SOL District One Field Hockey Preview (11-2-20)

Eleven SOL field hockey teams will be in action when the District One Tournament begins Monday. Check back for recaps.

CLASS 3A

#15 OWEN J ROBERTS at #2 NESHAMINY (Monday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m.)

Neshaminy

8-0 SOL
8-1 overall
Captured third straight SOL National Conference
Key Players: Forwards -Ciara Lambon (Sr), Colette Schardt (Jr), Aralyn Hackney (So), Mids – Mia Martin (So), Madi Neiman (Sr), Olivia Roscoe (So). Defense – Dylan Beegal (Sr), Avery McGinty (So), Morgan Shaltens (Fr), Megan Hollenbaugh (Jr), Goalie – Riley Wert (Jr)
Dylan Beegal’s nine goals lead the Redskins. Aralyn Hackney has five goals, and Ciara Lambon, three. Colette Schardt has a team high four assists while Madi Neiman, Megan Hollenbaugh and Carena Barr each have three.
Redskins are 2-1 in games against District One 3A qualifiers with a pair of wins over#11 Council Rock South (1-0 & 2-0).
Only loss to #8 Wissahickon in a non-league game to close out the regular season

Coach Jamie Pinto says: “Playoff hockey is like starting a brand new season— anything can happen. We need to come out strong and ready, continuing to play and work together like we have been throughout the season.”

Owen J Roberts

8-5 Overall/PAC
Advanced to District One 3A semifinals and PIAA 3A quarterfinals last year
Finished fourth in regular season PAC standings
Led by senior Raina Smolij, a Villanova commit who anchors the midfield
Wildcats are 1-5 against teams in the District One 3A/2A Tournament with a 2-1 win over #7 Methacton. The Wildcats split their regular season meetings with the Warriors.

#14 AVON GROVE at #3 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH (Monday, Nov. 2, 3:45 p.m.)

Plymouth Whitemarsh

10-0 Overall/SOL
SOL Liberty Division champions, eighth straight conference crown
Extended SOL conference winning streak to 77 games.
Led by senior captains Ava Borkowski and Kaleigh Missimer. UNC commit Borkowski is a dangerous forward who surpassed the 100-goal mark as a junior and has 31 goals and two assists (64 points). American University commit Kaleigh Missimer is a midfielder with 13 goals and 15 assists (41 points).
Other key players include junior midfielder Hailey Copestick (five gaols, seven assists), senior forward Alexa DeLucca (11 goals, one assist), senior forward Regan Gehman (six goals), junior midfielder Molly Lynch (five goals, five assists), senior defender Haley McCourt (a lacrosse commit to Wingate University), junior defender Carly McGee, senior defender Darcy Miller, a Kenyon College commit, senior goalie and Wagner College commit Sarah Trask and sophomore defender Jules Tulio
Wins over Class 3A #8 Wissahickon (3-2 OT & 2-1) and Class 2A #7 Upper Dublin (7-0 & 6-1)
Fun fact: “Early in the season, the girls asked if they could schedule extra conditioning practices in the mornings before school because they wanted to make sure they were as fit for the season as in past years. As much as they didn’t like all the running in preseason, they admitted it made them better and they missed out on it this season!”

Coach Charise Halteman says: “Despite the changes and challenges this season brought, the team has made the most of their opportunities to play and remained dedicated to playing to their potential. They are looking forward to the playoffs and are grateful to be extending the season beyond our 10 scheduled games. This is in large part because our senior class of Kasey Blake, Ava Borkowski, Kennedy Covington, Alexa DeLucca, Regan Gehman, Haley McCourt, Darcy Miller, Kaleigh Missimer, Shelley Price, and Sarah Trask. They have kept the team focused and found ways to make the season fun and inviting for the new players in our program even when normal team bonding activities were taken away. This senior class has continued to raise the bar for PW Field Hockey, and I am so glad that they are able to play in their last season and compete for a district title.”

Avon Grove

4-3-1 Overall/Ches-Mont
Red Devils are 1-3-1 against teams in District One 3A/2A participants with 1-0 win over Class 2A #8 West Chester East and 1-1 tie with 2A #5 Bishop Shanahan
Defense anchored by senior goalie Megan Gula, a West Chester University commit
Senior Lila McCulley was a first team All-Ches-Mont selection last year

#12 NORTH PENN at #5 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST (Monday, Nov. 2, 2:30 p.m.)

Central Bucks East

9-1 Overall/Ches-Mont
SOL Colonial Division champions, program’s fourth straight conference title
Key players are senior captain Emily Bullard (GK), senior captain Kenzie Lever (M-F), senior captain Phia Mannino (M-F), senior Grace Bethke (D), senior Renee Gatto (D), junior Sophia Parker (M), junior Ella Vlasblom (M), junior Paige Hussie (D), junior Kiera Lamb (D), sophomore Allie Troth (F), freshman Paige Keller (F)
Attack led by Penn State commit Phia Mannino with seven goals and eight assists (22 points), JMU commit Kenzie Lever with nine goals (18 points) and Sophia Parker with five goals and five assists (15 points.
Penn State commit Emily Bullard has been stellar in goal and boasts a 90 percent save rate in goal.
The Patriots – 5-1 against teams in the District One 3A Tournament – won both regular season meetings against #12 North Penn (4-0 & 2-1) and #16 Central Bucks South (3-1 & 2-0). They split with #9 Souderton (0-3 & 5-2).
Fun fact: “Our preseason and season has changed quite a bit due to COVID, but we found a way to throw in a couple fun things to decompress our minds and find normalcy throughout the season. During preseason, we had a day dedicated to the decades, where each class dressed up in costumes representing different eras, we also had our Halloween practice that had a group of nuns attend, the cast of Friends showed up, Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas, and the Minions all played kickball. We also honored our seniors on senior day after a BIG overtime win while we social distanced and enjoyed food and memories.”

Coach Meghann Spratt says: “Heading into districts, we will continue preparing for one game at a time as we have done all season. We have approached each game with the mindset of scoring first and focusing on two minutes. Regardless of what happens we reset for two minutes to get back on track. This has been a huge part of our mental toughness and success. Playing in the SOL Colonial Division has truly been the best practice we can have entering into districts. I commend each coach and their players for the grit, tenacity, and skill we have faced game in and game out. It’s an honor to have four of our six teams representing our division in the district tournament. I know myself, my coaching staff, and my team are all very grateful just to have a postseason.”

North Penn

6-5 overall
5-5 SOL
Third place SOL Colonial Division
Starters: Seniors – Megan Albert (back), Eleni Kountroubis (forward), Ali Hoffman (midfield), Mallory Stowell (GK) Juniors – Bay Detweiler (forward), Linsey Gilbert (back), Erin O’Donnell (forward), Maddie Waldspurger (midfield) Freshmen – Kerry O’Donnell (midfield), Riley O’Donnell (midfield), Melissa Sessler (back) In reserve – Annabelle Smink (sophomore midfield), Belle Sparango (junior forward)
Eleni Kountroubis leads a balanced attack with six goals and one assist while Erin O’Donnell has four goals and three assists, and Bay Detweiler contributed four goals and two assists.
Knights were 3-4 against teams in District One 3A Tournament with wins over #8 Wissahickon (2-1) and #16 Central Bucks South (2-1 & 3-0)
Fun fact: “Team motto/slogan this year – STRONGER TOGETHER. The captains and seniors picked this because we spent so much time apart in quarantine, and the time apart reminded the players how much stronger they are as players and people when we are together. NPFH = FAMILY.”

Senior captain Megan Albert says: “This season we have treated each practice and game as a gift, and playoffs will be no different for our team. As a team we made a goal to improve each game and we are all so excited to be able to demonstrate this improvement from the beginning of the season to now.”

Senior captain Ali Hoffman: “This season already started off in a unique way. Playoffs is an opportunity for any team to get redemption from the beginning of the season. It’s going to be a very exciting postseason filled with many close games!”

Senior captain Eleni Kountroubis: “Playoffs are a clean slate. It’s a chance to showcase how far you have come both individually and as a team. We are looking forward to the exciting competition.

#9 SOUDERTON at #8 WISSAHICKON (Monday, Nov. 2, 3:30 p.m.)

Wissahickon

11-4 overall
7-3 SOL, second place SOL Liberty Division
Key Players: Forwards – Ella Hummel (10), Sophia Havrilla (10) and Kendall Crowley(10), Midfielders – Caroline Kirkpatrick (10), Aiden Drabick (12) (committed to Temple) and Kate Lovensheimer (11), Backs: Alena Doll (12), Brynne Miller (11) and Emma Walsh (12), Sweeper: Julia Schools (11), GK – Alli Wood (11) Committed to UMass
Attack led by Aiden Drabick (13 goals, 12 assists), Ella Hummel (10 goals, three assists), Kendal Williams (8 goals, 3 assists), Sophia Havrilla (6 goals, 9 assists), Brynne Miller (four goals, seven assists), Kendall Crowley (three goals, 4 assists).
Trojans are 5-3 against teams in District One 2A/3A Tournament with wins over #2 Neshaminy (2-1), #9 Souderton (1-0 OT), #11 Council Rock South (2-1) and Class 2A Upper Dublin (6-0 & 5-0).

Coach Lucy Gil says: “We’re just really happy to be playing. We never thought we would have a season, let alone a postseason. We’re just really ecstatic. It’s been a wild ride but a fun ride. They’re great kids.”

Souderton

6-4-1 overall
6-3-1 SOL, second place SOL Colonial Division
Leading the Indians’ attack are University of Virginia commit Lauren Kenah (11 goals, three assists), Josie Doughty (4 goals), Ang Borisow (2 goals, 2 assists) and Lauren Frye (1 goal, 3 assists)
Key players: Freshman – Ashley Paturzo, Sophomores – Ang Borisow, Lauren Frye, Ashley Magnus, Ava Shaw, Juniors – Josie Doughty, Lauren Hallman, Lauren Kenah, Reiley Knize, Seniors – Jordan Michalak, Autumn Hunter, Taylor Weaver
The Indians were 3-2-1 against teams in the District One 3A Tournament, sweeping #12 North Penn (2-0 & 3-2) and splitting with #5 Central Bucks East (3-0 & 2-5).

Coach Sue Casciato says: “We’re approaching the postseason with an ‘anything’s possible’ outlook. We’ve had an up and down season thus far but we’re playing pretty good hockey right now. Since we had a limited preseason and didn’t have any scrimmages, I feel like we’re just starting to reach our potential. But all the other programs were faced with the same situation, so it’s just a matter of who can go on a run the next couple of weeks. No matter what happens, I think we’re all appreciative that we were able to have any type season this fall. I’m especially glad that our three seniors, who have been an integral part of our success the last few years, had an opportunity to play their final year.”

#11 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH at #6 KENNETT (Monday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m.)

Council Rock South

7-4 overall
6-2 SOL Patriot Division second place
Golden Hawks are led by senior midfielder Emilia Elko (five assists), senior defensive back Sophia Mattie (three defensive saves), senior mid Brigid Morgan (five goals, five assists), senior goalie Karlie McCloskey, senior defensive back Rianna Shields (five goals, one assist, two defensive saves) and junior mid Kerry Kaufman (10 goals, 5 assists)
Golden Hawks had four shutout wins in last five games.

Captain Karlie McCloskey says: “I am very excited for the playoffs this year. The defense and I have been working very well together because we all step up when need be.”

Captain Rianna Shields says: “We all feel so lucky and fortunate to be able to play in the playoffs this year. With the uncertainties of this season, as a team, we played our hardest every time we stepped on the field. We are so excited and are going to cherish these last few moments together!”

Captain Kerry Kaufman says: “Our team is really excited to have the opportunity to play in the playoffs especially because there was no guarantee that we would have a full season let alone a postseason. We are going to enjoy every minute of hockey that we can get and play every game like it’s our last. Go Hawks!”

Kennett

7-1 Overall/Ches-Mont
Kennett returns some quality veterans, most notable seniors Emma Schwarz and Mia Gruce, who were first team all-league selections as juniors.
Junior Vivian Chiomento and senior Devon Johnson earned second team honors last year while sophomore Sarah Burns received honorable mention.
The Blue Demons were 2-1 against teams in the District One 3A Tournament with a pair of wins over #13 Great Valley (4-1 & 2-0)

#16 CENTRAL BUCK SOUTH at #1 DOWNINGTOWN WEST (Monday, Nov. 2, 5:30 p.m.)

Central Bucks South

4-5-1 Overall/SOL
Fourth place SOL Colonial Division
Key players: Sophia Wasyliw (12, Mid, Captain), Alyssa Endrick (12, Mid, Captain), Braylee Webb (12 Forward), Gwen DiPrinzio (12, GK), Julia Cooper (11, Def), Sarah Cooper (11 Def), Erin Smith (11 Forward), Anna Shirley (11, Mid), Grace Haag (11 Def), Bella Schute (10, Forward), Lily Haag (10, Def), Megan Reilly (10, Forward), Marielle Mauri (10, Forward)
Leading a balanced attack are Erin Smith (nine goals, four assists), Braylee Webb (eight goals), Anna Shirley (four goals) and Julia Cooper (two goals, four assists.
The Titans defeated #9 Souderton 1-0 and battled the Indians to a 3-3 tie in two meetings this season.

Pat Toner says: “We are excited to be in the playoffs this season. We had been in all season until we dropped out by 2/10 of a point on the last day of recording scores. I was in the middle of a FaceTime meeting with our captains, thanking them for a great season and telling them how sorry I was that we couldn’t continue playing when the rankings changed, and suddenly, we were back in. I am so happy for our seniors and our team. Our league is tough, and it’s great that four of our teams made the playoffs, although all six of us definitely could have competed. Not having any crossover games or nonleague games meant that every game was a tough one. Hopefully, that level of competition prepares all of us. Good luck to CB East, Souderton, North Penn and the other Suburban One League teams.”

Sophia Wasyliw says: “I’m so glad we got to play and have a season, and making the playoffs makes it even better! During the summer I wasn’t even sure if we were able to play, so I am grateful!”

Alyssa Endrick says: “Before this season, we weren’t even sure if we would be able to play one game let alone make it through an entire season, but luckily, we have made it to the end and were able to make our way into playoffs! Couldn’t be happier we had a full season during all of this!”

Downingtown West

8-0 Overall/Ches-Mont
Led by senior midfielder Kari Schmidt, a Susquehanna University commit who was a first team All-Ches-Mont selection and honorable mention all-state choice as a junior
Defense anchored by junior backs Gianna Jaszczak, Lauren Tinson and Peyton Margetich
The Cougars were 5-0 against teams in the District One 2A/3A Tournament with wins over #4 West Chester Henderson (3-1), #6 Kennett (2-0), #14 Avon Grove (6-0) and Class 2A #5 Bishop Shanahan (3-0) & #8 West Chester East (5-1).

CLASS 2A

#7 UPPER DUBLIN at #2 UPPER PERKIOMEN (Monday, Nov. 2, 4 p.m.)

Upper Dublin

6-4 Overall/SOL
Key players: Forwards Jenn McCarry, Allie Rock & Ellie Eby, midfielders Peyton Kullmann, Maisie Hanson, Dani Lucidi & Avery Lennon, defenders Mikayla DeMichele, Annabel Coplan, Sarah Brightcliffe & Erin Muth along with goalkeeper Dara Fishman
Attack led by Jenn McCarry with eight goals in 10 games. Maisie Hanson has a team-high four assists.
Annabel Coplan leads the defense with five stick saves.
Fun fact: UD varsity has two sister combinations in senior Peyton and junior Mason Kullmann as well as senior Ellie and junior Erin Eby.

Coach Heather Boyer says: Upper Dublin is excited to return to the 2A District I playoffs. Initially, we did not think we would even have a season, and we are grateful that we had the chance to play 10 league games. Now, we have the opportunity to extend that into the postseason and will look to leave our best effort on the field.”

Upper Perkiomen

9-1-2 overall
PAC champions for second straight year
Defending District One 2A runner-up
Defense is a strong suit of an Indian squad that has five shutouts.
Anchoring the defense is goalie Lynssi Joyce, a second team all-state selection last year. Joyce recorded 13 save in the win over OJR, which had a 14-6 advantage in shots.
Bella and Luci Carpenter were second team all-state selections last year.
Takoda Wells and Colleen Creneti are key in the midfield

CLASS 1A

#4 JENKINTOWN at #1 SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP (Monday, Nov. 2, 4 p.m.)

Springfield Township

8-0 Overall/SOL

SOL Freedom Division champion

Senior captains Anya Kochanowicz (center midfield) and Kate Wojeck (defensive back) earned honorable mention all-state recognition last year. Wojeck and senior captain Maddie Yoder (forward) were first team all-league selections last year.

Also making important contributions are senior Lauren Corrado (defensive back), senior Molly McGoldrick (midfield), senior Ella Marino (forward), junior Annie Coll (defensive back), junior Anna Javlokov (forward), junior Abby Congdon (defensive back), junior Katie Keown (defensive back), junior Erin Roy (goalie) and freshman Emma Yoder (forward).

Maddie Yoder’s 11 goals and six assists leads the Spartans. Ella Marino has 10 goals. Anya Kochanowicz contributed nine goals and four assists while Annie Coll and Anna Javlokov both have five goals.

Notched two wins over #3 New Hope-Solebury (3-1 & 2-1)

Jenkintown

9-3 overall

Only three losses came at the hands of District One 2A #2 Dock Mennonite

#3 NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY at #2 DOCK MENNONITE ACADEMY (Monday, Nov. 2, 3:45 p.m.)

New Hope-Solebury