SOL Field Hockey District Preview (10-24-18)

Central Bucks East, the SOL Continental Conference champion, is the top seed in the District One 3A Tournament. Check out the preview capsules.

One.

That’s been the word for the Central Bucks East field hockey squad this season.

“We’re one unit, one team, and we have one goal,” senior Cailey Lever said. “I think we’ve done a good job of attaining that.”

What the Patriots have attained is not only finishing atop the SOL Continental Conference for the third straight year, they have done it without a loss – a first for the program in close to two decades. For good measure, they also earned the top seed in the District One 4A Tournament.

Lever admits the season exceeded the team’s expectations.

“We came into the season not knowing what to expect,” the senior co-captain said. “Honestly, I can say I didn’t expect this.

“We are far surpassing any expectations I had, and I think it’s a big accomplishment for us, but it’s only one step. We’ve got to keep working hard and keep the energy up, continue what we’ve been doing in order to succeed in districts and hopefully states. I’m just really proud of everybody.”

The Patriots lost five key starters from last year state playoff squad, including All-American Riley Donnelly, a member of the US U19 National Team who surpassed the elusive 100-goal mark and is now in the starting lineup at the University of Maryland.

“Last year we had an amazing season, and we kind of went into this season – ‘All right, this is going to be tough. It’s a huge adjustment, we lost a lot of people,’” senior co-captain Kyleigh Talomie said. “I think this year we’re playing a different game. We’re passing a lot. We’re a whole unit, which is really beneficial.

“We’ve been able to stay strong throughout the whole game because people don’t get winded. It’s just a different style than we had in the past, and I think we needed that with the different players.”

“We’re less dependent on one person,” Lever added. “We’re able to use everyone. We definitely conditioned a lot more in preseason than we have in previous years.”

The Patriots have lost just once in 18 games – that was a 1-0 non-league loss to Methacton. Ten different players have contributed goals with sophomore Phia Mannino (16 goals, 15 assists, 47 points) leading the way. Lever has 11 goals and seven assists, but everyone has been contributing.

“I think the best word to describe our team is versatile,” Lever said. “We have a ton of people who can play a ton of different things.

“We are a very young team, and a lot of people needed to step up this year losing five key starters. At this point in the season, I think everyone wants it, everyone is working hard. We’re one team.”

While the goal scoring has been spread around, the defense has been anchored by a trio of defensive backs – senior Molly Eron, junior Liz Philipp and sophomore Grace Bethke – in front of goalie Emily Bullard, who has 11 shutouts.

“Our defense has been the most solid part of our unit from the very beginning,” first-year coach Meghann Spratt said. “Bullard has 11 shutouts, but without those three defenders – they have contributed, and it’s just a shame they don’t get the stats.”

The Patriots’ strong play on the offensive end of the field is underscored by the 184 corners they have drawn – an average of close to 11 a game in the regular season.

“I don’t think it’s any one thing that’s contributed to our success,” Talomie said. “We just never give up on any play. That’s what our coaches have really pushed this year – just non-stop keep fighting, keep fighting. Even if we’re down, even if we’re not playing well, just try to pick each other up and play our own game.”

For Spratt, who served as an assistant prior to taking over the helm, it’s been quite a rookie season.

“It has been such a special group of unassuming athletes,” the Patriots’ coach said. “They are such a great group.

“I think their biggest strength as a team is they’re unselfish. They play as a team more than any team I’ve ever coached, and that’s what has made it so special and fun.”

There are nine seniors on the roster but only three in the starting lineup – Eron, Talomie and Lever.

“The positivity and support from my other group of seniors – my non-starters – has been such an example of what wonderful young women they are because it takes a lot to be a senior and not get minutes and still have this positive encouraging vibe they have,” Spratt said. “It makes my job easy. I’ve been so lucky with this group. It’s been amazing.”

That good chemistry is another hallmark of this year’s squad.

“We’re really close off the field and that helps so much on the field,” Talomie said. “If anyone makes a mistake, immediately you’ll hear five people – ‘It’s okay, it’s okay. You’ve got this. Next play, next play.’ I think that’s really been amazing this season.”

“Positive reinforcement – it’s just non-stop,” Lever said.

The 17-1 Patriots will begin district play on Wednesday when they host 16^th-seeded West Chester Rustin.

SOL struggles in Class 2A and 1A opening round games – It was a rough day for the SOL on Tuesday. All three teams that played saw their seasons come to an end.
Upper Dublin, the 12^th seed in 2A, fell to fifth-seeded Phoenixville 4-1. With nine minutes remaining in the first half, Jenn McCarry scored with a Ryann Kullmann assist to spot the Cardinals a 1-0 lead, but a minute later, Sydney Alling scored for the Phantoms, who took a 2-1 lead into halftime and then added a pair of goals in the second half. The Phantoms held an advantage in shots (7-3) and corners (8-4). UD goalie Meghan Muth had four saves. The Flying Cardinals closed out their season with a 9-8-1 record (8-5-1 SOL).
Also in Class 2A, ninth-seeded Wissahickon (11-7-1, 9-5 SOL) fell to eighth-seeded Merion Mercy by an identical 4-1 score, and in Class 1A, sixth-seeded Sacred Heart defeated Springfield Township 1-0. The Spartans (10-7-1, 7-6-1) held a decided advantage in shots (12-6) and corners (12-3). Julia Flood (Dani Santora) scored the game’s only goal in the second half. Sacred Heart’s goalie turned away 10 shots.

CLASS 3A
#16 WEST CHESTER RUSTIN at #1 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST
Central Bucks East

17-1 overall
12-0 SOL Continental Conference champions
Third consecutive conference title
Defense has allowed just 13 goals in 18 games (0.72 gpg) with 12 shutouts
Attack led by Phia Mannino (16 goals, 15 assists), Drexel commit Cailey Lever (11 goals, 7 assists) and Kenzie Lever (8 goals, 2 assists)
Wins over #6 Downingtown West (2-0), #9 Neshaminy (3-2 OT), #8 Souderton (1-0 & 1-0), #12 Central Bucks South (4-0 & 2-1), #18 Council Rock South (5-2) & #20 Pennridge (2-7 & 3-1).
Only loss to #14 Methacton (1-0) on Sept. 29.

How they got here: Opening round bye.

West Chester Rustin

10-7-1 overall
6-6 Ches-Mont American Division
Defense is anchored by goalie Meg Hadfield, a first team All-Chesmont selection last year and Hofstra commit.
Blaise Cugini leads the attack.
Regular season wins over #17 Kennett (1-0) and Class 2A #4 Great Valley (2-1)

How they got here: In an opening round game, Rustin defeated #17 Kennett 3-0. Blaise Cugini had a pair of goals while Alexis Schambers added a single goal. Goalkeeper Meg Hadfield recorded 15 saves in the shutout.

#12 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH at #5 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Plymouth Whitemarsh

17-1 overall
14-0 SOL American Conference champions
Sixth consecutive conference title
Colonials boast a 53-game winning streak in conference play
Attack led by Ava Borkowski (28 goals, 7 assists), Kaleigh Missimer (24 goals, 7 assists), Indiana commit Kennedy Reardon (17 goals, 9 assists) and Sam Spera (17 goals, 8 assists). Hailey Copestick, (6 goals, 7 assists) and Kayla Link (4 goals, 10 assists) also contributed.
Wins over #15 Abington (2-0 & 4-0), #21 Lower Merion (7-0) & #24 Pennsbury (4-1) as well as 2A #9 Wissahickon (5-0 & 4-1) & #12 Upper Dublin (7-1 & 5-0).
Only loss to #3 Haverford (3-2) on Sept. 21.

How they got here: Opening round bye.

Central Bucks South

10-6-2 overall
6-4-2 SOL Continental Conference third place
Attack led by Casey Reilly (22 goals, 7 assists), Sophia Wasyliw (11 goals, 2 assists), Ashley Timby (7 goals, 2 assist) and Mel Dunton (4 goals, 7 assists).
Wins over #18 Council Rock South (5-0), #20 Pennridge (3-0 & 3-1) as well as Class 2A #4 Great Valley (2-1) and #12 Upper Dublin (9-1).

How they got here: Senior Casey Reilly scored three goals and assisted on another to lead Central Bucks South to a 5-0 win over #21 Lower Merion in an opening round game. Arianna Conte and Annie Brady each scored a goal.

#9 NESHAMINY at #8 SOUDERTON
Souderton

15-2 overall
10-2 SOL Continental Conference second place behind CB East
Attack led by Anna Gwiazdzinski (23 goals, 15 assists), University of Penn commit Courtney Kenah (15 goals, 11 assists) and Randi Hess (17 goals, 3 assists). Alyssa Krady (6 goals, 2 assists) & Lauren Kenah (5 goals, 4 assists) also contribute.
Wins over #12 Central Bucks South (5-3 & 2-1), #14 Methacton (3-1), #15 Abington (5-0), #19 Council Rock North (2-0) & #20 Pennridge (2-1 OT, 5-1) as well as Class 2A #6 Gwynedd Mercy (5-3).
Only two losses to #1 Central Bucks East (1-0 & 1-0).

How they got here: Opening round bye.

Neshaminy

16-3 overall
12-0 SOL National Conference champions
Attack led by Appalachian State commit Peyton Ritchey (21 goals, 14 assists), Caroline Angerer (11 goals, 3 assists), Kayla Connelly (9 goals, 9 assists) and Villanova commit Jamie Pennington (5 goals, 16 assists).
Wins over #18 Council Rock South (4-1 & 4-0), #10 Council Rock North (4-1 & 5-0), #12 Central Bucks South (2-1) & #24 Pennsbury (2-1 OT & 3-1) as well as Class 2A #4 Great Valley (2-1 OT) and #6 Gwynedd Mercy (2-1).

How they got here: In an opening round game, Neshaminy edged No. 24 Pennsbury 1-0. With 24:23 remaining in the game, Jamie Pennington scored with an assist from Kayla Connelly.

#18 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH at #2 PERK VALLEY (Monday, 3:30 p.m.)
Council Rock South

10-7-2 overall
9-2-1 SOL National Conference second place behind Neshaminy
Attack led by Katelyn Cocco (19 goals, 11 assists) and Kerry Kaufman (11 goals, 5 assists).
Wins over #19 Council Rock North (4-1) and #24 Pennsbury (2-1 & 2-1).

How they got here: In an opening round game, CR South defeated #15 Abington 1-0, thanks to a goal by freshman Kerry Kaufman (Bridget Doherty assist) with 9:18 remaining in the first half.

Perk Valley

19-1 overall
10-0 Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division champion
Lost for the only time this season to Owen J Roberts (3-0) in the PAC title game
Captains Gabby Martino, a Drexel commit, and Bryn Marcavage are the only seniors on a young and deep Viking squad.
Regular season wins over #4 Owen J Roberts (2-1 & 2-1), #13 Spring-Ford (1-0 & 3-1), #14 Methacton (1-0 & 2-1), #17 Kennett (8-2), #18 Council Rock South (5-1), #20 Pennridge (7-2) and #24 Pennsbury (3-1).

How they got here: Opening round bye.