SOL District Field Hockey Preview (10-21-19)

Thirteen SOL field hockey teams will be in action over the next two days in the District One Tournament. Check out the previews. (Photos provided courtesy of PW field hockey.)

Plymouth Whitemarsh has fun winning

“Butterfly Crime Scene” is not exactly a conventional song.

And if it doesn’t sound familiar, that’s hardly a surprise. The song – an original creation of senior Alexis Minor – is the unique property of the Plymouth Whitemarsh field hockey team. The mere mention of it evokes laughter or, at the very least, a smile.

If you’re lucky enough to convince Minor to share a portion of the song (accompanied, of course, by eager teammates), one fact becomes abundantly clear – this team knows how to have fun, lots of fun.

Listening to coach Charise Halteman tell it, fun has been a key to the Colonials’ success. And success might be an understatement for a squad that has won 67 straight games in SOL American Conference play and owns the last seven conference titles.

“This is an interesting group,” Halteman said. “This is a team that’s about having fun, so I think they try and enjoy what they’re doing, and I think it helps. They enjoy playing well, they want to play well, and they have fun with that.”

And that might be an understatement.

“On and off the field, we have fun with each other,” senior co-captain Livia Truong said. “We laugh, we make coach Halteman laugh.”

Truong is usually found in the middle of the laughter. The senior co-captain – who sports a pair of Crocs decorated with Jibbitz for every occasion – has a special attachment to her girls’ size medium blue cougar robe.

“It goes to night games with me – it keeps me warm,” said Truong, whose request to wear it for pregame warm-ups was turned down.

The Colonials, according to senior co-captain Kayla Link, have a countdown going from 100 for Truong, who has her sights set on the 100-goal mark recently attained by teammate Ava Borkowski.

“I have 93 more goals to score,” Truong said with a laugh.

While Truong has her trademark crocs and robe, Kaleigh Missimer’s thing is building pyramids with hockey balls. Goalie Sarah Trask likes to speak with a British accent, and Link does a man’s voice that is a source of amusement.

For all the laughter and all the fun, the Colonials know when it’s time to be serious, and they admit there’s pressure attached to their conference win streak.

“We have a standard to keep up, and we definitely want to keep the intensity up every game,” Truong said. “We lost four amazing players who were starters and played the whole game from last year’s team.

“Every team we play is coming for us. I think we’re the team to beat after seven years now. You don’t want to be the team that messes up the streak.”

“It’s something me and Liv talked about a lot,” Link said. “As the next seniors, we didn’t want to let down the people that were seniors before us.”

Missimer moved from left forward to center mid this year, a position she had never played before.

“I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up,” she said. “We had Sam (Spera) and Kennedy (Reardon) in the middle, and now we’re moving to me. I was worried about that myself.”

“We have a lot of new players starting this year,” junior Ava Borkowski said. “Something we were really worried about was how we would gel together, but I think we’re doing a really good job of that.”

“It comes down to – we spend a lot of time together even outside of field hockey,” Link said. “Especially during the preseason having two practices a day – we’re basically together 24/7.

“We do drills with the jayvee team, so from the very start we’ve been working with the best players on this team and building up to get to this point.”

“We actually like each other, which helps,” Missimer said.

“We’re best friends on and off the field,” Borkowski said.

There’s no mistaking this team came together. The Colonials outscored their conference opponents 98-5 en route to a 14-0 record. They had 10 shutouts in 14 games and only Springfield Township – in an early season 3-2 win – scored more than one goal against PW in league play.

For all their accomplishments, the Colonials have some unfinished business in the postseason.

“Freshman year was the only year I have been past round two, so this year I definitely want to get past round two, take it game by game and hopefully make it to states,” Truong said. “That’s one thing I have never checked off my box yet.”

“People doubt us all the time,” Borkowski said.

“It almost feels like just winning those league games isn’t enough,” Link said. “We want to go further.”

A 4-3 non-league loss to Owen J. Roberts – the team’s lone loss – convinced the Colonials they could play with the perennial district powers.

“Going into playoffs, we have a lot to prove, especially to ourselves, knowing we are a better team than just losing in the first playoff game,” Link said.

“I know every single person on this teams wants more than just the (conference) championship,” Borkowski said. “Every single person wants to advance past round two.”

Of the team’s eight seniors, only Link – who will be attending Kean University – will be playing field hockey next year.

“The rest of us seniors – we’re done, so we’re not quite ready to give it up,” Truong said.

Playing field hockey isn’t the only item on the team’s agenda.

“I love Halloween, so I’m forcing all the team to carve pumpkins with me,” Truong said. “I feel like people think – ‘In 67 games, they haven’t lost league-wise. Their practices are so intense, they’re super committed to the sport,’ but we have fun.”

“All of those statements are true, but we still have fun,” Link said.

“Together” is the word the team has chosen as their word heading into the District One 3A Tournament.

“When they play together, especially team defense, they play really, really well,” Halteman said. “I think they recognize that and we recognize that as coaches. When we’re all on the same page, it looks seamless, which is what’s great.”

Borkowski reaches 100-goal milestone – “Insane, absolutely insane” is the way senior Livia Truong describes teammate Ava Borkowski’s 51-goal regular season and her average of close to three goals a game.

“The last two seasons she had 20-some goals,” coach Charise Halteman said. “She’s literally doubled her goals from the other two seasons.

“I think it’s because this year especially, she’s really creating scoring opportunities for herself. She’s not just finishing off a pass from somebody else. She can now dribble and create stuff from the 25. She has a great reverse shot, and she’s comfortable taking it. She has a really good first step, quick skills in the circle, and she’s hard to defend in the circle. That’s what’s made her really successful.”

The junior standout recently reached the 100-goal mark for her career, and she still has the postseason and one more year.

“The turnaround I’ve had – it wouldn’t be the same if our team wasn’t like this – they all play a huge role in my execution,” Borkowski said.

District One Class 3A

#2 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH (Opening round bye)

Plymouth Whitemarsh

17-1 overall
14-0 SOL American Conference champions
Program’s seventh consecutive conference crown
Colonials have not lost in conference play since Sept. 16, 2015 (4-0 to Wissahickon)
Ava Borkowski, who recently reached the 100-goal mark, leads the Colonials with 51 goals and six assists. Kaleigh Missimer (20g, 19a) and Hailey Copestick (13g, 12a) are also key contributors on attack.
Senior co-captains Liv Truong and Kayla Link anchor the defense.
Wins over #12 Haverford (4-3), #15 Lower Merion (7-2), #19 North Penn (8-2) and #24 Abington (10-0, 7-1) as well as Class 2A #6 Wissahickon (5-1, 5-1) and 1A #2 Springfield Township (3-2, 5-0).
Only loss to #3 Owen J Roberts (4-3)

Next round: Plymouth Whitemarsh will play the winner of #18 Council Rock North at #15 Lower Merion.

#5 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST (Opening round bye)

Central Bucks East

15-3 overall
11-2 SOL Continental Conference co-champions
Program’s fourth consecutive conference title
Attack led by Phia Mannino (22 goals, nine assists), Kenzie Lever (nine goals, nine assists, Emma Donnelly (nine goals, six assists), Sophia Parker (five goals, eight assists) & Allison Gallant (eight goals, one assist). Paige Hussie also contributes.
Defense anchored by captain Elizabeth Philipp, Grace Bethke, Renee Gatto, Kiera Lamb and goalkeeper Emily Bullard (.920 save percentage).
Wins over #7 Neshaminy (2-1), #10 Council Rock South (4-1), #13 Methacton (4-0), #16 Central Bucks South (4-0, 3-0), #19 North Penn (3-0, 7-0) & #20 Pennridge (3-1, 4-0)
Split season series with #6 Souderton (0-1 OT, 2-0)

Next round: Central Bucks East will play the winner of #21 Avon Grove at #12 Haverford.

#6 SOUDERTON (Opening round bye)

Souderton

16-2 overall
11-1 SOL Continental Conference co-champions
Program’s first conference crown since 2004
Senior co-captains Courtney Kenah (University of Pennsylvania commit) and (Anna Gwiazdzinski (committed to Indiana University) provide a dangerous one-two punch. Kenah has 26 goals and 18 assists and Gwiazdzinski, who has played some sweeper to solidify a young defense, has 21 goals and 12 assists.
Sophomore Lauren Kenah (six goals, four assists) anchors the midfield.
Wins over #13 Methacton (3-1), #16 Central Bucks South (8-2, 3-0), #18 Council Rock North (7-1), #19 North Penn (4-0, 3-0), #20 Pennridge (3-1, 2-1) & #24 Abington (8-0).
Split season series with #5 Central Bucks East (1-0 OT, 0-2).

Next round: Souderton will host the winner of the #22 Downingtown East at #11 Kennett contest.

#7 NESHAMINY (Opening round bye)

Neshaminy

15-3 overall
12-0 SOL National Conference champion
Program’s second consecutive title and second consecutive undefeated season.
Attack is let by senior tri-captains Peyton Ritchey (21 goals, 16 assists), Jamie Pennington (11 goals, 17 assists) and Brooke Cordisco (14 goals, two assists)
Also key are Asia Barnard, Dylan Beegal and Madi Neiman and goalie Maddie Tiemann
Wins over #10 Council Rock South (2-1, 3-2), #16 Central Bucks South (2-0), #18 Council Rock North (5-0, 4-0) & #23 William Tennent (6-0, 4-0).

Next round: Neshaminy will play the winner of the #23 William Tennent at #10 Council Rock South game.

#23 WILLIAM TENNENT at #10 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH (at Council Rock North, Monday, Oct. 21, 5:30 p.m.)

Council Rock South

13-5 overall
10-2 SOL National Conference second place
Led by La Salle University commit Katelyn Cocco (19 goals, 11 assists), sophomore Kerry Kaufman (15 goals, six assists), senior midfielder Rachael Rolle and goalie Karlie McCloskey.
Wins over #16 Central Bucks South (2-1), #18 Council Rock North (3-1, 5-2), #20 Pennridge (5-4 OT) & #23 William Tennent (2-0, 1-0) as well as Class 2A #6 Wissahickon (3-1)

Coach Lisa Belz says: “We had a strong schedule, so I think that we’re prepared. We’re looking forward to it. The last several years, we have been in the 15, 16, 17, 18 range (in the power rankings), and typically, we do well in the first round and struggle in the second round. This year we have a better seed, so I’m hoping we can make it further.”

William Tennent

7-8-1 overall
6-6 SOL National Conference fourth place
Goalie Sophia Trozzi keeps the Panthers in every game.
Courtney Bragen, Erin Ellis, Karly Adkins & Carly Pritchett contribute to the attack.
Split season series with #18 Council Rock North (2-1, 0-1) and tied #20 Pennridge (2-2).

Winner gets: The winner will travel to #7 Neshaminy.

#17 WEST CHESTER RUSTIN at #16 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH (Monday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.)

Central Bucks South

10-8 overall
6-6 SOL Continental Conference tied for third
Juniors Sophia Wasyliw (nine goals, five assists), Alyssa Endrick (six goals, one assist) and sophomore Anna Shirley (seven goals, six assists) lead the attack.
Captains Anna Gillard and Jillian Heilig along with seniors Maddy Cooper and Maddie Pearce lead the defense.
Wins over #20 Pennridge (1-0, 2-0) & #23 William Tennent (6-0).
Split season series with #19 North Penn (0-2, 2-1)

Coach Pat Toner: “CB South has balanced scoring with 10 different players having multiple goals. CB South finished third in the very difficult SOL Continental League and played a tough non league schedule in order to prepare for the postseason.”

West Chester Rustin

9-8-1 SOL
Led by sophomore Christine Ditizio, a second team All-Ches-Mont selection last year and sophomore Taylor Krafchick, who received honorable mention last year
Young team graduated 12 seniors from last year’s squad.
Wins over #21 Avon Grove (1-0), Class 2A #12 Great Valley (1-0) & #16 Strath Haven (4-3). Tied #10 Springfield-Delco (1-1).

Winner gets: Winner will travel to #1 Garnet Valley.

#18 COUNCIL ROCK NORTH at #15 LOWER MERION (Monday, Oct. 21, 3:45 p.m.)

Council Rock North

10-8 overall
7-5 SOL National Conference third place
Attack led by Sarah Scott (13 goals, 12 assists), Riley Clarke (11 goals, one assist), Rebecca Rippans (eight goals and 12 assists), Lindsey O’Brien (four goals, 10 assists) & Skylar Bayard (six goals, six assists).
Defense anchored by senior Sarah Everett, Katie McQuarrie & goalie Kyra-Deehr-Lewis
Wins over #14 Spring-Ford (2-1) & #24 Abington (5-1)
Split season series with #23 William Tennent (1-2, 1-0)

Coach Heather Whalin says: “We are really excited to have a chance to see what we can do in the playoffs. Everyone is 0-0 right now, and it’s just fun to be a part of the postseason. There’s no better time than October and Pennsylvania hockey.

Lower Merion

10-7-1 overall
In play against SOL squads, the Aces fell to #2 PW 7-2 and Upper Dublin 1-0.
Wins over #9 Conestoga (1-0) as well as Class 2A #11 Harriton (2-1) & #13 West Chester East (1-0). Tied #21 Avon Grove (2-2)

Winner gets: Winner will travel to #2 Plymouth Whitemarsh

#19 NORTH PENN at #14 SPRING-FORD (Monday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.)

North Penn

8-9-1 overall
6-6 SOL Continental Conference tied for third
Junior forward Eleni Kountroubis (seven goals, three assists) leads the attack while sophomore midfielder Maddie Waldspurger & junior back Megan Albert are also key.
Split season series with #16 Central Bucks South (2-0, 1-2), #20 Pennridge (0-2, 1-0), and tied Class 2A #6 Wissahickon (2-2).

Coach Shanon McCracken says: “We are excited to be back in the District tournament as we missed out on postseason play last season. The Knights have improved and grown as a team this season and have worked hard to return to Districts. We are looking to make the most of this opportunity. We know Spring-Ford is a good team that plays in a strong conference similar to ours, so it should be a great game.”

Spring-Ford

12-6 overall
5-5 PAC Liberty Division fourth place
Led by sophomore University of North Carolina commit Ashley Sessa, a first team All-PAC selection at attack as a freshman, and senior Penn State commit Katelyn Crist, a first team All-PAC midfielder as a junior.
Senior goalie Ashley Della Guardia anchors the defense
Wins over #10 Council Rock South (4-1) & #22 Downingtown East (2-1)
Split season series with Methacton (2-3, 2-1)

Winner gets: The winner will travel to #3 Owen J. Roberts.

#20 PENNRIDGE at #13 METHACTON (Monday, Oct. 21, 4:30 p.m.)

Pennridge

8-9-1 overall
5-7 SOL National Conference fifth place
Attack led by Peyton Muth (13 goals, two assists), Emily Amsden (six goals, eight assists), Macy Price (eight goals, three assists) & Abby Ludlow (four goals, nine assists).
Defense anchored by Lexi Dinsmore, Shannon Griffin, Kelcie Mannon and freshman goalie Maia Machada
Win over Class 1A #4 Dock Mennonite (2-1).
Split season series with #19 North Penn (2-0, 0-1), tied #23 William Tennent (2-2).

Coach Becky Spahr says: “We are excited to move into playoffs and play against Methacton. They are a strong team with a great history in the district tournament. Although we have lost some close games these past two weeks, we are playing great hockey and progressing well.”

Methacton

10-8 overall
6-4 PAC Liberty Division third place
Led by senior Drexel commit Liz Chipman and senior defender Rachel Alderfer, a first team all-league selection as a junior.
Wins over #18 Council Rock North (4-1), #19 North Penn (2-0) as well as Class 2A #8 Phoenixville (2-1) & #15 Pope John Paul II (9-0).
Split season series with #4 Perk Valley (3-2, 1-2) & #14 Spring-Ford (3-2, 1-2)

Winner gets: The winner will travel to #4 Perk Valley.

#24 ABINGTON at #9 CONESTOGA (Monday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.)

Abington

7-10-1 overall
6-7-1 SOL American Conference fourth place
Attack led by Paige Doyle (12 goals, seven assists). Devan DiMaria (five goals, two assists) will return to the lineup from an injury.
Squad is led by captains Doyle, Grace Kirwin & Mikayla Kizel.
Won three of four games to close out season.
Win over Class 1A #4 Lower Moreland (3-1)

Coach Katie Small says: “Abington heads into districts on an upswing. We have seen the team really come together and start playing their best hockey recently. It’s a great time to peak. Captains Paige Doyle, Grace Kirwin, who has had three goals in the last two games, and Mikayla Kizel (two defensive saves) have really led the charge. With Camryn Stewart in the midfield and the return of Devan DiMaria from injury, we are looking to get our first district playoff win.”

Conestoga

14-4 overall
Led by junior midfielder and Maryland commit Carly Hynd, a first team all-Central League selection as a sophomore who recently reached the 100-point mark for her career.
Gone from the lineup is first team All-American Charlotte De Vries, who led the Pioneers to four undefeated Central League title and is now leading Syracuse University in goals scored.
Wins over #12 Haverford (4-1), #19 North Penn (6-0) as well as Class 2A #7 Mount St. Joseph (4-3), #10 Springfield-Delco (2-1), #11 Harriton (5-0), #13 West Chester East (2-0) & #16 Strath Haven (7-0).

Winner gets: Winner will travel to #8 Downingtown West.

Class AA

#11 HARRITON at #6 WISSAHICKON (Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3:30 p.m.)

Wissahickon

13-4-1 overall
12-2 SOL American Conference second place
Led by the dangerous senior duo of Grace Ball (31 goals, 16 assists) and Hannah Havrilla (nine goals, 17 assists). Ball has committed to Appalachian State & Havrilla is committed to Central Michigan.
Lauren Donofrio (seven goals, eight assists) also has been a key contributor.
Wins over #18 Council Rock North (3-0), #24 Abington (4-0, 6-1), Class 1A #2 Springfield Township (1-0, 5-2) and tied #19 North Penn (2-2)

Coach Lucy Gil says: “We are very excited to be seeded sixth and playing at home for the first time in many years. We are going to enjoy every moment and play hard. The girls have been getting better and better with every game and hopefully we will be at our best during this tournament.”

Harriton

8-8 overall
Junior midfielder/defender Ashton Odiorne was a first team All-Central League selection and team MVP as a sophomore.
Senior Kat Berberian anchors the defense.
Wins over #10 Springfield-Delco (3-0), #13 West Chester East (3-2) and Class 1A #8 Delco Christian (2-0)

Winner gets: Winner will face the winner of #14 West Chester Henderson at #3 Upper Perkiomen.

Class A

#7 BRISTOL at #2 SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP (Tuesday, Oct. 22, 4 p.m.)

Springfield Township

14-4 overall
10-4 SOL American Conference third place
Attack led by Anya Kochanowicz, Maddie Yoder & Kate Wojeck
Wins over Class 3A #20 Pennridge (3-2), #23 William Tennent (5-1), #24 Abington (4-1, 1-0) & Class 1A #3 Lower Moreland (3-2).

Bristol