SOL Field Hockey District Wrap (10-26-24)

Class 3A quarterfinals

#7 BOYERTOWN 5, #2 CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 3

In a rematch of the Bucks’ season opener, it was the visiting Bears – who won the initial meeting 1-0 – earning a 5-3 win in an impressive offensive display.

Boyertown took a 2-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Bucks scored a pair of goals late in the second – both on corner plays. Aida Ierubino scored with an assist from Heidi Schoenleber with just over five minutes remaining in the first half. Then it was Schoenleber scoring with an assist from Ierubino.

The Bears took a 3-2 lead on a goal by Kendall Gilbert just over a minute into the second half, but the Bucks evened the score midway through the quarter when Schoenleber scored – again during corner play with an Ierubino assist.

Maya Brunner’s goal three minutes later gave the Bears a lead they would not lose on their way to the win.

West’s quest for a state berth remains alive, and the Bucks will host Avon Grove on Tuesday in a playback game.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

Kendall Gilbert (B) 6:45

Emily Ulrich (B) from Maya Brunner1:14

Second quarter

Aida Ierubino (CBW) from Heidi Schoenleber 5:17

Heidi Schoenleber (CBW) from Aida Ierubino 0:37

Third quarter

Kendall Gilbert (B) from Elise Eves 13:31

Heidi Schoenleber (CBW) from Aida Ierubino 8:21

Maya Brunner (B) from Kendall Gilbert 4:51

Fourth quarter

Maya Brunner (B) Emily Ulrich 10:42

Central Bucks West coach Lori Ierubino: “They’re a very good team, and I’m asking freshmen and sophomores to do a lot. I don’t think we played our best game, but we battled. I don’t think we gave up, but some of our basic skills were sloppy today and off a little bit. Our corners were good.

“We were just sloppy marking. We would make the first save, but then we couldn’t clear it, and they’re good at that. They’re good at not letting you clear it. They all have their sticks down.”

–The difference in the game: “I knew they were strong offensively, and without Cal (Boos) in there, I had to move players, and some of the kids I had as midfield, I couldn’t have as attack. We couldn’t generate that many opportunities except for on corners.’

–She’s back: “Cal’s back next week (Wake Forest commit Calista Boos), so we’re done playing without her. I just think that will give us the structure back that we’re used to, which is nice.”

Central Bucks West junior goalie Kendra Pitts: “There were definitely nerves today. I drive a couple people, and we talked about it – we felt pretty nervous for this one. We were definitely nervous beforehand for Wednesday because it was loser go home. We knew there was less pressure today, but we really wanted to get back at them because we lost to them previously. We wanted to show we’re the higher seed – we wanted to win.”

–Difference in the two meetings: “I think everyone was more energized today. There was more emphasis on going forward on both sides. There were way more shots than there were in the first game. I touched it more, their goalie touched it more.”

–Facing the Bears’ firepower: “It’s definitely hard to compete against a team that competitive because they’re so fast, they’re so dangerous in all the right places. It’s hard to be everywhere.”

–Looking ahead: “Since my freshman year, we’ve been making it to the first round of states. We’d love to make it further, but we want to get to states at least. We’re going to come in and bring the energy.”

Up next: Central Bucks West (17-3, 10-0 SOL) will host #6 Avon Grove in a playback game Tuesday with four teams vying for three state berths.

“We’re not done – we have two more opportunities to qualify for states,” Ierubino said.
Boyertown 2-0-2-1 5

Central Bucks West 0-2-1-0 3