Eleven SOL field hockey teams will be competing in the District 1 3A Tournament. Check out the preview capsules.
District 1 3A
#3 CENTRAL BUCKS WEST (Bye)
–14-3-1 overall
–10-0 SOL Colonial Division champions
–14-1 against teams in District 1 Class 3A Tournament with only loss to top-ranked Villa Maria Academy
–Bucks have 12 different goal scorers this season, led by University of Maryland commit Aida Ierubino (34 goals) and Claire Demmer (15 goals).
–Defense anchored by senior goalie Kendra Pitts, a Vassar College commit, and the same defense that worked together last year.
–Wins over Class 3A teams include #5 Souderton (6-1, 3-1), #9 Garnet Valley (4-0), #12 CB South (7-2, 5-0), #13 North Penn (2-0, 5-2) & #14 Neshaminy (7-0)
Up next: Central Bucks West will host the winner of #14 Neshaminy/#19 Haverford contest in Wednesday’s second round.
Central Bucks West senior Eve Damsker: “Going into the postseason, we know that nothing’s guaranteed. Any day, any team can come out and win; it really depends on who shows up ready to play. That’s something our team has talked about a lot this year. We can’t assume anything or rely on past wins, because every game starts at 0–0. Our focus is on showing up every single day with energy, discipline, and the mindset to compete for every ball, every possession, and every moment on the field. We’ve worked hard all season to build chemistry, and I think that’s what’s going to make a difference now. If we keep trusting each other and playing as one, I believe we can go far. Our strength comes from how well we play together—when we communicate, hustle, and pick each other up: that’s when we’re at our best. Everyone on this team brings something important, and when we combine that effort, we’re tough to beat. We know wins aren’t handed to us; they come from preparation, teamwork, and giving everything we have every time we step on the field. So, our mindset going into the postseason is simple: show up, work hard, and leave it all out there. If we do that together, I think we have what it takes to make a long run and be proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Central Bucks West coach Lori Ierubino: “West field hockey can’t wait to take the field for postseason. We know we have the skills and experience to compete in the heightened intensity and high level of competition waiting for us. We have senior veteran players in Kendra Pitts, Aida Ierubino and Eve Damsker leading a strong group of underclassmen.”
Up next: CB West will host the winner of the #14 Neshaminy/#19 Haverford game.
#5 SOUDERTON (Bye)
–15-3 overall
–8-2 SOL Colonial Division second place
–10-3 against Class 3A teams in District 1 Tournament.
–The defense is led by a strong back four consisting of Brooke Wagner, Sophie Dubois, Gianna Bocchino (10 goals, 4 assists) and Hannah Fuente. Nina Coll is back in goal after returning from an injury.
–On offense, the Indians have a balanced attack including Charlotte McNeill (11 goals, 8 assists), Autumn Wagner (9 goals, 6 assists), Hannah Cornes (8 goals, 3 assists) and Lexi Yanchunas (5 goals, 12 assists).
–Wins over Class 3A teams include #12 CB South (1-0, 4-2), #13 North Penn (2-1, 2-1), #15 Quakertown (3-2) & #17 Pennsbury (3-0).
Souderton senior Charlotte McNeill: “Our team is really excited for districts, and we’re staying strong and focused as we head into the competition!”
Up next: Souderton will host the winner of #12 CB South/#21 Downingtown East in Wednesday’s second round.
#23 PENNRIDGE at #10 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH (Tuesday, Oct. 21, 4 pm)
Plymouth Whitemarsh
–14-4 overall
–10-0 SOL Liberty Division champions
–Dropped first three games of the season but 11-1 since then.
–Offensive leaders included senior midfielder Emily Dobrowolski (15 goals; 13 assists), junior forward Gracie Kerns (29 goals, 8 assists), senior forward Bridget Fullerton (10 goals, 3 assists) & senior forward Bridget Fullerton (10 goals, 3 assists)
–Senior defensive back Kate Dobrowolski (1 goal, 1 assist) and senior goalkeeper Carly Spinner (60 saves) anchor the defense.
–Wins over Class 3A #15 Quakertown (2-1, 2-1), #24 CR South (6-0) as well as Class 2A #10 Lower Moreland (7-0) and #12 Wissahickon (6-3), 6-1).
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Charise Halteman: “Our team has grown significantly since our 0-3 start to the season, and we are excited to continue playing this season as we compete for a district title. We have an attacking mindset, and our entire forward and midfield line has contributed significantly to our goal scoring this season. We emphasize the importance of every role on the team in helping us play team defense which has helped us play a cohesive and smart game. Our senior class has provided great leadership throughout the season, and they are ready to lead the team through playoffs.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh senior Kate Dobrowolski: “After a start with three straight losses, we ended this season undefeated in our league. I am really proud of how far this team has come and how much we’ve grown. Going into the postseason, we know we are going to play some tough teams, so we have been working hard at practices and really trying to elevate our game.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh senior Emily Dobrowolski: “I’m really proud of how far we’ve come this season. Starting off 0-3 wasn’t easy, but it pushed us to work even harder, and that effort has paid off. We’ve grown a lot as a team both on and off the field, and it’s exciting to see it come together right in time for playoffs. Heading into districts, we have been preparing both mentally and physically, and we are ready to give it everything we’ve got!”
Pennridge
–6-12 overall
–Lady Rams’ first trip to districts since 2019
–All 12 losses to teams in the Class 3A District 1 Tournament
–Offense led by midfielder/forward Deegan Smith (10 goals, 2 assists)
–Defense anchored by goalkeeper Charlotte Gozzard (121 saves)
–Win over Class 3A #24 Council Rock South (1-0)
Pennridge coach Chris Chookagian: “I knew coming into high school field hockey after five years at the collegiate level that it would be a much different experience. From the start, we took the time to meet the team where they were and to look deeply into the history of the program so we could set meaningful goals together for this season and beyond. From day one, we knew that clinching a spot in the District 1 3A Playoffs was at the top of that list.
“The growth of this group – on and off the field – has been evident game to game and day to day. They don’t tell you how quickly the time will pass when you start, but our focus now is to slow it down, appreciate the journey, and enjoy every minute we have together as we look to extend our season one more game.
“Achieving our goal of reaching districts (for the first time since 2019) is an incredible milestone, and now our mission is to take the next step: winning our first matchup and advancing to the second round for the first time in at least 12 years. No matter the outcome, this team has set the tone for what Pennridge field hockey will be in the years to come – and we couldn’t be more excited to step onto that field this week.”
Senior captain Kira Mangin , Four-year varsity/center back: “Making it to districts this year was such a large goal for our team this year. Especially being a senior and having been right at the cut-off for the past three years, it motivated us even more to push through at the end! I think we finished strong with our 3-0 win against Abington and are looking forward to a competitive game on Tuesday. Our players have continued to grow as the season progressed and will keep fighting hard till it is over.”
Senior captain Elsa Parsons, Four-year varsity/Midfield: “I’m really excited to be going to districts this year, especially as a senior and for the first time in my high school field hockey career. This season has been such a special season. I’m so proud of how much our team has grown and how hard we’ve worked to get here. We had some big shoes to fill, but we stepped up, came together, and proved what we’re capable of. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this team.”
Senior captain Lexi Capo, Four year varsity/Midfield:”From the very start, we set high goals and pushed each other every day to get better. Competing in the Suburban One League is never easy, and it’s made us stronger as a team. Reaching districts is such a rewarding feeling because it shows that all the time, effort, and heart we’ve put in really paid off. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come! I’m ready to finish my senior season strong!”
Up next: Winner will travel to #7 Downingtown West for Wednesday’s second round.
#21 DOWNINGTOWN EAST at #12 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH (Monday, Oct. 21, 6pm)
Central Bucks South
–13-5 overall
–6-4 SOL Colonial Division third place
–Five losses include four to top five seeds in District 1 3A and fifth is to Inter-Ac power Agnes Irwin.
–Senior leaders include Addison Edwards (F), Peyton Flannery (D), Kelly Hemsley (D/Captain), Jordyn Jaffe (D), Avery Tyler (M), Kaeli VanDerSluis (F), Tessa Walls (M) and Caroline Williams ( F/Captain)
–Other Important contributors: Jenna Butler (Fr/M), Ella Marchesi (Jr/M), Sophia Kraft (Jr/D), Amy Hazell (Jr/F), Hailey Finn (Jr/M/D), Ryann VanDerSluis (Fr/D)
–Nora McQueen (Soph/Goalkeeper) has nine shutouts in the goal cage this year.
–Titans outscored opponents 61-29. Forty-three of 61 goals were assisted.
–Wins over Class 3A #13 North Penn (4-1, 4-1), #20 CB East (3-0, 3-1), #23 Pennridge (4-1, 5-0) & #24 CR South (3-0).
Central Bucks South Kelli Chioffe: “We are so pumped up to be hosting a first-round playoff game on our turf this year. For the past few years, we have had to travel for the first game, and it is great to have that home field advantage. Our Colonial Division is very competitive and has prepared us for this opportunity. We BELIEVE in this team and know the girls will be focused and ready to play this Monday night.”
Downingtown East
–8-10 overall
–Lost seven of first eight games
–Wins over Class 3A #22 WC Henderson 6-3 & 2A Bishop Shanahan (2-0)
Up next: The winner will travel to #5 Souderton for a second-round game Wednesday.
#20 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST at #13 NORTH PENN (Monday, Oct. 21, 6pm)
North Penn
–10-8 overall
–4-6 SOL Colonial Division
–Led by senior captains Kyle Barwis & Tallie Smink
–Barwis (7 goals, 8 assists) & junior Devon Crowley (3 goals, 1 assist) anchor the midfield.—-Defense anchored by Smink (2 goals, 2 assists, 2 defensive saves) at defensive back and senior goalkeeper Kiley Moister (174 saves:
–Senior forward Paige Shearer (13 goals, 5 assists) and junior forward Cara Albano (11 goals, 5 assists) lead the Knights’ offensive attack.
–Won season series with CB East (3-2, 2-1)
–Wins over Class 3A #10 Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-1), #14 Neshaminy (2-0), #21 Downingtown East (4-3), #23 Pennridge (4-2, 7-1).
North Penn coach Shannon McCracken: “We are excited to return to District playoffs and feel that the strength of our division and non-league opponents have prepared us for the atmosphere of playoffs. Our team has grown in a lot of ways this season and understand that team first play will carry us through the playoffs.”
North Penn senior captain Tallie Smink: “We are taking it one game at a time and having a never-give-up mindset. New season and new chapter in the 20025 season.”
North Penn senior captain Kylie Barwis: “I am super excited to see what the team has to bring together as a whole. Each and every player adds a unique strength to the team, and we will succeed playing as one instead of individually.”
Central Bucks East
–9-9 overall
–2-8 SOL Colonial Division
–Defensive unit of Morgan Harrington, Kate McCauley and Katie Szczypiorski anchored by goalie Camryn Puhalla (157 saves on the season).
–Forwards Brynn Bonargo (9 goals, 3 assists) and Sydney Lafferty (2 goals, 7 assists) lead the offense.
–16 of 18 games against District 1 qualifiers
–Wins over Class 3A #15 Quakertown (2-1), #21 Downingtown East (1-0), #23 Pennridge (2-1, 2-1) & #24 CR South (1-0).
Central Bucks East coach Emma Rosenthal: “We’re excited for the first round against NP. Both our games with them have been super close, and I know we know each other super well at this point. If we can capitalize on offensive opportunities, I think we could have a really great playoff run.”
Central Bucks East senior Camryn Puhalla: “We are very excited for the opportunity to play again in districts this year. We have grown so much as a team and have been working hard all season. We are ready to showcase that on Monday.”
Up next: The winner will travel to #4 Methacton for a second-round game Wednesday.
#19 HAVERFORD at #14 NESHAMINY (Monday, Oct. 21, 6pm)
Neshaminy
–13-5 overall
–10-0 SOL Patriot Division champions
–Eight straight championship for the Redskins
–Junior forward Mia Brooks (18 goals, 12 assists) is a dangerous offensive weapon
–Key contributors also include sophomore midfielder Chloe Brison, junior defender Taylor Tenaglia and senior defender Reese Merrill.
–Wins over #17 Pennsbury (2-1, 3-2) & #24 Council Rock South (2-1, 2-1) & Class 2A #12 Wissahickon (3-2)
Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto: This season, the girls have worked hard and have played together as a team—I’m proud of the way the team has come together over the season; we have had ups and downs, but have never given up and have continually improved throughout the season. Since our last game on Tuesday, we have been preparing for Districts; we will take one game at a time and continue to work together.”
Neshaminy senior captain Hailey Wert: “This year, we won our SOL league and even went undefeated in the league, which is always our top priority. We strive to keep our streak of division champs alive every year, and we are so excited we were able to accomplish that. Our next focus is going into districts, and we couldn’t be more excited to move onto the next level!”
Neshaminy senior captain Reese Merrill: “Our goal each year is to keep the streak going with clinching SOL champions. This is our eighth year in a row, and we are beyond thrilled to keep this streak alive. Our hard work and dedication are really paying off. Our next step is districts, where we plan to keep dominating and playing our game! We are ready to keep thriving in this next step!”
Neshaminy senior captain Layla Agster: “I am so proud of our team for being undefeated in our division and for winning our SOL for the eighth year in a row. I am very excited to continue to have the same great team chemistry and hope we make it far in playoffs!”
Haverford
–10-7-1 overall
–5-5-1 Central League
–Wins over Class 2A #11 Penncrest (3-2) & #14 Marple Newtown (4-0)
–Fords were 0-7 against Class 3A district qualifiers
Up next: The winner will travel to #3 Central Bucks West for a second-round game Wednesday.
#18 SPRING-FORD at #15 QUAKERTOWN (Monday, Oct. 21, 5pm)
Quakertown
–12-6 overall
–8-2 SOL Liberty Division second place
–Lost first four games of season but 8-2 since then.
–Players to watch include Cassidy Landis (M), Cameron Landis (D), Paige Longacre (M), Penny Longacre (D), Casey Rosenberger (Sr/F), Emma Stalletti (Sr/F), Cadence Jozefowski (M), Anna Haberle & Darcy Baxter – goalies
–Wins over Class 3A #17 Pennsbury (1-0), #23 Pennridge (1-0) & #24 CR South (3-0) and Class 2A #12 Wissahickon (3-1, 4-2).
Quakertown coach Peach Draper: “We’ve been putting in the work, early morning practices, extra training, and nonstop focus. Since our four tough opening losses, this team has shown incredible growth and determination. The improvement in our play, energy, and teamwork has been amazing to see. Proud of our determination and making the necessary improvements.
“’Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’ Let’s keep pushing and carry this momentum into playoffs!”
Quakertown sophomore Penny Longacre: “I am really looking forward to the postseason and working hard…and leaving everything on the field because I don’t want the season to end.”
Spring-Ford
–10-8 overall
–7-5 PAC
–Lost four of six final regular season games
–Wins over Class 3A #11 Owen J Roberts (2-1, 5-1), #18 Downingtown East (5-1), Class 2A #7 Unionville (2-1) & #9 Upper Perkiomen (3-2).
Up next: Winner will travel to #2 Avon Grove for Wednesday’s second round.
#17 PENNSBURY at #16 RIDLEY (Monday, Oct. 21, 6pm)
Pennsbury
–13-5 overall
–8-2 SOL Patriot Division second place
–Four of five losses were by one goal
–Back-to-back district berths for first time since Traci Curtis took over helm seven years ago
–Wins over Class 3A #20 CB East (2-1) & #24 CR South (3-2, 3-2) as well as Class 2A #7 Unionville #7 (3-2)
Pennsbury coach Traci Curtis: “(We) are excited about what their team has to offer as a whole unit, including speed, smarts, skill, and strength all over the field from north the south and east to west and connections that reflect a graceful style of the game we all love. We plan on entering our first playoff game as the same team we have been all season and play our game. We are a team that relies on all eleven and plays as a solid unit – we all ‘hold the rope.’ We have spent time ‘sharpening our axe’ and focusing on the many layers of being in the postseason, including the mental preparation necessary for success.”
Pennsbury captain Abby Hicks: “I am proud and excited to be ranked the highest we’ve been during my time here and the fact that we almost got the home playoff game. We were really close to achieving that goal.”
Pennsbury captain Joley Hohman: “I’m excited to see the potential of this team and see how far we can go and what we can accomplish. I’m super proud of this team. I believe this group is special and we can do great things.”
Pennsbury captain Ryan Burdette: “I couldn’t be more proud of this team. We’ve fought, we’ve grown, and supported each other every step of the way. Making playoffs was our goal in the beginning of the season, so ‘m so excited to see what we can do!”
Ridley
–12-6 overall
–7-4 Central League
–Wins over Class 3A #19 Haverford (3-2) & #22 WC Henderson (4-0) as well as 2A #6 Oxford (5-2), #11 Penncrest & #14 Marple Newtown (2-1)
–Won 9 of 11 to close out regular season
Next up: The winner will travel to top-seeded Villa Maria Academy for a second round game.
#24 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH at #9 GARNET VALLEY (Monday, Oct. 21, 7pm)
Council Rock South
–7-11 overall
–6-4 SOL Patriot Division
–10 of 11 losses against District 1 3A qualifiers
—Led by captains Mia Schink, Ava Leonetti & Layla Goldman
Garnet Valley
–13-5 overall
–9-2 Central League third place
–Led by Regan Leydig, a first team All-Central League selection
–Defense anchored by senior goalie Maggie Hilden, a Stevens Institute of Technology commit.
–8-4 in games against district qualifiers with wins over Class 3A #7 Downingtown West (2-1), #16 Ridley (2-1), #19 Haverford (5-0) & #22 WC Henderson (5-0)
–8-2 in last 10 regular season games
Up next: Winner will travel to #8 Boyertown for Wednesday’s second round game.
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