Check out the Black Bear Lacrosse recaps for SOL girls’ lacrosse teams in action Monday. Wissahickon/NP photos courtesy of Kim Supko. Check back for a gallery of photos. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports’ GIRLS’ LACROSSE GALLERIES.
American Conference
SPRINGFIELD TWP 16, HATBORO-HORSHAM 2
There’s an old adage that states that “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
On Monday, the Springfield Twp girls lacrosse team honored those who light the spark.
The Spartans held their inaugural Teacher Appreciation Game, honoring the teachers who are helping guide the student-athletes.
“Our seniors were asked to pick a teacher who has made an impact on them throughout their educational journey,” said Spartans’ coach Katrina Borzelleca. “Last week, we surprised them with a T-shirt to wear to school today as well as to the game. During pregame, we honored them as our AD read something each of my seniors wrote about the teacher selected.
“Teachers make such an impact on our student athletes, and I felt it important to start this tradition here to allow the student-athletes to honor those teachers who have most impacted their lives. It was a great moment for everyone to be a part of and something we, as a team, are looking forward to doing every year.”
After honoring the teachers with their words, the Spartans honored them with their play, rolling to a dominant 16-2 victory over American Conference opponent Hatboro-Horsham.
Eight different players scored for Springfield, with Julie Guicheteau leading the way with 4 goals and 1 assist. Shannon Silvius also netted 4 goals.
Mia Fisher scored both Hatter goals.
By the numbers: Hatboro-Horsham: Mia Fisher (2 goals).
Springfield Twp: Shannon Silvius (4 goals), Adrianna Demers (1 goal), Frankie Rizzo (2 goals), Julie Guicheteau (4 goals, 1 assist), Lucy McDevitt (1 goal), Madison Borzelleca (1 goal, 1 assist), Kaitlyn Rosa (2 goals), Charley Kerr (1 goal).
Springfield Twp coach Katrina Borzelleca: “Today was a strong showing from our team. We were able to get many players involved, and everyone contributed. Our ball movement was excellent—we found each other in transition and in settled play, showing great teamwork and unselfish passing. Defensively, our redefend stood out as we worked together to slow the ball and force turnovers. Most importantly, we played as a unit from start to finish, staying focused and supporting each other. It was a great team effort.”
Up next: Springfield Twp (6-8, 4-4 SOL) hosts Quakertown at 7 pm Wednesday. The Hatters (1-12, 1-7) host Abington at 3:45 pm Wednesday.
Nonleague
UPPER DUBLIN 11, PENNRIDGE 10
For a nonleague game, this one had all the intrigue and excitement of a late-round playoff clash. Both Upper Dublin and Pennridge entered Monday’s game with identical unbeaten records in their respective conferences and only one nonleague loss on the season.
The two squads battled it out in a high-intensity clash that saw the momentum swing wildly throughout the contest, and in particular in the late stages of the fourth quarter. Upper Dublin took a 6-3 lead into halftime but fell behind 7-6 in the third quarter. The visiting Cardinals rallied to tie the game at 8-8 after three and took a 10-8 lead in the final frame. Pennridge chipped away and knotted the score at 10-10 with less than 2 minutes left.
Upper Dublin won the ensuing draw and set up for the final shot.
Showing patience and solid ball movement, the Cardinals got the ball into the pocket of Bridget DiMartile’s stick. And with 4.5 seconds left on the clock, the sophomore standout did what she does best, beating the opposing goalkeeper (for the seventh time in this game) and lifting the Cardinals to a thrilling 11-10 victory.
“Bridget DiMartile, Anna DiMartile, and Maeve Hogan worked all night to get possession on the draw,” Upper Dublin coach Dee Cross said. “Anna DiMartile got the draw when we needed it most. We called a timeout with 1:37 remaining to make sure we were all on the same page and talk about how we wanted to work the clock and finish. Bridget got the ball and challenged from up top. She scored with 4.5 seconds left to go ahead by 1. Anna got the next draw and the clock ran out.”
Caroline Stoffel came up with 5 huge saves to pick up the win in net for the Cardinals.
By the numbers: Upper Dublin: Bridget DiMartile (7 goals, 2 assists, 5 DC, 1 CTO), Anna DiMartile (2 goals, 3 DC 1 CTO), Maeve Hogan (1 goal, 1 assist, 3 DC, 2 CTO), Ava Shohen (1 goal), Shannon Connaughton (1 assist, 1 CTO), Liv Coffey (1 CTO), Abby O’Meara (1 CTO), Caroline Stoffel (5 saves).
Pennridge: Leah Verespy (2 goals, 1GB, 2 DC), Cayla Wurz (2 goals, 1 assist, 1GB), Taylor Burkett (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 DC, 3 GB, 2 CTO), Maddy Boyer (2 goals, 1 GB), Madigan Posey (1goal, 1 assist, 2 GB, 6 DC), Aubrey Bailey (1 goal, 2 GB), Gianna Leuthe (2 goals, 2 assists, 2 GB, 1 CTO, 3 DC), Julia Lenox (2 GB, 1 CTO)
Upper Dublin coach Dee Cross: “This game had a playoff atmosphere for sure. It was back-and-forth and the fans added to the excitement. Pennridge was a fast, aggressive team and kept us on our heels all night with their speed in the midfield. Our defense struggled a little tonight but found a way to get possession when we needed it the most. It was a great team win tonight.”
—Props: “Caroline Stoffel had one of her best games in goal and stood tall in key moments tonight.”
Pennridge coach Maddie Dachowski on the game: “The Rams fell one short in a heated battle vs. Upper Dublin. A great game vs. a solid competitor was the start to a very intense week for the Rams. Both teams came into today with only one loss on the season looking to improve their overall record and prepare for big league title games ahead. I think Upper Dublin fought hard for their win and the game was very intense from both sides. There were some incredible players on the field tonight from both teams. It’s hard to take a loss in a game I truly believe we could have won. This one hurts, but it is only fueling our fire for our next game ahead.”
–The first half: “The first quarter UD opened the scoring with the first two goals. The Rams answered back with our first goal from Aubrey Bailey who was found flashing open in the middle by a feeding Madigan Posey. UD scored again bringing the game to 1-3. We had a strong defensive stand that led to our second goal of the quarter from Leah Verespy off a Cayla Wurz save. We wrapped quarter one with the score at 2-3. UD was solid on the draw, and we had a hard time gaining possession in the whole first half.
“In the second quarter, UD had a run and put up three unanswered goals. The score was 2-6 and I called a timeout. I asked the ‘D’ what they needed and told the offense that we needed to take care of the ball. We talked about patience and communicating better on the draw and dump plays UD was running. There were very long ‘D’ sets where I feel like we did everything we could, so it was hard that our offense wasn’t scoring. Freshman Maddy Boyer was the only one to score in the quarter, scoring off an 8m shot.”
–The second half: “At the half, I told the team there was not a doubt in my mind that we could win the game. We have had slow starts this season where we needed a spark on the field and have been down at half before. I told the girls we have been here before and come back from it and today was no different. I told the offense to move the ball and make better decisions, see what the defense is giving you and attack.
“We had an amazing third quarter and were able to bring the energy needed to compete in this game. Five goals on the quarter was exactly what I knew this team could do. First to score was Gianna Leuthe with her first. She locked in for a goal immediately off her draw control win. Thirty seconds later, we gained another possession, and Gianna Leuthe found a cutting Maddy Boyer for her second of the night. Leah Verespy was next, scoring her second of the night off another Gianna Leuthe assist. Leuthe stayed in the action and scored her second of the night off an 8m. Four minutes into the third, and it was 7-6, the first lead for the Rams of the game. Leuthe was everywhere in the third quarter, contributing in four back-to-back goals. She was a huge spark on the night and got the team fired up. She knows when to lock in, and I have huge expectations of her as we head to our final stretch of the regular season. The game plan was working – we just had to keep going. Cayla Wurz scored our fifth of the quarter, her first of the night off a Taylor Burkett assist. We were up by two with five minutes to go. The lead was short lived. UD was able to score two before the quarter ended taking us into the fourth quarter tied 8-8.
“The fourth quarter was a huge battle, there was a ton of back and fourth and three yellow cards that were game altering. UD put up two goals and the score was 8-10 with four minutes to go. We fought hard on the draw to gain possession and had patience offensively. Madigan Posey finally found the back of the net when it felt like it mattered most. She scored off an 8m and brought the score within 1. The next draw was huge, and Leah Verespy rose to the occasion. She was able to win the draw which led to strong offensive movement, giving Cayla Wurz a must-score 8m moment. She put the ball in the back of the net with 1:52 to go and knotted the score at 10-10. The next play was the heartbreaker for the Rams. The draw was won by UD and repetitive fouls in the midfield battling for the ball led to a yellow card, putting us man down for the remaining 1:37 of the game. UD called a timeout, and we tried to make a game plan. UD ran out the clock to the final seconds of the game, and we were beat by a solid drive from up top. I felt the ‘D’ did everything they could in the final play, and it’s unfortunate that we fell short.”
–Props: “Defense had a strong showing tonight and with high moments. Lily Blair had 10 saves which was huge for her. She saved us in big moments and kept the score tight all game. Makena Charles had a great showing with a standout check in the third quarter, and overall poise and leadership over the defensive unit. Julia Lenox had two huge ground balls in big moments and Norah Herbst was doing very well sliding and slowing ball. Everyone contributes so much to the unit, and we would not be the team we are without all of them.”
–Overview: “Overall, I’m sad to see the team walk away with a tough loss. This game could have gone to either team, and UD was the one to find a way to win. Reflecting and learning from this loss, I can say it absolutely prepared us for the rest of our season and the hopeful postseason run we plan to make. This group knows how to fight, and we have so many players that come together and make this team work. We just didn’t have all of the pieces fitting tonight and we are making the adjustments we need to as we head into Wednesday. Our focus all season has been winning the league, and it will all come down to our game vs. CB West this Wednesday. We are ready, focused, determined, and I know it will be the battle of the season.”
Up next: Upper Dublin (14-1, 8-0 SOL) will host New Hope-Solebury at 6 pm Wednesday. Pennridge (12-2, 7-0) will have a showdown with Central Bucks West in a matchup of the two undefeated league frontrunners at home at 7 pm Wednesday.
Upper Dublin 3 3 2 3 – 11
Pennridge 2 1 5 2 – 10
WISSAHICKON 15, NORTH PENN 3
Monday’s game was about more than just lacrosse.
Wissahickon played its annual Morgan’s Message game on Monday, highlighting the importance of mental health.
“I am really proud of our goalie, Tatum Ruhren, who is an ambassador for the program and spoke for the team before the game about the importance of talking about mental health and to empower those who are
suffering in silence,” said Wissahickon coach Chuck Wurzbach.
After a tight first quarter, the Trojans powered in 7 goals in the second period to jump out and cruise to a 15-3 win over North Penn in the Suburban One crossover game.
Alexa McCabe scored a game-high 6 goals, while Lila Marciniak had 6 points on 4 goals and 2 assists. Sophia Stehlik won 9 draw controls, and Tatum recorded 1 save in her time in the cage for the Trojans.
Emma Zelt led North Penn with 2 goals.
By the numbers: North Penn: Emma Zelt (2 goals), Quinn Rodoff (1 assist), Katie Harkins (1 goal). Wissahickon: Lila Marciniak (4 goals, 2 assists), Alexa McCabe (6 goals), Sam Farno (3 goals), Paige Dratch (1 goal), Emma Greenberg (1 goal, 3 assists, 1 DC), Sophia Stehlik (1 assist, 9 DC), Ellie Stein (1 assist, 2 GB), Ava Fell (15 saves), Tatum Ruhren (1 save).
Wissahickon coach Chuck Wurzbach: “North Penn came out in the first quarter and was able to score twice, but then we were able to tighten up defensively and
kept them off from scoring until late in the fourth quarter.”
—Props: “Kaylee Hammond had a great game causing havoc around the 8m. Sophia Stehlik had an excellent day on the draw circle and has continued to show grit and determination to get possession.
—Per the Morgan’s Message website (https://www.morgansmessage.org): “Morgan’s Message® is a 501(c)(3) that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.
“We aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.”
Up next: The Trojans (13-0, 8-0 SOL) host Cheltenham at 5 pm Wednesday. North Penn (6-8, 3-4) will host Council Rock North at 7 pm Wednesday in the Lax 4 Leukemia game.
Wissahickon 4 7 3 1 – 15
North Penn 2 0 0 1 – 3
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 14, GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY 7
(Submitted by Council Rock North girls lacrosse)
In a dominant team performance that showcased defensive grit and offensive firepower, Council Rock North secured a convincing 14-7 victory over nonleague opponent Gwynedd Mercy Academy on Monday.
The win was punctuated by a historic moment for senior goalie Lucy Carney, who recorded her 500th career save during another standout showing in net.
Carney turned away 70% of the shots she faced, anchoring a defensive unit that stifled Gwynedd Mercy’s attack from start to finish. Her milestone save was met with loud cheers from teammates and marked a major achievement in what has already been an exceptional high school career.
“It’s just amazing,” Carney said. “I couldn’t have done it without the defense in front of me every game. This was a total team win.”
Indeed, the defensive effort was a true collective effort. Keiley Lyons led the way with 2 ground balls and 3 forced turnovers, while Abby Steadman, Addison Kohler, and Ella G were instrumental in pressuring Gwynedd Mercy’s attackers and disrupting passing lanes all afternoon.
On the offensive side, Council Rock North’s midfielders controlled the pace of play with relentless draw control and transition play. Cat McBride led the scoring barrage with 7 goals and an assist, while also contributing across the board with 2 ground balls, 3 draw controls, and a forced turnover.
Olivia Esposito was a force in the draw circle, securing 8 draw controls and chipping in a goal of her own. Ellie Carney added 3 goals, 2 assists, 2 ground balls, and 5 draw controls in a dynamic two-way performance.
Addison Deppi and Mackenzie Pyle each added a goal, with Pyle also grabbing 2 ground balls. Lilly Brand had a nice goal and Gabby Mann dished out 2 assists and collected a ground ball, while Jordy Zazoff added an assist in the well-rounded offensive output.
Up next: The Indians (10-2, 4-1 SOL)will visit North Penn at 7 pm Wednesday.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 17, ABINGTON 3
Central Bucks West downed Abington 17-3 in Monday’s non-league game. The Bucks received contributions up and down their lineup.
Ainsley Shissler, Addy Stromberg and Katie Casale led a balanced West attack with three goals each. Olivia Barrett led the Bucks with six draw controls and four caused turnovers while Shissler had five draw controls.
Senior goalie Kalena Mandeville recorded one save, and it was the 400th of her career. She also had three ground balls.
Charlotte Lowery led the Ghosts with 2 goals and 4 ground balls.
By the numbers: Bella Schrandt (2 goals 1 assist 1 CTO, 1GB, 1 DC), Chloe Schrandt (1 assist), Olivia Barrett (2 goals, 4 CTO, 6 DC), Kamryn Brownlow (1 goal, 2 assists 1 CTO, 2 GB, 1 DC), Ainsley Shissler (3 goals 2 CTO 5 DC), Addy Stromberg (3 goals, 2 assists, 2 DC, 1 CTO), Katie Casale (3 goals 1 assist), Addie Hahn (2 assists), Raylin Tulio (1 goal 1 assist 1GB), Grace Naylor (1 CTO, 3 GB, 3 DC), Eve Damsker (1 CTO, 1 GB), Ellie Rosato (1 assist), Zola Morelli (2 goals 1 GB, 1 DC), Kris Claricurzio (1 goal)
Abington: Charlotte Lowery (2 goals, 4 GB), Katie Pennekamp (1 goal, 2 DC), Sophia Afflisio (1 CTO, 2 GB), Carly Hughes (1 assist, 1 GB), Grace Warchol (1 GB, 1 DC), Jadyn Bagby (17 saves).
Up next: The Bucks (11-2, 6-0 SOL) will square off against Pennridge on the road at 7 pm Wednesday in a matchup of the two National Conference frontrunners. Abington (6-7, 5-3) visits Hatboro-Horsham at 3:45 pm Wednesday.
Abington 0 1 1 1 – 3
Central Bucks West 5 5 3 4 – 17
CHELTENHAM 11, VILLA JOSEPH MARIE 9
Villa Joseph started off with a 4-1 lead in the first quarter, but Cheltenham made some adjustments on attack, defense and in the midfield, rallying to pull out the win.
“Our goalie, Megan Robinson, really held us in the game and made huge crucial stops,” Cheltenham coach Emily Towey said. “Smart decision making in the fourth quarter secured the win. Brianna Gardner scored 5 goals and Morgan Gregorio added 3 to support an attack that is showing improvement since the season has progressed.”
By the numbers: Cheltenham: Bri Gardner (5 goals, 1 assist, 7 DC), Morgan Gregorio(2 goals, 1 assist, 3 DC), Mia Haugen (2 goals, 1 assist, 2 DC), Marelle Johnston (1 goal), Ella King (1 goal), Megan Robinson (11 saves).
Cheltenham coach Emily Towey: “Our season has been full of lessons learned and opportunities to grow. We are deepening our understanding of the importance of cohesiveness and being strategic when making decisions in the game. So many moments in the game provided us with opportunities to see that. I am proud of the girls for coming back and securing the win while continuing to recognize all of our areas of improvement.”
–100-goal milestone for Gardner: “We are also so proud of our junior defensive midfielder, Brianna Gardner, who earned her 100th career draw control today. It is really impressive that she was able to accomplish this in only 2 seasons. She is the definition of hard work, resilience, and grit. She represents our program so well and is a key component to our progress.”
Up next: The Panthers (6-5 overall, 2-5 SOL ) travel to Wissahickon for a 3:30 Wednesday matchup.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 14, JENKINTOWN 4
Mia Geneles had a hand in 6 goals (3 goals, 3 assists) and added 3 draw controls as Council Rock South downed Jenkintown 14-4 in Monday’s nonleague game.
Camryn Brundage had 6 draw controls to go along with a hat trick, while Liz Hearn scored a game-high 4 goals and added 1 assist.
By the numbers: Council Rock South: Camryn Brundage (3 goals, 6 DC, 2 CTO), Liz Hearn (4 goals, 1 assist), Julia Haurin (2 goals), Mia Schink (1 goal, 1 assist, 2 DC, 1 CTO), Mia Geneles (3 goals, 3 assists, 3 DC, 1 CTO), Brianna Howard (1 goal, 1 CTO), Kelly Longmore (3 DC).
Up next: South (8-4, 4-2 SOL) will visit Neshaminy at 7 pm Wednesday.
Council Rock South 8-1-3-2 – 14
Jenkintown 2-1-0-1 – 4
SOUDERTON 16, LOWER MERION 11
Souderton used a 6-goal outburst in the third quarter to gain some distance and pull away to take a 16-11 victory over Lower Merion in Monday’s nonleague matchup.
Caroline Kelcy exploded for 7 goals and 1 assists to lead the Indians. Addie Yost earned 7 draw controls to go along with a goal and an assist.
By the numbers: Souderton: Cameron Bauer (1 goal), Carly Gavetti (2 goals, 1 assist), Caroline Kelcy (7 goals, 1 assist), Ella Longacre (2 goals), Addie Yost (1 goal, 1 assist, 7 DC), Tatum Andrews (1 goal, 5 GB, 1 DC), Aly Hassett (1 goal, 1 assist, 3 DC), Cammy Moyer (1 goal), Nicole Kleckner (6 saves).
Up next: Souderton (10-5, 4-4 SOL) hosts Pennsbury at 5 pm Friday for the Indians’ Senior Night.
Souderton 4 2 6 4 – 16
Lower Merion 2 3 2 4 – 11
LOWER MORELAND 14, SACRED HEART 3
Ten different players scores to highlight a spread-out attack as Lower Moreland routed Sacred Heart 14-3 in Monday’s nonleague matchup.
Four Lower Moreland players — Olivia Buczacki, Skylar Lowry, Kenna Rozanski, and Kaitlyn Koshy – scored 2 goals to lead the Lions.
By the numbers: Lower Moreland: Olivia Buczacki (2 goals), Roya Rosala (1 goal), Skylar Lowry (2 goals), Maddie Broderick (1 goal), Haylee Huber (1 goal), Kenna Rozanski (2 goals), Kaitlyn Koshy (2 goals), Mary Skaziak (1 goal), Keira Huber (1 goal) Skylar Huber (1 goal).
Up next: The Lions (7-6, 3-4 SOL) visit Coatesville at 3:45 pm Wednesday.
MOUNT ST JOSEPH ACADEMY 7, UPPER MORELAND 3
Upper Moreland netted the first 2 goals of the game but was held to just a single score the rest of the way as Mount St Joseph Academy rallied to hand the Golden Bears a 7-3 loss in Monday’s low-scoring nonleague affair.
Annalise Messina scored 3 goals for Upper Moreland, while Avery Adamski won a team-high 5 draw controls.
By the numbers: Upper Moreland: Annalise Messina (2 goals, 3 DC), Keiley Hawk (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 DC), Charlie Clement (1 assist), Avery Adamski (5 DC), Addi Hurley 5 saves.
Upper Moreland coach Kim Frantz: “This really was a defensive battle. We started off really strong with a 2-0 lead, but Mount was able to close the gap and take the lead for the rest of the game from the end of the first quarter. The Mount has a couple great players on attack that work so well together. We played hard through the last second. We had opportunities, but couldn’t convert, especially on free 8-meter shots.
“The score was 5-3 Mount through half of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter, when Mount went into a stall ball and then scored 2 goals off the stall in the last 3 minutes. Definitely a competitive game, our defense came through and was really strong throughout the game.
—Props: “Our defense made up of Avery Adamski, Madeline Cox, Maggie Brophy, Leah King, and Addi Hurley made Mount work hard to earn each goal.”
Up next: The Golden Bears (9-6, 5-4 SOL) will visit Upper Merion for a nonleague game at 7 pm Friday.
CHELTENHAM 11, VILLA JOSEPH MARIE 9
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