Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Friday. (CB East/Souderton photos provided courtesy of Deborah Horan and Debbie Fee.)
SOL Continental Conference
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2, SOUDERTON 0
Redemption was on their minds when the Patriots traveled to Souderton Friday. It turns out they didn’t really appreciate the fact that the Indians – on East’s home turf – had eked out a 1-0 overtime win in the initial meeting between the two teams, a win that brought to a halt a 21-game SOL winning streak for the Patriots.
“There’s definitely a big rivalry between the two teams,” East junior Kenzie Lever said. “I think honestly we were more excited than anything. In the first game, we were definitely nervous, but this game we really just were excited to get out there and beat them. We really just wanted to have that redemption game where we took it to them.”
“On top of excited, I think it was also a pride thing,” junior Phia Mannino said. “We beat them three times last year, and they came out and beat us and were super excited about it. I think we were really just angry and wanted to win and defend our title.”
The Patriots – three-time defending conference champions – scored less than two minutes into the game during corner play when Lever (Sophia Parker assist) slammed home a shot from the top of the circle.
“It was definitely big starting off the game because we knew they were going to come out really strong,” Lever said. “That definitely got us going. I think it was big for our whole team’s mindset.”
“I think it really set the tone for the whole game,” Mannino said. “The last time we came out – not scared – but a little more mental than we should have been. I think this time we came out like we had nothing to lose, but we did have something to gain.”
The Indians best opportunity to knot the score in the half came on the team’s third corner, but East goalie Emily Bullard came up with back-to-back saves to preserve the shutout. The Patriots took that 1-0 lead in halftime.
The Indians drew an early corner in the second half, but Mannino cleared the ball out of harm’s way before they managed a shot.
“Knowing we have our goalie, Emily Bullard, behind us is a huge help because she’s a super strong goalie,” said Mannino, who flies on defensive corners. “Our corner team has a lot of speed. I don’t think any of us are scared of the ball or getting hit. Me running out and knowing I have Liz, Bethke and Renee behind me at all times – I think we feel super secure and not frazzled.”
The Patriots made life difficult for the Indians in the second half, and they iced the win when – with the Indians pushing up – Mannino carried the ball downfield in a strong individual effort, beating every defender in her path and finding the cage for a goal that gave the Patriots a 2-0 advantage.
“We knew they beat us the first time in overtime, so we didn’t want to get to that point,” Lever said. “We were only up by one goal so knowing if they scored we would have that situation happen again – we just wanted to defend as much as possible and get it out.”
“We kind of settled,” Mannino said. “I think we definitely dominated, but they were a skilled, strong team, so we had to play our game and not fall into hit and run.”
The Indians were shut out for the first time this season, and according to coach Sue Casciatio, they always believed they would get that early goal back.
“We’ve been behind early before,” the Indians’ coach said said. “But you work so hard to score against them and to give them a goal like that was unfortunate.
“I think in the second half, our lines were a little too far apart. We had the ball in the circle, and it kept getting cleared as opposed to us getting second opportunities. We were – at that point – being too defensive.”
Both teams have identical 9-1 records in conference play with two games remaining.
“It was a great game with a high skill level of play,” East coach Meghann Spratt said. “In a game like this, I love to see who rises to the challenge, who came to play, who’s willing to give 100 percent.
“Through our last two weeks, we have been getting better and better. Our first half was not that, so we changed things around in the second half and came out on top.”
The Patriots’ coach was especially pleased with her team’s effort in the second half.
“I thought we played frazzled in the first half, and coming out in the second half against such a strong team knowing we needed this win to stay a contender – that they came out and played so poised and so composed said a lot about them,” Spratt said. “They didn’t just hang on to a 1-0 lead, they came back and added another in the second half which was great.”
Lever and Mannino accounted for East’s two goals, but they did much more than that and were a force at both ends of the field.
“I just said – I get them a whole another year,” Spratt said. “They just get better and better and more mature as players. They make great decisions, they’re leaders on the field. It has been so fun to watch them.
“They were all over the field today, and it was not just their skills, but just their sheer aggressiveness and scrappiness and wanting to win. That’s something you can’t coach.”
Central Bucks East (12-3, 9-1 SOL)- fifth in the latest District One 6A power rankings – will host Quakertown on Monday, Souderton (13-2, 9-1) – sixth in the power rankings – will host Pennridge on Monday (7:30 p.m.).
“We just have to be serious about Monday’s game,” Casciato said. Pennridge is very capable of beating us. We have to win out.”
Central Bucks East 1-1 2
Souderton 0-0 0
NORTH PENN 3, QUAKERTOWN 2
The Knights opened up a 3-1 halftime lead and held on for a 3-2 win that was anything but easy, thanks to the inspired 20-save effort of Quakertown goalie Kylie Lerch and the Panthers’ defense – which also delivered a pair of defensive saves.
“Quakertown played tough today,” North Penn coach Shannon McCracken said.
The Knights had things going their way in the first half, although the pesky Panthers served early notice that they might be a handful when Natalie Boyd scored an unassisted goal just over a minute into the contest.
Two minutes later, Eleni Kountroubis (Sierra Gee assist) found the cage with the equalizer, and when Bay Detweiler scored an unassisted goal just over five minutes into the game, the Knights had a lead they would not lose. Kountroubis scored an unassisted goal to give the Knights a 3-1 lead with 17:58 remaining in the first half. They did not score again the rest of the way. The Panthers made it a one-goal game with just over a minute remaining in regulation when Fallon Graninetti scored with an assist from Mackenzie Adamson.
North Penn held a decided 25-9 advantage in shots and an 11-6 edge in goals.
North Penn’s Mallory Stowell recorded seven saves in goal.
North Penn (6-7-1, 4-5 SOL) – 22nd in the latest District One 6A power rankings – will be on the road at Central Bucks West on Monday, and Quakertown (1-12, 0-9) will travel to Dock Mennonite Academy for a non-league game on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Quakertown 1-1 2
North Penn 3-0 3
SOL National Conference
PENNSBURY 6, WILLIAM TENNENT 1
What a difference a couple of weeks – or even a couple of days – can make. Three weeks after falling to William Tennent 1-0 in overtime and two days after struggling in a 2-1 win over Bensalem, the Falcons’ offense erupted for six goals en route to the team’s third straight win.
“The Falcons’ saga continue to be a page turner, and this week’s chapter was titled, ‘A Tale of Two Teams,’” Pennsbury coach Traci Curtis said. “After Monday’s sleepy performance against Bensalem, this incredible squad came together and arrived ready to fight.
“After losing 1-0 in overtime the first time we played Tennent, Pennsbury was looking for a much different outcome today.”
The Falcons scored three goals in just over seven minutes to seize early control of the contest. Kayli Williams got the ball rolling when she scored with an assist from EB Rafferty during corner play. Less than a minute later, Cammie Stuhlmuller connected on an unassisted goal. Maddie Spratt’s goal with a Jaclyn Gorgo assist gave the Falcons a 3-0 lead with 23:51 still remaining in the first half.
“We were extremely excited as we watched all of the pieces come together in those moments,” Curtis said. “We have talked a lot about winning small moments, applying individual skills for the greater good, and implementing all of the tactics, techniques, and strategies that have been talked about since August. Today they did it all. We are so proud of them.”
Williams and Stuhlmuller each scored their second goal to send the Falcons into halftime with a commanding 5-0 lead.
“Stuhlmuller was on fire today and did the job we asked her to do absolutely perfectly,” Curtis said. “It was so great to see her succeed in that capacity and she did it in a selfless way for the team.
“What was so impressive was how the girls were scoring – they were connecting on small passes, using great stick skills, and earning corners as well. Deflections, unassisted goals, and hard shots were all used throughout the game to score.”
Celia Dolan found the back of the cage on an assist from Stuhlmuller in the second half to give the Falcons a 6-0 advantage. Tennent got on the scoreboard with five minutes remaining in regulation for the 6-1 final.
“Pennsbury found a way to work around the goalie, create options on offense, and were backed up by a very strong, solid, and consistent defensive unit in Glynn, Joniak, Tosh, and Aker,” Curtis said. “Pennsbury is keeping one foot in front of the other and looking to capitalize on each moment as they come. Monday they will host CR South and look to put up an improved performance the second time around. It is so much fun watching players work from the inside out and reach potentials they never thought they could.”
Pennsbury (5-8, 4-5 SOL) – which moved up to 24th in the latest District One 6A power rankings in what will be a 24-team field – will host Council Rock South on Monday. William Tennent (6-6-1, 5-4) – 20th in the latest power rankings – will host Neshaminy on Monday.
William Tennent 0-1 1
Pennsbury 5-1 6
NESHAMINY 4, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0
The day belonged to the Redskins’ defense. Not only did they pitch a shutout, but defender Dylan Beegal scored a pair of goals.
“Today our defense led the team,” coach Jamie Pinto said. “Dylan Beegal, Avery McGinty, Asia Barnard, Brooke Cordisco and goalie Maddie Tiemann played smart, aggressive and composed.
“They stepped to the ball hard and distributed the ball well to the midfielders and forwards.”
Colette Schardt put the Redskins on the scoreboard midway through the first half, turning a Jamie Pennington pass into a goal. Then it was Beegal scoring an unassisted goal to send the Redskins into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
Maddie Neiman connected on an unassisted goal with 13:30 remaining in regulation, and Beegal’s second goal late in the game – this one with a Pennington assist – gave the Redskins their final margin of victory.
Pinto gave credit to several players.
“Midfielder Madi Neiman played strong at right mid, and forward Peyton Ritchey worked hard and used her speed to get into the circle,” the Redskins’ coach said.
The win – which clinched at least a share of the conference crown – was Neshaminy’s second this week since the sudden passing of assistant coach Janet Dougherty, and this one came one day after her funeral service on Thursday.
“Just as Truman was so compassionate to us on Wednesday, I would like to thank Council Rock North for their support by wearing and giving us red and blue ribbons and donating food for Coach Dougherty’s food pantry,” Pinto said.
Neshaminy (11-3, 10-2 SOL) – eighth in the District One 6A power rankings – will travel to William Tennent on Monday, and Council Rock North (9-6, 6-4) – 18th in the power rankings – will host Methacton in a non-league game on Monday.
Neshaminy 2-2 4
Council Rock North 0-0 0
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 6, BENSALEM 0
The Golden Hawks opened up a 4-0 halftime lead on their way to the shutout win.
Kerry Kaufman put the Hawks on the scoreboard 7:34 into the game, and less than a minute later, Katelyn Cocco found the cage. A Cocco assist set up a goal by Cailey Hiscox, and the Golden Hawks led 3-0 just over 11 minutes into the game. Cocco’s second goal of the game sent the Hawks into halftime with a 4-0 lead.
In the second half, Ava Haurin (Lauren Mitchell assist) and Kaufman (Rachael Rolle assist) each found the cage in the opening seven minutes to close out the scoring.
The Golden Hawks held a 21-1 advantage in shots.
Rock South goalie Mollie Clark was credited with one save in the win while Bensalem’s goalie stopped 15 shots.
Council Rock South (8-5, 7-2 SOL) – 14th in the latest District One 6A power rankings – will travel to Pennsbury on Monday, and Bensalem (2-11, 1-9) will be on the road at Harry S Truman.
Council Rock South 4-2 6
Bensalem 0-0 0
SOL American Conference
UPPER MORELAND 2, UPPER DUBLIN 1 (OT)
Cassidy Hirsch turned an Annabelle Duncan pass during corner play into a goal with 7:17 remaining in overtime, propelling the Golden Bears to the exhilarating win.
“The start of overtime was dominated by Upper Dublin, and we seemed to be on our heels a little more than usual,” UM coach Casey Dellostretto said. “After Upper Dublin had a few scoring opportunities, we came up with the ball in the circle to start the transition down the field.
“It was a team effort to get the ball into the circle to cause a corner. Bryanna Gordon was the one who caused the corner that led to the goal.”
Duncan delivered the insert pass to Hirsch as the duo hooked up for their second goal of the game on a corner. Their first connection came just over 10 minutes into the second half, and that goal knotted the score after the Cardinals – thanks to a Lydia Casey goal late in the first half – took a 1-0 lead.
Playing no small role in the win was UM goalie Isabella Guarenghi, who recorded 11 saves.
“Isabella Guarenghi is an amazing player and is a key player for us in the circle,” Dellostretto said. “She is very consistent and holds our defense together. She came up very big today.”
The UM coach went on to acknowledge the strong showings of several players.
“Cayden West had another great game in the sweeper position with many defensive stops to limit Upper Dublin’s scoring chances,” Dellostretto said. “Cassidy Hirsch continues to be a presence on the field not only in the defensive end but also in our attacking end, and today she scored both of our goals on corners.
“Meredith Marsteller helped control the midfield by having a solid stick and not allowing Upper Dublin to get many free hits past her. Overall, the team played very well as a whole.”
The win was the Golden Bears’ fifth in their last six games and their second overtime win of the week, coming on the heels of Wednesday’s 1-0 OT win over Hatboro-Horsham. It is the Golden Bears’ first win over Upper Dublin since Oct. 18, 2016.
“We had a very rough start to the season, but it is the girls’ positive attitudes and drive to be better that has gotten us to .500 at this point in the season,” Dellostretto said. “They continue to come out to each practice and game with intensity and a drive to win.
“We as a coaching staff could not be prouder of them and the constant effort they put into their play. We have finally learned how to play with one another and continue to grow as a team each day.”
Upper Moreland (7-7-1, 5-5-1 SOL) will host Springfield Township on Monday, and Upper Dublin (3-8-2, 2-7-2) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Monday.
Upper Dublin 1-0-0 1
Upper Moreland 0-1-1 2
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 2, HATBORO-HORSHAM 1 (OT)
The Spartans rallied from a 1-0 deficit to knot the score with just over a minute remaining in regulation and won it in dramatic fashion when Brigid Roy scored during corner play with 9:08 remaining in overtime, using assists from Anya Kochanowicz and Maddie Yoder.
“It was a very physical game and a solid team effort by Springfield Township,” assistant coach Anita Stum said.
The Hatters took a 1-0 lead when Jada Mills scored with an assist from Abby Roesing with 12:35 remaining in the first half. That lead held until Kochanowicz turned a Charlotte Henry pass during corner play into the equalizer, setting the stage for overtime.
The Spartans held an advantage in shots (9-5) and penalty corners (13-9).
Spartan goalie Rebecca Berglund was credited with two saves in the win.
In addition to scoring the Hatters’ only goal, Mills also was credited with three defensive saves.
Springfield Township (10-4, 7-4 SOL) will be on the road at Upper Moreland on Monday, and Hatboro-Horsham (4-9, 4-7) will travel to Cheltenham on Monday.
Springfield Township 0-1-1 2
Hatboro-Horsham 1-0-0 1
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 7, ABINGTON 1
Kaleigh Missimer and Ava Borkowski each contributed two goals and one assist to lead the Colonials, who opened up a 4-0 halftime lead.
Autumn Luptak, Kayla Link and Alexis Minor each added single goals. Hailey Copestick chipped in an assist.
“PW had some beautiful passing combinations and great team play,” coach Charise Halteman said.
Sarah Trask was credited with one save in goal in the win.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (13-1, 11-0 SOL) will travel to Upper Dublin on Monday, and Abington (4-8-1, 4-6-1) will be on the road at Wissahickon on Monday.
Abington 0-1 1
Plymouth Whitemarsh 4-3 7
WISSAHICKON 8, CHELTENHAM 0
Hannah Havrilla connected for a hat trick and Grace Ball had a hand in six goals, scoring twice and assisting on four others, to lead the Trojans.
Ball scored just over two minutes into the game with an assist from Lauren Donofrio. Havrilla added back-to-back goals – the first with a Ball assist – to send the Trojans into halftime with a 3-0 lead.
Three minutes into the second half Havrilla turned a Ball assist into a goal, and then Havrilla returned the favor, assisting on a goal by Ball. Kendall Crowley connected on back-to-back goals – both with Ball assists, and Julia Schools closed out the scoring with a goal assisted by Donofrio.
Wissahickon goalie Meghan Reilly was forced to make just one save in the shutout win.
Wissahickon (10-3-1, 9-2 SOL) will host Abington on Monday, and Cheltenham (0-11) will host Hatboro-Horsham on Monday.
Wissahickon 3-5 8
Cheltenham 0-0 0
Non-league
SPRING-FORD 2, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 1 (OT)
The win column will show that the Bucks have won just once, but a closer look will show that the team is making life very difficult for its opponents. Only once in the last six games have the Bucks given up more than two goals, and that came in a loss to SOL powerhouse CB East.
In Friday’s non-league game, they extended the visiting Rams to the limit before falling in overtime, battling the Rams to a scoreless tie at halftime and then rallying from a 1-0 deficit to knot the score.
“Another incredible game by the Bucks,” coach Ginny Moore said. “We had a great first half of beautiful hockey and connecting passes.
“Spring Ford scored in the second half with 15 minutes left in the game. The Bucks, for the first time this season, scored a goal after being down one. On a corner, Claire Engebreth got her first goal of the season with a reverse sweep.”
The Rams – who brought an 11-4 record into the game and are 15th in the latest District One 6A power rankings – won it in overtime.
“An unfortunate penalty stroke ended the game,” Moore said. “Outcome aside, the Bucks played phenomenally, yet again, against a very strong team.
“They had strong through balls, fast forwards, and very solid stick skills. The coaches and players are very proud of the Bucks for their attitude, effort, and steady improvement.”
Moore went on to credit the efforts of several players.
“Forwards Em Erickson, Grayce Reimel and Bryn Spoerl did a fantastic job getting into the circle, taking shots, and creating scoring opportunities,” the Bucks’ coach said. “Mids Julia Bunch, Kendall Siegle, JL, and Claire Engebreth helped us maintain and re-gain possession, displayed awesome passing, and kept up the intensity all game.
“Defenders Sara Lelii, Maggie Whalen, and Claire Natoli did a wonderful job stepping up, supporting mids, and getting the ball out of our circle. Goalie Brooke Golbeski had a phenomenal game, making critical saves on fast, talented, and hard shots.”
Central Bucks West (1-13, 1-8 SOL) will host North Penn on Monday (7 p.m.).
Spring-Ford 0-1-1 2
Central Bucks West 0-1-0 1
Thursday, Oct. 3
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 2, PENNRIDGE 0
Ignoring the steady mist and chilly temperatures, the Titans – sparked by a pair of Sophia Wasyliw goals – earned an impressive road win Thursday.
“Pennridge is a fast, skilled team who played hard from start to finish,” South coach Pat Toner said. “We controlled a large portion of the game by limiting Pennridge’s chances to two corners and one shot on goal.
“Pennridge goalkeeper Maia Machado did an excellent job of limiting our second chances on rebound shots.”
Wasyliw spotted the Titans an early lead, finding the cage six minutes into the game. That 1-0 lead held until midway through the second half when Wasyliw scored on a shot from the top of the circle, using an Anna Gillard assist.
“Sophia Wasyliw, who is always willing to do what is asked of her, was asked to switch positions and scored two goals from her new spot,” said Toner, going on to credit several players. “Maddy Cooper played an excellent game, and sophomores Grace Haag and Sarah Cooper stepped up to the ball in several key situations.
“Erin Smith, Alyssa Endrick and Braylee Webb combined for some very nice passes, and Anna Gillard, Anna Shirley and Maddie Pearce played a great game.”
Machado was credited with nine saves in goal while her counterpart – South senior Jillian Heilig – was forced to make just one save in the shutout win for the Titans, who held an advantage in shots (11-1) and corners (11-2).
Central Bucks South (8-6, 5-5 SOL) will host Upper Dublin in a non-league game Tuesday, and Pennridge (8-4-1, 5-4) will be on the road at Souderton on Monday.
Central Bucks South 1-1 2
Pennridge 0-0 0
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