Eleven SOL teams will be in action on Monday when the District One AAA Tournament gets underway. Check back for scores that will be posted on the bracket as soon as they are received.
By Mary Jane Souder
Annie Kopera knew all about the Neshaminy field hockey team's glory days.
After all, the Neshaminy senior had a front row seat while her older sister's team rode its immense talent to league and district titles in 2008. One year later, Annie was a freshman in the storied field hockey program.
“Growing up, I was always watching that team, and I just always wanted to be a part of Neshaminy field hockey,” said Kopera, now a senior captain. “I couldn't wait to get up there and win the SOL.”
And wait is exactly what Kopera and her classmates did as the program fell upon hard times. Last year, the Redskins missed out on the district playoffs for the first time since 1978.
“When I was a freshman, we were rebuilding on the coaching front and the player front,” Kopera said. “We lost that entire class of seniors, we lost the coach who had led us to so many championships, so it was pretty much new.
“My freshman, sophomore and junior years – every year we came out trying to win, but every year it got worse and worse. We didn't make the playoffs last year for the first time since 1970-something, and that was so embarrassing, so my class – we just wanted to get out there and show everyone what we could do.”
And show everyone they did.
The Redskins capped a memorable regular season last week by defeating defending conference champion Council Rock North and following that with a win over archrival Pennsbury to clinch sole possession of the conference crown.
“It was tough, but I think we really grew as players over our four years,” senior captain Rachel Rotteveel said. “Everything started to jell. We learned to work together as a team, and we really came together.
“We knew what we needed to do this season. We needed to go out there and give it our all, and that’s what we did. This means so much. This is the season I dreamed of. Ever since my freshman year, we said we wanted to go far and have a winning season. It’s been really great.”
The Redskins 3-2 win over Rock North on a rainy, dreary day to all but clinch the crown last week is one the players will never forget.
“It was crazy because it was such a stormy day,” Rotteveel said. “It kind of looked like a movie. The rain was coming down, we were soaking wet, we could barely see, but we kept pushing on. We didn’t care about the elements. We just came out there to win.”
Senior captain Brittany Sheenan stole the spotlight, scoring all three goals in the win over Rock North, but this was a win for the entire team to savor.
“The day after that game, I kept telling everybody it was Remember the Titans field hockey edition because it was just the most exciting game ever,” Kopera said. “It was pouring rain, and it was back and forth – they scored, we scored, they scored, we scored, and then it came down to the last two minutes. It was so exciting.
“This has been a storybook ending.”
But it's not over yet for the eighth-seeded Redskins, who will host 25th seeded Radnor in an opening round District One AAA game on Monday.
“I'm very glad that we're playing,” Kopera said. “I knew we were going to be a high seed, and I was hoping we wouldn't get a bye. I feel you're more complacent with a bye. You're on your heels but instead we're playing, we're ready to go.”
“We’re ready,” Rotteveel added. “We just worked so hard all season, and we feel it’s all culminated to this point. We’re ready to give it our all and make some big plays and come out strong.”
***
Central Bucks South boasts a tradition of excellence on the hockey field.
Winning titles is all but expected, and the Titans maintained that tradition by winning their program’s sixth consecutive Continental Conference crown this season.
The key to their success?
“Definitely the hard work and diligent effort we put forth at practice,” senior Amber Steigerwalt said. “Our coaches stress ‘high tempo’ practices, which prepare us for all different type of game situations.
“I would have to say our coaching staff gives us the opportunity to succeed with all the immense knowledge they bring to us.”
But it goes beyond coaching, according to Steigerwalt.
“Our team is like one big family,” she said “Although it’s a bit cliché, we honestly just enjoy one another’s company, and this positive energy reflects in our playing and our teamwork.”
The Titans lost just once in 18 games this season and finished four games ahead of second place Central Bucks West in the conference standings.
“It’s an honor to win this championship,” Steigerwalt said. “It was definitely a big goal for us coming into the season, so we really wanted to come out strong and play as best we could.”
The second-seeded Titans, who have a first round bye, will face the winner of Monday’s Council Rock South/Avon Grove game on Wednesday.
“Our mindset is just staying humble,” Steigerwalt said. “You never know what could happen next, and that’s the beauty of the sport. We are looking to continue working hard on the field and enjoying the sport we love!”
***
Wissahickon boasts close to a decade of conference crowns, winning a conference title every year since Lucy Gil came on the scene in 2003 except for 2007. For the players, that equates to a bit of pressure.
“I actually thought we were going to tie this year, and my year was going to be the first year we lost and we didn't win the league,” senior captain Jackie Hibbs said. “I just didn't want to be on the team when that happened because I knew we were better than that.”
It certainly looked as though the Trojans were destined to share a title after they fell to Springfield (Montco) 3-2 in the early season meeting between the two teams.
“Losing to Springfield was definitely a wake-up call that we needed to work harder, and this was not going to be an easy win,” senior captain Emily Gallagher said. “It was an inspiration to us that we had to go out strong for every game if we wanted to win the conference.”
Even after the Trojans came back to defeat the Spartans 3-1 in the second go-round, a tie seemed inevitable.
Until Upper Merion forced the Spartans to settle for a 1-1 tie in a late season game.
“When I heard they tied someone and we were going to win the league, it was so exciting,” Hibbs said. “It feels so different as a senior. I feel like I want it more.
“People say, 'You already know where you're going to college. It doesn't matter,' but it matters more to me because I want to prove myself my last year.”
If there was a turning point in the season, the players point to the win over Springfield.
“That win brought us back,” Hibbs said. “We could start focusing on the playoffs, and we could step it up.”
“After we beat them, we had such a confidence boost,” Gallagher added. “Everybody had the feeling that we could actually do this.
“In the past, we've had great teams we've always played with. This year we didn't have as many experienced players, so we definitely feel we have to amount to something. It means so much more that we had to work so hard for it.”
The third-seeded Trojans have a bye in Monday’s opening round. In a second round game on Wednesday, they will face the winner of the Downingtown East/Owen J. Roberts game.
“I like how we have a bye, but we have a very young team, and most of them have never played in the playoffs before,” Hibbs said. “It would be better if we didn't have a bye so we could get over the jitters. Not that we aren't confident – we are, but I'm not a fan of the bye because the other team has a win, and they're all pumped up and excited, and we're coming into our first game in playoffs”
#2 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH (Bye)
- 17-1 overall
- 13-1 SOL Continental Conference champions (sixth consecutive conference crown)
- Defeated third-seeded Wissahickon 5-0 on Sept. 6.
- Only loss of season to North Penn (1-0) on Oct. 2
- Winners of five in a row heading into tournament
- Last year, the Titans entered the postseason as the number one seed with their only loss of the season to Souderton (1-0) on Oct. 3 and boasting a five-game winning streak heading into the tournament.
Co-coach Jeff Harding says: “We are very fortunate to be in a place where we can continue to play a game the kids really enjoy. Not every year goes your way, but we feel through hard work and a team approach, the program will have its best chance. We are really looking forward to competing in the District One Tournament and representing the SOL Continental Conference. The team has really been peaking at the right time with their play, energy and passion.
#3 WISSAHICKON (Bye)
- 15-3 overall
- 13-1 SOL American Conference champions
- Opened season with 4-2 win over 11th-seeded Council Rock North
- Only losses of the season came at the hands of second-seeded Central Bucks South, Villa Maria Academy (top-seeded in the Class AA bracket) and Springfield (third seed in Class AA)
- Trojans enter postseason with an eight-game winning streak
Players to watch: Emily Gallagher (Sr., Striker), Jackie Hibbs (Sr., Midfield), Angela Virtu (Jr., Center Back), Ashley Laskowitz (Soph., Sweeper)
Coach Lucy Gil says: “It always means a lot to make it this far. We have been playing better and better with each game, so we feel we are ‘peaking’ at the right time. They have been working very hard to improve, and it shows.”
#25 RADNOR at #8 NESHAMINY
Neshaminy
- 14-3-1 overall
- 12-1-1 SOL National Conference champions, first SOL championship since 2008
- Defeated 11th-seeded Council Rock North 3-2 on Oct. 15 to knock the Indians out of first place for the first time all season
- Won nine and tied one in last 10 games to close out season
Players to watch: Brittany Sheenan (Sr.), Annie Kopera (Sr.), Rachel Rotteveel (Sr.), Sarah Mitchell (Sr.), Malloree-Jo Mason (Sr.), Emily Curtin (Sr.), Juliette Rihl (Sr.), Erin Bedesem (Jr.), Amanda Binczewski (Jr.), Abby Alexis (Soph.), Marlena Koellner (Fr.), Christen Pennington (Fr.), Amanda Blum (Fr.)
Radnor
- Fifth place team in Central League
- Lost to 20th-seeded Hatboro-Horsham 3-1 on Oct. 12
- Closed season with 4-0 loss to Archbishop Carroll
- Upset Souderton 3-1 in opening round of districts last year
#24 METHACTON at #9 CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Central Bucks West
- 13-5 overall
- 9-5 SOL Continental Conference (second place)
- Opened season with five straight wins and went on to earn first district berth since 2008
- Defeated 15th seeded Council Rock South on Sept. 4 and twice defeated 20th-seeded Hatboro-Horsham.
Players to watch: Offensively – seniors Heather Zezzo and Ginny Moore “Great finishers that have been finding the back of the cage well all season,” coach Casey Hughes said. “Also, junior Erick Fiorelli and sophomore Kim Hitchcock are extremely strong offensively and have been playmakers. Junior Elena Romesburg is consistently one of my extremely strong players on the field and a force to be reckoned with.” Defensively – “Mackenzie Gallagher is our anchor and will lead the other backs,” Hughes said. “Look for my young sophomore backs – Jacqueline Fitzgerald and Carson LeGreca - to step up and play strong as well. Sophomore goalkeeper Brianna DeAngelis is strong between the pipes and has been making good saves all season. This team is very strong, and they are ready to prove themselves.”
Coach Casey Hughes says: “My team is very excited for this opportunity, and it is a first-time experience for every player on my team. They are excited and ready to exceed expectations. They’ve seen themselves as underdogs in our very tough SOL Continental Conference and are beyond happy to have gotten a District One berth. We are ecstatic about our second place finish in that conference. I am proud of them, and we are looking to show everybody what this West hockey program is made of.”
Methacton
- 8-9-1 overall
- 6-6-1 PAC-10 (fourth place Liberty Division)
- Win over North Penn in season opener
- Coached by Souderton grad Sarah Harris Quintois, whose assistants include former Souderton coaches Mary Ann Harris and Joan Moser, who coached West coach and Souderton grad Casey Hughes.
#22 WEST CHESTER EAST at #11 COUNCIL ROCK NORTH
Council Rock North
- 13-5 overall
- 14-2 SOL National Conference (second place)
- Split season series with conference champion Neshaminy and fell to Council Rock South, accounting for two league losses
- Returned just three players from last year’s championship National Conference squad
Players to watch: Alex Kuzma (Sr.), Gabby Tofig (Sr.), Alyssa Mangano (Sr.), Stefani Ruzzic (Sr.)
Coach Heather Whalin says: “This is the first playoff game for everyone on the team except three players. It is exciting for all on the team, and we are taking it one game at a time. I am so proud of what this team was able to accomplish this year after graduating 11 seniors last year.”
West Chester East
- Fifth place team Ches-Mont League National Conference
- Tied 14th-seeded Downingtown East last week
#18 AVON GROVE at #15 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH
Council Rock South
- 12-5-1 overall
- 12-3-1 SOL National Conference (third place)
- Tied eighth-seeded Neshaminy on Oct. 11 and defeated 11th-seeded Council Rock North 2-1 on Sept. 24
Players to watch: Alexis Carroll (Sr. Captain), Colleen Kirlin (Sr., Captain), Kelly Schlupp (Sr. Captain), Kristin Donohue (Jr. Captain)
Coach Lisa Belz says: “I’m happy that everybody is back because we have had some injuries. Kelly Schlupp was out with a concussion, and we’re happy to have her back. I’m looking for our captains to step up and lead the team. We’re excited to be back in the playoffs and have a home game.”
Avon Grove
- Fourth place Ches-Mont League National Conference
#20 HATBORO-HORSHAM at #13 PERKIOMEN VALLEY
Hatboro-Horsham
- 9-8-1 overall
- 7-6-1 SOL Continental Conference (third place)
Players to watch: Robyn Barbell (Sr., M), Carlie Baldus (Jr., F), Colby Eldridge (Jr., F), Jane Henry (Jr., D), Rachel Rausa (Jr., M), Tori Waddington (Jr., D), Emily Braunewell (Soph., GK), Jenna Cutilli (Soph., D), Jaime DiQuattro (Soph., F), Casey Swezey (Soph., M), Kelsey Hopkins (Fr., M)
Coach Laura Swezey says: "Coming into the season, we lost five starting seniors to graduation who went on to play Division One lacrosse and softball. We are very happy with our progress throughout the season. Our team has young high school talent coupled with years of club field hockey experience. The enthusiasm, team chemistry and enjoyment of the game bonded our team and the player's support of one another. I am very proud of the girls, and we are looking forward to our first playoff game and representing Hatboro-Horsham!"
Perkiomen Valley
- 8-9-1 overall
- 7-5-1 PAC-10 Liberty Division (second place)
- Fell to Upper Perk 5-2 in PAC-10 semifinals
- Won just two of six games to close out regular season
#21 WILLIAM TENNENT at #12 GARNET VALLEY
William Tennent
- 9-8-1 overall
- 7-6-1 SOL National Conference (fourth place)
- Won three of four games to close out regular season
Players to watch: Colleen McCabe (Sr., F), Tori Villani (Sr., GK), Johanna Simpson (Sr., D), Megan McCloskey (Jr., D), Rachael Mueller (Jr., F), Hannah Chamberlain (Jr., M), Sam Huttick (Jr., M), Jenn D’Angelo (Jr., F), Ali Cochran (Jr., F), Maddie Reid (Jr., D), Gianna Murtha (Jr., F), Sarah Horrox (Jr., M), Michelle Fleming (Jr., D), Kendal Brasch (Soph., F), Taylor Skiba (Soph., F), Meghan Izak (Soph., D), Madelyn Murtha (Fr., M), Kylie Weiss (Fr., F), Kalisi Taufalele (Fr., D)
Coach Kaitlyn Rauchut says: “Within the William Tennent field hockey program, making the playoffs this year shows continuous growth, even with a young roster. With four years running making appearances in the playoffs, William Tennent appreciates and is humbled with its selection into the playoffs and looks forward to representing their school and community in the future contests. With the leadership of Tori Villani, Colleen McCabe and Megan McCloskey, the Lady Panthers believe anything is possible if they work as a team.”
Garnet Valley
- Finished third in Central League
- Led by All-Delco midfielder Eleanor Kirby, who has made a verbal commitment to play field hockey at Bloomsburg
#23 SOUDERTON at #10 STRATH HAVEN
Souderton
- 9-8 overall
- 7-7 SOL Continental Conference (fourth place)
- Notched a 3-1 win over 11th-seeded Council Rock North on Oct. 13
Players to watch: Bekah Hershey (Sr., Defense), Alyssa Ziegler (Sr., Midfield), Tabatha Almond (Sr., Midfield), Abbey Gabriel (Jr., Forward), Jen Bergey (Jr., Goalie), Meghan McDermott (Jr., Defense)
Coach Lauren Whiteside says: “This playoff berth was very exciting to us this year. We have had a roller coaster of a season, but our record doesn’t prove our worth. Our team was watching the web site as the brackets were posted during the meeting. It was nerveracking! When we saw our name pop up, we were very excited to be where we were. Being the ‘underdogs,’ we have nothing to lose. We plan on leaving it all on the field and playing the best game of our season. We are confident and ready, mentally and physically.”
Strath Haven
- Second place team out of Central League
- Tied for first place in league until upset by Harriton 3-1 last week
#27 NORTH PENN at #7 HAVERFORD
North Penn
- 7-9-2 overall
- 6-6-2 SOL Continental Conference (fifth place)
- 7-3-2 after an 0-6 start
- Handed top-seeded Central Bucks South its only loss (1-0) on Oct. 2
Players to watch: Shannon Talbot (Jr., Midfield), Chessa Kownurko (Jr., Goalie), Casey O’Donnell (Soph., Forward), Alexa Gable (Sr., Defensive Back), Laura Squicciarini (Sr., Defensive Back)
Coach Shannon McCracken says: “Our team is so excited to participate in the district playoffs. They have worked extremely hard over the season to achieve this after starting the season 0-6. The players stayed focused, and we went 7-3-2 in the second half of the season to make districts, beating undefeated CB South along the way. The team is young, so this will be a great experience and opportunity for the players.”
Haverford
- 13-3-1 overall
- 10-1 Central League champion
- Top scorer is midfielder Jess McCarthy with 16 goals
#28 UPPER MERION at #5 MOUNT ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY
Upper Merion
- 9-8-1 overall
- 7-6-1 SOL American Conference (fourth place)
- Tied Springfield (Montco) 1-1 in final week of season
- Won three and tied one in last five games of the season
- First trip to postseason in three decades
Players to watch: Amanda McAteer (Sr., Midfield), Dominique Gambone (Sr., Forward), Kaitlyn Lutz (Soph., Midfield), Danielle SanFelice (Sr., Defense), Jackie Schauble (Jr., Defense)
Coach Angie Yanocha says: “We are very excited to be moving on to the district playoffs. Upper Merion probably hasn’t been to the playoffs for about 30 years, so this is something new for us, and we’re really looking forward to the challenge. My girls have played so hard this season, so it is great to see their hard work and intensity has gotten them a spot in postseason play. Obviously, as the 28th seed playing the fifth seed, we are the underdogs, but my girls come to every game ready to play, and I believe that on any given day, anything can happen.”
Mount St. Joseph Academy
- 15-3 overall
- 11-3 Catholic Academies League
- Lost twice to AACA champion Villa Maria Academy and once to Gwynedd-Mercy Academy
- Boast a pair of Division One player in lineup in Emilee Ehret (Penn State) and Ann Burgoyne (Fairfield)
- Magic take a seven-game winning streak into postseason
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