Nine SOL field hockey teams will be in action in Monday’s opening round of the District 1 3A Tournament. Check back for recaps of all the action. Photo courtesy of Tracy Valko: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f435525856
CLASS 3A
#3 CENTRAL BUCKS WEST (Opening round bye)
- 16-2 overall
- 14-2 SOL Colonial Division champions
- Dangerous offense scored 95 goals, averaging 5.3 goals a game.
- Deep & talented squad led by seniors Lily Cosner, Mimi Duffy & Nina Mayro, all four-year varsity veterans.
- Wins over Class 3A #4 Boyertown (4-3), #6 North Penn (8-6, 6-4), #14 Central Bucks East (8-0, 4-0), #17 Neshaminy (2-1), #23 Council Rock North (5-0) & #24 Abington (7-0).
- Split season series with #18 Souderton (8-2, 0-1) & #20 Central Bucks South (1-2, 3-0)
Coach David DeAngelis says: “Our conditioning, team speed, and skill across each of our balanced lines will continue to be our emphasis. This is an opportunity for our student-athletes to compete in a highly competitive District-One post season. Each of our student-athletes will continue to embrace and raise their level of commitment and responsibility that is required to make this a successful – – team postseason.”
Up Next: Will play the winner of #14 Central Bucks East/#19 Garnet Valley.
#6 NORTH PENN (Opening round bye)
- 14-3-1 overall
- 12-3-1 SOL Colonial Division second behind Central Bucks West
- Explosive offense scored 98 goals,
- Two of three losses came at hands of #3 Central Bucks West (6-8, 4-6)
- Balanced attack led by senior forward, Grace McGeehan (19 goals, 12 assists). The midfield is led by senior Caleigh Sperling (16 goals, 8 assists) and junior Laura Albert (6 goals, 9 assists). Defense is led by senior back Melissa Sessler (3 goals, 1 assist).
- Wins over Class 3A #9 Wissahickon (4-2), #14 Central Bucks East (4-0, 3-2), #20 Council Rock South (4-0, 3-0) & #23 Council Rock North (10-3).
- Defeated #18 Souderton 5-2 after tying 1-1 in initial meeting in a game halted at halftime because of weather.
- Won nine of last 10 games to close out season.
Coach Shannon McCracken said. “This year’s squad is composed of a group of players that truly work together, love the game and to compete, and work hard. We are excited for postseason play and continuing to play great NP field hockey which is team focused and we-before-me play.”
Up next: Will play the winner of #11 Downingtown East/#22 Perkiomen Valley.
#24 ABINGTON at #9 WISSAHICKON (Monday, 3:30 p.m.)
Wissahickon
- 13-4-1 overall
- 13-2-1 SOL Liberty Division co-champions with Quakertown
- High-scoring attack has scored 89 goals and includes junior center mid Riley Ball (13 goals, 8 assists), junior center forward Kayla Mullin (26 goals, 5 assists), senior right forward Kayla Pak (14 goals, 9 assists), junior center back Audrey Walsh (5 goals, 19 assists)
- Defense anchored by sophomore goalkeeper Ava Fell, who has nine shutouts and boasts an 86 percent save percentage.
- Swept season series with #24 Abington (8-0, 4-1). Wins over Class 2A #8 Upper Dublin (6-1, 5-2), #15 Lower Moreland (7-0), Class 1A #1 Springfield Twp (2-1) & #4 New Hope-Solebury (3-0).
- Split season series with #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-0, 1-2).
- Tied #10 Quakertown 1-1 in first meeting and defeated the Panthers 2-1 in rematch.
Abington
- 7-10-1 overall
- 6-9-1 SOL Liberty Division
- Top offensive weapons include senior forward Skylar Beal, sophomore forward Maeve Link, sophomore forward, Janice Coonahan and senior midfielder Olivia Dougherty. Senior midfielder Maura Calladonato is a leader in assists
- Senior defensive backs Maggie Cardamone and Grace Upham lead the Ghosts in defensive saves.
- Wins over Class 2A #15 Lower Moreland (5-2) and Class 1A #4 New Hope-Solebury (2-1)
Coach Janine Larr says: “We are very excited to have earned a spot in district playoffs this year. Our team has overcome various injuries and illnesses this season in order to get to this point. We have really worked hard on and off the field, which has brought us closer together as a team. We look forward to our match up against Wissahickon on Monday, which will no doubt be a great and competitive game.”
Up next: Winner will travel to #8 Great Valley
#23 COUNCIL ROCK NORTH at #10 QUAKERTOWN (Monday, 4 p.m.)
Council Rock North
- 10-8 overall
- 8-8 SOL Patriot Division second place behind Neshaminy
- Forward Maddy Mela (22 goals, 6 assists) leads the Indians’ attack that also includes forwards Charlotte Ondria (14 goals, 4 assists), Julie Ondria (4 goals, 4 assists), midfielders Brynn Bogel (8 goals, 4 assists) & Kailyn Smith (3 goals, 4 assists). Defender Sierra Kim (2 goals, 2 assists), midfielder/defender Keiley Lyons (3 assists) & Lily King (1 assist) are also key contributors.
- Split season series with #17 Neshaminy (3-2, 0-4)
Coach Jules Singer says: “We are very excited to be in districts. We are ready to keep progressing our game while playing very competitive teams.”
Quakertown
- 14-3-1 overall
- 13-2-1 SOL Liberty Division co-champs with Plymouth Whitemarsh
- First league title since 1991
- Panthers led by senior outside midfielder Kiera Gallagher, senior center defender Megan Roth, junior right inside midfielder Katelyn Landis, freshman center forward Cassidy Landis, and freshman right outside midfielder Sunny Draper.
- Wins over Class 3A #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-1, 2-1), #24 Abington (4-0, 7-0), Class 2A #15 Lower Moreland (5-0), Class 1A #1 Springfield (3-1) & #4 New Hope-Solebury (2-1)
- Tied #9 Wissahickon (1-1) and fell to Trojans (1-2) in second meeting,
- Split with Class 2A #8 Upper Dublin (4-0, 1-2).
Up next: Winner will travel to #7 Avon Grove.
#20 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH at #13 KENNETT (Monday, 6:30 p.m.)
Central Bucks South
- 9-9 overall
- 7-7 SOL Colonial Division
- Led by senior captains Sam Thomas (defensive back) & Emma Kraft (goalie)
- Key contributors also include Ella Haag (Mid), Avery Tyler (Mid), Kate Porter (Mid), Carrie Williams (Mid), Peyton Ostroff (Defensive Back), Kelly Hemsley (Defensive Back), Kaitlin Sullivan (Defensive Bank), Kaeli VanDerSluis (Forward), Erin Kelly (Forward), Tessa Walls (Forward) and Amy Hazell (Forward)
- Split season series with #3 Central Bucks West (2-1, 0-3), #18 Souderton (2-1, 0-1), #23 Council Rock North
Coach Kelli Chioffe says: “We are so grateful to be able to play in the first round of the District One playoffs this year. As a new head coach, this was one of our goals for the 2023 season, and I am so proud of them. This year’s seniors and captains will lead this team to be the best they can be. They are very excited and looking forward to the challenge for the second year in a row against a strong Kennett team. Do not underestimate the CB South Titans as the underdogs. We will certainly give it our all on Monday night. Good luck to all the teams.
Kennett
- 11-6-1 overall
- Wins over Class 3A #8 Great Valley (3-1), #11 Downingtown East (2-1), #19 Garnet Valley (5-0), Class 2A #11 WC Rustin (5-2) & #16 Oxford (7-0)
- Rematch of last year’s District 1 3A opening round game (a 2-0 Kennett win). Both teams had the same seed last year – CB South was #20 and Kennett was #13.
Up next: Winner will travel to #4 Boyertown.
#19 GARNET VALLEY at #14 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST (Monday, 5:30 p.m.
Central Bucks East
- 13-5 overall
- 12-4 SOL Colonial Division second place behind CB West.
- Players to watch include Paige Keller (6 goals, 13 assists), Sienna Valenti (5 goals, 3 assists), Anna Daly (3 goals), Avery McCann (6 defensive saves), and goalkeeper Audra Szymborski
- Wins over Class 3A #17 Neshaminy (3-2), #18 Souderton (1-0, 1-0), #20 Central Bucks South (1-0, 1-0),
Coach Emma Rosenthal says: “The team is super excited and ready for playoffs to begin. Our conference prepares us well, and now we’re just looking to take it one game at a time.”
Garnet Valley
- 11-7 overall
- Wins over Class 3A #20 Springfield-Delco (5-3), #22 Perk Valley (3-1), Class 2A #10 Harriton (1-0), #11 WC Rustin (5-3)
- Jaguars were 6-2 in last eight games.
Up next: Winner will travel to #3 Central Bucks West.
#17 NESHAMINY at #16 SPRING-FORD (Monday, 6 p.m.)
Neshaminy
- 13-5 overall
- 12-4 SOL Patriot Division champions
- Sixth straight year Neshaminy has won at least a share of the division title
- Players to watch include forward, Kasey Rieger (25 goals), defender Maddy Shtino, defender Morgan Shaltens, as well as the defensive corner unit of Maddy Shtino, Morgan Shaltens, Alayna Roscoe, Cait Colyar, and goalie Megan Gonzales.
- Wins over Class 3A #6 North Penn (4-3), #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-1) & #20 Central Bucks South (1-0)
- Split season series with #23 Council Rock North (2-3, 4-0)
Coach Jamie Pinto says: “We have worked hard and played well throughout the season. We have ended our season strong and practiced well— the girls are excited and ready for Monday. Due to injuries, we’ve had players step up like Mia Sermarini and Mia Brooks. As a whole, the team has done some really good things this season, and I’m hoping all of the hard work they put into the season will lead them far into districts – they deserve it.”
Spring-Ford
- 13-5 overall
- 10-3 PAC Liberty Division
- Led by senior Nina Scott, a West Chester University commit, and junior Marissa Cagliola, a Temple commit,
- Fell in PAC semifinals to Boyertown 4-1
- Wins over Class 3A #13 Kennett (2-0), #22 Perk Valley (7-1, 6-2), Class 2A #14 Phoenixville (4-2)
- Split regular season series with #4 Boyertown (4-2, 2-4)
Up next: Winner will travel to #1 Conestoga.
#18 SOUDERTON at #15 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH (Monday, 4 p.m.)
Souderton
- 10-7-1 overall
- 10-5-1 SOL Colonial Division
- Winless in first six games and went on to win eight straight, finishing the season 10-2 in last 12 games.
- Attack led by junior midfielder Julia Blair (14 goals, 9 assists), senior defender Ashley Paturzo (10 goals, 7 assists), sophomore midfielder Hannah Fuente (7 goals, 2 assists) and junior forward Tatum Andrews (9 goals, 4 assists).
- Wins over #17 Neshaminy (2-1) and #23 Council Rock North (6-1).
- Split season series with #3 Central Bucks West (2-8, 1-0) & #20 Central Bucks South (1-2, 1-0).
- The Indians tied #6 North Penn (1-1) in a weather-shortened game and fell in the rematch 2-5.
Coach Sue Casciato says: “I’m excited by what the team has accomplished the second half of the season. We turned things around by playing aggressive full field defense. If we continue to do the same, we should be competitive in every game. Our mindset will be to play like we have nothing to lose, because at this point every game is a bonus.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh
- 12-6 overall
- 12-4 SOL Liberty Division third place
- Colonials were 1-5 after six games and won 10 of 12 games to close out the season.
- Speedy sophomore center midfielder Emily Dobrowolski is a playmaker and leads the Colonials with 21 goals and three assists. Freshman Gracie Kerns (12 goals, 4 assists) has made an immediate impact, and according to coach Charise Halteman, she added new skills that have made her more dangerous in the circle.
- Junior center midfielder Hadley Blake is a stable force in the backfield. Her ability to stop opposing players and maintain possession out of the backfield has been invaluable to PW’s success, according to Halteman. Sophomore right back Kate Dobrowolski has shut down the opponent’s left side.
Coach Charise Halteman says: “PW is excited to enter playoffs again this season. After a slow start, our young team worked hard to stay positive and trust their training. Their commitment to improvement paid off and allowed us to amass 12 wins and home field advantage. Our ability to play together as a unit has been the key to our success!”
Up next: Winner will travel to #2 Downingtown West.
CLASS 2A
#9 MARPLE NEWTOWN at #8 UPPER DUBLIN (Tuesday, 4 p.m.)
Upper Dublin
- 11-6-1 overall
- 10-5-1 SOL Liberty Division
- Wins over Class 6A #24 Abington 2-1, 2-0)
- Split season series with #10 Quakertown (0-4, 2-1) #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-1, 1-2) & Class 2A #15 Lower Moreland (6-0).
- Tied Class 1A #1 Springfield Twp 1-1
Marple Newtown
- 9-8-1 overall
- 7-4 Central League
- Wins over Class 3A #19 Garnet Valley (3-2), #21 Springfield-Delco & Class 2A #13 Merion mercy.
Up next: Winner will face the winner of #1 Villa Maria/#16 Oxford
#15 LOWER MORELAND at #2 MOUNT ST. JOSEPH (Tuesday, 3:45 p.m.)
Lower Moreland
- 8-9-1 overall
- 6-9-1 SOL Freedom Division
- Tied Class 1A #4 New Hope-Solebury 2-2 after falling 2-0 in the initial meeting
Mount St. Joseph Academy
- 15-3 overall
- Finished second to Villa Maria Academy in Catholic Academies League
- Two of three losses at the hands of #1 Villa Maria Academy
- Wins over Class 2A #4 Gwynedd Mercy (3-2, 5-3), #6 WC East (3-0), #8 Upper Dublin (5-0), #9 Marple Newtown (7-0), #13 Merion Mercy (3-0, 7-0), #14 Phoenixville (3-0), Class 1A #2 Dock Mennonite (9-0)
Up Next: Winner will face winner of #7 Unionville/#10 Harriton.
CLASS 1A
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP (Opening round bye)
- 14-3-1 overall
- 12-3-1 SOL Freedom Division champions
- Led by seniors Emma Yoder & Norah Conlin. Both were first team All-SOL Freedom as juniors, and Yoder was first team all-state
- Wins over Class 3A #9 Wissahickon (2-1), #24 Abington (1-0), Class 2A #15 Lower Moreland (2-0, 3-0), Class 1A #3 Faith Christian (4-1)
- Tied Class 2A #8 Upper Dublin 2-2
- Split season series with Class 1A #4 New Hope-Solebury (0-1, 1-0)
Coach Anita Stum says: “We are looking forward to districts. This is an opportunity that we are hungry for. Every game is an opportunity to grow and improve as a team.”
Up next: Will host the winner of the #4 New Hope-Solebury/#5 Pope John Paul II
#5 POPE JOHN PAUL II at #4 NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY (Tuesday, 6 p.m.)
New Hope-Solebury
- 11-5-1 overall
- 10-5-1 SOL Freedom Division second place behind Springfield Twp.
- Defending District 1 1A champion
- Win over Class 2A #8 Upper Dublin (3-0)
- Split season series with Class 1A #1 Springfield Twp (1-0, 0-1). Defeated Class 2A #15 Lower Moreland 7-2 in initial meeting and tied 2-2 in rematch.
Pope John Paul II
- 10-7 overall
- 7-6 Pioneer Athletic Conference Frontier Division
- Wins over Class 2A #12 Bishop Shanahan (3-2), #14 Phoenixville (2-0), Class 1A #2 Dock Mennonite (3-1)
Up next: Winner will travel to #1 Springfield Twp.
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