham 0-0-0-0 0
Lower Moreland 4-1-1-3 9
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