Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Tuesday. CR North/CR South photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for a gallery of photos.
SOL National Conference
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 5, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 2
On a night that saw the sister schools celebrate a joint Senior Night, it was the Golden Hawks who had reason to celebrate when the final horn sounded.
“It was an overall team effort,” South coach Lisa Belz said. “We came out strong, we drew some corners at the beginning of the game and got some momentum, and everyone was playing well together as a group.”
Just over nine minutes into the game, sophomore Kerry Kaufman scored with a Katelyn Cocco assist. Cailey Hiscox found the cage 10 minutes later, using a Kaufman assist. Lauren Mitchell followed with an unassisted goal, and then it was Cocco scoring with a Rachael Rolle assist to cap a three-goal surge in a six-minute span that sent the Golden Hawks into halftime with a 4-0 lead.
Hiscox connected for her second goal six minutes into the second half. Lindsey O’Brien and Sarah Everett (Sarah Scott assist) connected on back-to-back goals for the Indians to close out the scoring.
Rock South held an 11-7 advantage in shots. Goalies Mollie Clark (two saves) and Karlie McCloskey (three saves) combined for five saves. Rock North Kyra Deer-Lewis was credited with six saves.
Belz paid tribute to her team’s five seniors – Katelyn Cocco, Rachael Rolle, Lauren Mitchell, Ashley Lackman and Mollie Clark.
“I’m super proud of all the seniors,” the Golden Hawks’ coach said. “I think they’ve stepped up big time, and although they might not have worn a captain’s band, I felt they all were deserving of that. They’ve really played hard and practiced hard all season. I’m happy that they were able to have a win for Senior Night but also be happy with how they played.”
Tuesday’s joint Senior Night was necessitated because of the availability of the turf field.
“I like it – I think it’s nice for both teams to be honored under the lights,” the Golden Hawks’ coach said. “The girls are typically pretty friendly, playing club together.
“I’m happy with the result on our end, but I think North is a strong team and has some strong players. I wish them luck in the postseason.”
Council Rock South (12-5, 10-2 SOL) – 11th in the latest District One 6A power rankings – will travel to Wissahickon for a non-league game Wednesday at 7 p.m. Council Rock North (10-7, 7-5) – 17th in the latest power rankings – will host Methacton in a non-league game Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Council Rock North 0-2 2
Council Rock South 4-1 5
NESHAMINY 4, PENNSBURY 0
The Redskins capped a perfect conference season with a shutout win. It was the second straight year Neshaminy has rolled through conference play without a loss, but this one – this one was different. Everything changed on Sept. 28 when assistant coach Janet Dougherty passed away suddenly,
Somehow, the players maintained their focus when game day arrived and kept winning when field hockey was the very last thing on their minds.
“First of all, it shows that field hockey is important, but it’s not everything,” coach Jamie Pinto said. “After everything happened, that wasn’t a thought in our mind anymore. The week after she passed – we tried to get back into normal life the best we could. We thought about hockey, but it wasn’t on our mind at the time. We knew we were having a good season, but when that happened, it was like – okay, we need to get ourselves together. The way the girls came through and played together – I think it makes it even more special for them.”
In Tuesday’s win, Nancy Lin put the Redskins on the scoreboard late in the first half, using a Peyton Ritchey assist.
Brooke Cordisco (Lin assist) scored just over a minute into the second half, and then it was Ritchey scoring with a Sanaa Hebron assist. Dylan Beegals unassisted goal closed out the scoring and put the finishing touches on the Redskins’ 12th win in conference play.
“How the girls have been playing with what they have gone through this season – they couldn’t have been more mature, more strong and more together with it,” Pinto said. “If they hadn’t handled it that way, it wouldn’t have gone the way it did the rest of the season. They were so strong and supportive of each other. They’ve been playing better because of it too. It’s a terrible situation that we’ve had to go through, but the way they’ve handled themselves and come together has helped them playing together too. I couldn’t be more proud of them.
“Today’s game really showed how we can play together as a team. It was a total team effort. Everyone that stepped on the field helped contribute in the win. Our passing was strong, we were cutting to the ball well and had good opportunities to score. Our forwards hustled, working hard to get the ball and got good touches in the circle. The midfielders did a nice job of supporting and distributing the ball, and the defenders played very solid, carrying the ball out of the back and making smart passes.”
Pinto credited the strong play of Pennsbury goalie Keira Korzeb.
“She played well in goal, making some tough saves,” the Redskins’ coach said. “I would like to thank Pennsbury for their support and kindness to us today by giving us flowers and stickers for the girls’ sticks that were personalized for Coach Doc. We truly appreciate it.”
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For the Falcons, Tuesday’s matchup against Neshaminy was the final home game of the season. However, this particular afternoon was about so much more than field hockey. With pink ribbons in their hair, Pennsbury players promoted breast cancer awareness with a “PINK OUT” theme. In addition, during the pre-game warm up, the Falcons took a moment to show respect and convey sympathies to the Skins for the sudden loss of their beloved Coach Doc just a few weeks ago. Pennsbury players gave the Neshaminy girls and coaches red carnations, pink ribbons, and stickers for them to place on their sticks to keep Coach Doc’s memory close to them while they play. The Falcons came out strong and prepared for the challenge of facing Neshaminy’s power.
“We were so proud of how well we worked together to hold the Skins scoreless until only five minutes left in the first half,” said Pennsbury coach Traci Curtis said, whose team trailed 1-0 at halftime. “We consider that a win for that small moment. We will take those victories and carry that with us as we continue to grow and learn.
“Goalie Keira Korzeb was on fire and denied a barrage of shots, moving in the goal cage with flexibility, quickness, and aggressive clears. She definitely set the tone for her team and played an excellent complete game. The defense did a great job of staying strong and gaining possession. Nicole Joniak racked up another defensive save and provided such a spark in the backfield. She is extremely consistent, reliable, and has gained so much confidence this year. Casey Glynn and Hannah Aker were able to get big hits into the midfield as well, but Pennsbury just struggled producing long lasting offense. We got one corner opportunity, but didn’t create anything out of it.”
The Skins went on to score three unanswered goals in the second half.
“After halftime, Neshaminy adjusted, picked it up another notch and made it very difficult to produce,” Curtis said. “They are a strong, disciplined team who knows how to get the job done in any situation.
“Considering Neshaminy had 21 shots on goal and 16 penalty corners and the score was 4-0, Pennsbury was proud of their performance for the day and know exactly what it will take to get their game to the next level. The Falcons are set to play their final game against New Hope-Solebury. We wish Neshaminy the best of luck as they enter into playoffs. They have risen above adversity and truly put their hearts on the field.”
Neshaminy (14-3, 12-0 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks South for a non-league game on Wednesday. Pennsbury (6-11, 5-7) will travel to New Hope-Solebury for a non-league game Wednesday.
WILLIAM TENNENT 4, HARRY S TRUMAN 1
The Tigers kept the visiting Panthers off the scoreboard in the second half, but the Panthers rode a four-goal first half to the win.
“Truman’s play took shape at the end of the first period with a score by Solana Castillo off a corner hit at the top of the circle by Kiley Hackbart,” Truman coach Tom Leahy said. “Their good play continued as they held Tennent scoreless in the second half.
“Goalie Stacy Couillard had numerous saves and was supported with a goal line save by sweeper Sam Dominic.”
William Tennent (7-8-1, 6-6 SOL) will host Villa Joseph Marie in a non-league game on Wednesday. Harry S Truman (5-14, 0-12) will host Bristol in a non-league game Thursday (6 p.m.).
William Tennent 4-0 4
Harry S Truman 1-0 1
SOL Continental Conference
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 1, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0
The Bucks have clearly saved their best for last, picking up their third and biggest win of the season with a shutout of their neighboring rival on the team’s Pink Out game. It was the Bucks’ final night game of the season.
“We made it a good one,” West coach Ginny Moore said. “The whole team played with so much hustle and heart tonight. The improvement from the start of the season to now is truly remarkable and inspiring. The coaches are tremendously proud of how this team responded to adversity and improved both grit and talent. The Bucks’ attitude and effort in the last few weeks has been incredible.”
West scored midway through the first half during corner play.
“Grayce Reimel inserted the ball, and the initial shot hit the post, but after a South clear, Julia Bunch intercepted and sent it into Em Erickson, who spun out and found the back of the cage on a reverse shot,” Moore said. “The Bucks came back even stronger in the second half, maintaining possession, connecting passes, and creating offensive opportunities.
“South made strong runs all night and is super quick on their breakaways. They got a couple corners in the very last minute of the game, but fortunately, we were able to hold them off thanks to our solid defensive line.”
Sara Lelii and Ella Casale both had a defensive save. Goalie Brooke Golbeski turned away six shots.
“Kudos to CB West’s goalkeeper, Brooke Golbeski, and the defense who played an excellent game,” South coach Pat Toner said. “CB West’s record does not reflect the hard work, hustle and determination of their team.
“They were a tough opponent in our very difficult league and should be commended on the improvement they’ve shown throughout the season.”
The Titans held an advantage in shots (12-4) and corners (7-2).
“Although we tried to match their hustle and speed tonight, we are still dealing with injuries to key players and were unable to finish on our shots,” Toner said. “I am proud of our team for gutting it out and fighting until the end.
“We place a lot of importance on having a team mindset and appreciate when players are willing to play various positions for the benefit of the team as a whole. Anna Shirley, Anna Gillard, Alyssa Endrick, Maddy Cooper and Maddie Pearce have done what is asked of them day in and day out, often changing positions according to what is needed. While many played hard, Erin Smith did a great job of cutting to the ball tonight, and freshman Lily Haag hustled to every ball. Despite the disappointing outcome, we will regroup and work even harder to improve. We look forward to the playoffs and hope that some of our injured players will be able to return.”
Moore had high praise for her squad.
“Mids Julia Bunch, Claire Engebreth, JL, and Kendall Siegle did a great job supporting each other, maintaining possession, and connecting the D to the forwards,” the Bucks’ coach said. “Defenders Sara Lelii, Maggie Whalen, Claire Natoli, and Ella Casale did a great job shutting down advancements, clearing out wide, and protecting our house.
“Brooke Golbeski made six saves and did a wonderful job leading and supporting from the net.”
Central Bucks West (3-14, 3-9 SOL) is scheduled to host Villa Joseph Marie in a non-league game Thursday, and Central Bucks South (10-7, 6-6) – 15th in the latest District One 3A power rankings – will host Neshaminy in a non-league game Wednesday.
Central Bucks South 0-0 0
Central Bucks West 0-1 1
NORTH PENN 1, PENNRIDGE 0
Last year, the Knights just missed out on a playoff berth as the 25th seed in the 24-team field. They made sure there would be no heartbreak this time around, solidifying their spot in the 24-team field in the District One 3A Tournament with Tuesday’s shutout win.
Making the win even sweeter was the fact that the Knights recognized their seven seniors – Nicole Crosson, Alex Fein, Sierra Gee, Deborah Kim, Jillian Lampitoc, Emily Liu and Riley Pickford.
“It’s always nice to win on Senior Night because it’s great recognition of kids that have been with your program three to four years, and it’s always great to have a lot of people in the stands, there’s a lot of energy,” coach Shannon McCracken said. “Two of the seven have been with us for four years and the other girls have been with us for three. They’re a great group of kids. They excel in the classroom, they’re hard workers, and they’ve grown a lot this season. Many of them didn’t play varsity last year, so we’ve seen a lot of growth and a lot of character from them.”
The Knights broke a scoreless tie 10 minutes into the second half with a goal by Eleni Kountroubis (Baylen Detweiler assist).
“The goal was beautiful,” McCracken said. “It was a play that developed at the left. Katie Blanch, one of our midfielders, made a really nice pass out to Erin O’Donnell on the left side, and she cut the ball into the center and split the defense and was able to give a nice through ball to Bay Detweiler.
“You thought Bay was going to shoot, and the goalkeeper started to go towards Bay, who saw Eleni Kountroubis make a cut out to the right. Bay gave her a pass out to the right and beat the goalkeeper that way, and Eleni put it in.
“It was a really beautiful passing sequence and a beautiful goal, and it was going to take something special like that because I thought their defense had a great game. Their goalkeeper came up with some key saves.”
The Knights had five penalty corners in the first half and only one in the second half.
“We had our opportunities early,” McCracken said. “There was a lot of play in the midfield tonight. Pennridge is a strong team.
“We didn’t give them our best game the first time we saw them (in a 2-0 loss), so it was definitely sweet to see them again on Senior Night and give them a better game. They’re a good team. Souderton and CB East went out way ahead, and we couldn’t touch them, but there was really exciting play in the middle of the conference.”
McCracken credited the play of several players.
“Eleni Kountroubis played fantastic tonight,” the Knights’ coach said. “She is just a tough kid on the field. She’s fast, she’s relentless, she hustles down every ball. She was a difference maker in our attack end tonight.
“Megan Albert and Alex Fein made a lot of key stops in the backfield to hold off the Pennridge attack.”
Pennridge goalie Maia Machado turned away 10 of 11 shots she faced.
“It was a tough fight from both teams,” Pennridge coach Becky Spahr said. “North Penn played a very fast game up front but then controlled our pace with strong organized defense.
“Maia Machado was great for us in goal and was well supported by our defense.
North Penn (8-8-1, 6-6-1 SOL) is scheduled to host Plymouth Whitemarsh in a non-league game Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. Pennridge (8-8-1, 5-6) – 20th in the latest power rankings – will travel to Souderton on Wednesday for a 6:30 p.m. contest.
Pennridge 0-0 0
North Penn 0-1 1
SOUDERTON 4, QUAKERTOWN 1
The Indians took 40 shots but scored only four goals. A good deal of credit for that belongs to Kylie Lerch, who had a busy night in the cage for the Panthers.
Souderton took a 1-0 lead into the intermission. Anna Gwiazdzinski – who finished with a hat track – converted a penalty stroke 10 minutes into the game.
It took the Indians less than a minute to add to their lead in the second half when Ange Borisow turned a Lauren Kenah pass into a goal. Gwiazdzinski completed her hat trick with back-to-back goals late in the second half – the first was unassisted and the second was set up by Courtney Kenah.
Souderton – which celebrated Senior Night – held a decided advantage in shots (40-5) and corners (19-5).
Souderton (15-2, 10-1 SOL) is scheduled to host Pennridge in its regular season finale Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Quakertown closed out its season with a 1-17 record.
Quakertown 0-1 1
Souderton 1-3 4
SOL American Conference
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 1, HATBORO-HORSHAM 0
The Colonials averaged over eight goals a game entering Tuesday night’s conference finale at Hatboro-Horsham, and while they kept their streak of four straight years without a loss in conference play alive, this win was anything but easy.
“We played a tight contest against an aggressive Hatboro-Horsham team tonight,” PW coach Charise Halteman said. “They did a great job applying pressure and making it difficult to score.
“After a focused halftime talk, PW came out and quickly earned a corner. Ava Borkowski scored on a reverse shot from a Kaleigh Missimer pass. Despite putting Hatboro-Horsham under a lot of pressure in the second half, we weren’t able to find the back of the net.”
Making the loss especially difficult to swallow for the Hatters was the fact that they were down a player on the defensive corner (after their flyer left early) that saw PW score its winning goal.
“It was a great game, but it was a shame it had to end the way it did for the girls, especially when the only goal they scored was because we had a player down on the defensive corner,” Dipi Bhaya said. “It was Senior Night, and nobody expected them to do that, but we did.
“I’m proud of the senior class and proud of the whole team because we lost to them 7-0 the first time. We’re the team to have their lowest scoring game, and they’re 16-1 now. It speaks volumes to how far my kids have come. It wasn’t a win on the scoreboard, but it was a win in all the other areas, especially because PW is a highly skilled and aggressive team.”
Hatboro-Horsham goalie Morgan Kirby was credited with seven saves. Audrey Leibfried had a pair of defensive saves, and Jada Mills had one defensive save.
PW goalie Sarah Trask was credited with three saves in the shutout win.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (16-1, 14-0 SOL) will travel to North Penn for a non-league game Wednesday, and Hatboro-Horsham closed out its season with a 7-11 record (5-9 SOL).
Plymouth Whitemarsh 0-1 1
Hatboro-Horsham 0-0 0
ABINGTON 3, CHELTENHAM 0
With their regular season down to the final game, the Ghosts found themselves on the bubble for a District One 3A Tournament berth. After Tuesday’s win, they were the 23rd seed in what will be a 24-team field.
“Knowing this could be our last game, Abington game out ready to play,” coach Katie Small said. “Grace Kirwin, Paige Doyle and Tori Flint put a lot of pressure on the Cheltenham goalie who was able to hold us off for most of the first half.
“Cheltenham played a great game on their Senior Day and made it difficult for us to get on the board. Jasmine Cubbage and Mikayla Kizel played great defense to keep Cheltenham out of our circle.”
Grace Kirwin scored a pair of goals, and Molly Melissen added a single goal. Paige Doyle chipped in an assist.
Marilyn Capps recorded two saves in goal while Cheltenham’s Perry recorded 15 saves.
Abington (6-7-1 SOL) closed out its regular season with a 7-10-1 record. Cheltenham (0-15, 0-14 SOL) will travel to Cheltenham for a non-league game Thursday.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 2, UPPER DUBLIN 1
Maddie Yoder scored midway through the second half with an assist from Kate Wojeck, breaking a 1-1 tie and propelling the Spartans to the win.
Yoder – who scored both of her team’s goals – spotted the Spartans a 1-0 lead when she scored with 14 minutes remaining until halftime, using an Anya Kochanowicz assist.
Grace Brennan evened the score eight minutes into the second half, a tie that stood until Yoder found the cage six minutes later.
Spartan goalie Rebecca Berglund was credited with six saves in the win. Annie Coll was credited with a defensive save.
UD goalie Rhianna Gonzales had 11 saves in goal while Shannon DiFulgo and Annabel Coplan each recorded stick saves.
Springfield Township (14-4, 10-4 SOL) is ranked second in the District One 1A power rankings. Upper Dublin closed out its season with a 4-12-2 record (2-10-2 SOL).
Springfield Township 1-1 2
Upper Dublin 0-1 1
WISSSAHICKON 7, UPPER MORELAND 1
The Trojans closed out conference play with a convincing win. Grace Ball set the tone, scoring four straight goals – three in the first half. Hannah Havrilla also had a hand in four goals, scoring one and assisting on three others.
Three minutes into the game Ball scored back-to-back goals in a span of less than two minutes – both with Hannah Havrilla assists. She completed her personal hat trick with an assist from Brynne Miller at the 9:39 mark of the first half, sending the Trojans into halftime with a 3-0 lead.
Ball scored two minutes into the second half, using a Kate Lovensheimer assist. Then it was Ella Hummel turning a Lovensheimer pass into a goal. Midway through the half, the Golden Bears got on the scoreboard when Anna Duncan found the cage, using a Moira Olexa assist. Kendal Williams (Havrilla assist) and Havrilla (Ball assist) closed out the scoring.
Meghan Reilly (two saves) and Alli Wood (four saves) split time in goal for the Trojans. UM goalie Isabella Guaranghi was credited with 19 saves.
Wissahickon (13-3-1, 12-2 SOL) is scheduled to host Council Rock South in a non-league game Wednesday at 7 p.m. Upper Moreland closed out its regular season with a 7-10-1 record (5-8-1 SOL).
Upper Moreland 0-1 1
Wissahickon 3-4 7
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