Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Wednesday.
SOL Patriot/SOL Colonial Crossover
NESHAMINY 2, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0
Neshaminy’s season has had its peaks and valleys, but through it all, the Redskins have been remarkably resilient.
Forty-eight hours after their worst loss of the season at the hands of conference-leading Souderton, the Redskins notched their biggest win of the season, scoring a pair of goals in a two-minute span to defeat the visiting Titans, who were shut out for the first time this season.
“Coming into this game, we knew it was going to be tough,” Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto said. “We know CB South is a very skilled team, they’re a well-coached team. We made adjustments from Souderton to today. Knowing we’re playing these turf, faster-paced teams, we have to adjust our playing to that. It’s been something we’ve been working on all season long.
“Once we really started the crossover games and seeing the different style of play from our conference and just things we’ve been working on all year – cutting back to the ball harder, trying to make better passes, finding the open player, pushing up together as a team and supporting each other. I think we did that too against Souderton, but it didn’t work out for us, but we played hard. Today was a total team effort and win.”
There’s also nothing like having a home game after a long road trip to Souderton.
“We don’t like to lose on our home field, so coming off that loss, we had a lot to prove,” Pinto said. “What Neshaminy field hockey is probably known for is we play hard. We may not always be the fastest or the most skilled, but we’re going to play hard, not matter what. That’s what our girls really did today.”
With 4:09 remaining in the opening half, Avery McGinty scored on a corner shot with an assist from Mia Martin. Less than two minutes later, Kasey Rieger scored in a scramble during corner play with a McGinty assist.
“We’ve had a lot of corner opportunities this season, and we haven’t always capitalized on them, but today we were able to,” Pinto said. “We’ve been practicing. We had to change some things up for this game.
“They’re a good group of girls. Nobody likes to lose, but we come back, and said, ‘All right, these are the things we need to work on, let’s fix them and let’s not let this happen again,’ and I think we have done that. Every time we’ve lost this year, we’ve regrouped at practice, worked on the things we’ve done wrong. We went from turf to our grass, but the things we did wrong at Souderton we didn’t want to do again today.”
Neither team scored in the second half, and the bounce-back win was in the books for the Redskins.
“Everyone who played today helped in today’s win,” Pinto said. “Avery McGinty led the defense— she has been playing strong and smart, and today she really stepped up. She had to make some adjustments to her normal game today but was quick to adjust and figure it out.
“Morgan Shaltens, Michelle Baradziej, Megan Hollenbaugh and goalie Riley Wert, all played solid defense today. Colette Schardt did a nice job controlling the center and distributing the ball well— she consistently has been playing strong in the center for us. Olivia Roscoe did a nice job stepping hard to the ball and helping generate offense, and Mia Martin stepped up nicely in the second half, helping to recover and control the right side of the field.
“The forward line pressured the ball well today— Ava Arbakov continually hustles for us each game, and Kasey Rieger’s speed and skill is always a threat. I’m really proud of the way we played today. We have learned from our losses and mistakes throughout the season— we continually work hard and improve every practice and game and today it showed.”
The game was even statistically with both teams collecting nine shots on goal while South held a 10-7 edge in corners.
Neshaminy goalie Riley Wert was credited with six saves while South goalie Emma Kraft recorded four saves.
“To Neshaminy’s credit, they are well coached and played the type of game necessary to play on grass, and they played it well,” South coach Pat Toner said. “They mainly utilized big hits, blasting the ball to their forwards who did a nice job of cutting to the ball. In addition, their corners were effective.”
As for playing on grass, the Titans’ coach isn’t especially fond of it.
“All I can says is – grass, I am okay never stepping on another blade of grass for the rest of my life,” Toner said. “I will blame myself for this loss. I was unable to adequately prepare our team to play on grass, having only practiced on it one day in the past three years.
“By the time we were able to get used to the surface, get control of the game and begin to dominate, we were already down by two to a very good grass team. We are fortunate and blessed to get to practice and play on turf every day. All of the teams in our division play on turf and all utilize speed and quick passing combos.
“While I am sure Neshaminy can adjust to a turf game, our (division) had a difficult time adjusting to a grass game. Still, I am very proud of the effort our girls gave and the leadership they displayed on and off the field. We will regroup and continue to work hard every day. Congrats to Neshaminy for the win and to both teams for a hard-fought game.
Neshaminy (8-4, 7-4 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks East on Friday, and Central Bucks South (8-3, 7-3) will host Council Rock South on Friday.
Central Bucks South 0-0-0-0 0
Neshaminy 0-2-0-0 2
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 9, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
It’s high praise indeed when the coach of a team that has just suffered a lopsided loss compliments the squad that delivered the beating, but that’s exactly what happened after Truman’s loss to West.
“Truman would love to play this team over and over again,” Truman coach Aimee Areias said. “The coaching staff was excellent, the players were all very talented, and the sportsmanship was fantastic. Great job.”
Seven players scored goals for the Bucks, who were led by the two-goal efforts of Calista Boos and Mimi Duffy. Carley Briece, Lily Cosner, Nina Mayro and Kendall Siegle each added one goal.
“Their pitch was ideal for a field hockey match – it plays fast (to our advantage),” West coach Dave DeAngelis said. “We were mentally and physically prepared and ready to go immediately from the whistle. We were very pleased with our spacing, ball rotation, passing connections, and stick work throughout the match. We maintained our focus on protecting the ball very well tonight.
“Our scoring tonight and this season is reflective to how we choose to play the game – as a team. Each of our student-athletes are on the same page and seeking team results.”
The Bucks held an advantage in shots (20-0) and penalty corners (8-1). Truman goalie Stacy Couillard was credited with 12 saves.
“Regardless of the score, coach Aimee Areias and staff continued to have their kids battle and play hard to the very end,” DeAngelis said. “Their goalkeeper (Stacy Couillard) was really fantastic and a high-quality goalkeeper. We really appreciated their sportsmanship pre- and post-match.”
Central Bucks West (6-6, 5-6 SOL) will travel to North Penn on Monday, and Harry S Truman (0-8) will be on the road at North Penn on Friday.
SOUDERTON 4, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0
Lauren Kenah and Reiley Knize each scored a pair of goals while Ang Borisow contributed two assists, and the Indians notched their sixth shutout in as many games, this time upending the Golden Hawks, who played their hosts tough.
“We’re happy to get a win tonight,” Souderton coach Sue Casciato said. “Our passing and decision making weren’t as good as they have been in past games.
“Council Rock South did a better job stepping to the ball in the first half and also defended well against our corners.”
Kenah turned a Borisow assist into a goal, putting the Indians on the scoreboard five minutes into the second quarter. That 1-0 lead stood until the Indians were awarded a penalty stroke with 1:45 remaining in the third quarter. Kenah converted the stroke into a goal.
Five minutes into the fourth quarter, Knize scored back-to-back goals a minute apart – the first with a Borisow assist and the second with an assist from Olivia Nogami for the 4-0 final.
“We were flat tonight,” Casciato said. “They were marking Lauren Kenah really tight at the top of the circle, and we kept trying to force it, force it, force it.
“Finally, at the end, we scored those two goals where we had really nice hard drives from the 20, and Reiley Knize got a stick on both of them.”
The Indians’ coach credited the efforts of two players who didn’t figure in the scoring.
“Ava Shaw played really well at right forward, and Ashley Magnus had a really good first half on defense,” Casciato said.
Souderton (10-1, 9-0 SOL) will travel to Bensalem on Friday, and Council Rock South (8-5, 8-3) will be on the road at Central Bucks South on Friday.
Council Rock South 0-0-0-0 0
Souderton 0-1-1-2 4
NORTH PENN 7, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0
It’s been quite a week for the Knights, who capped the seven-day span with their fifth win in as many games in seven days. They have outscored their opponents 28-2 during that stretch. Leading the Knights’ high-powered offense in Wednesday’s win was Riley O’Donnell, who delivered her second four-goal effort in the week.
O’Donnell scored midway through the opening quarter, and less than a minute later, Bella Sparango connected on an unassisted goal. O’Donnell’s second goal of the day sent the Knights into halftime with a 3-0 lead.
In the third quarter, O’Donnell turned a Maddie Walspurger pass on a corner into a goal, and then Erin O’Donnell connected on an unassisted goal for a 5-0 North Penn advantage. In the fourth quarter, Sparango scored her second goal, and Riley O’Donnell added her fourth goal for the 7-0 final.
North Penn coach Shannon McCracken lauded the play of several players in the win.
“Midfielders Caleigh Sperling, Kerry O’Donnell, Waldspurger and Bay Detweiler did a great job of distributing the ball to the attack and maintaining possession,” the Knights’ coach said.
The Knights held an advantage in shots (25-9) and corners (4-2).
North Penn goalie Kiera Holt was credited with two saves in the shutout.
North Penn (9-3, 7-3 SOL) will host Harry S Truman Friday (6:30 p.m.), and Council Rock North (3-9, 2-8) will host Pennridge on Friday.
Council Rock North 0-0-0-0 0
North Penn 2-1-2-2 7
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2, PENNSBURY 0
The Patriots have quietly moved up in the SOL Colonial standings, and after Wednesday’s win – the team’s fourth in a row, CB East stood alone in second place behind only Souderton in the standings.
Caroline Suko put the Patriots on the scoreboard when she turned a beautiful cross by Sophia Parker into a goal with 8:41 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Patriots led 2-0 after Ally Cenci scored with an Amelia Wheelan assist in the second quarter.
“There were a lot of scuffles in the circle today, and Pennsbury’s goalkeeper did an amazing job clearing the ball out and only allowing two goals,” East coach Emma Rosenthal said. “Our defensive until of Kiera Lamb, Anna Daly, Paige Hussie and Grace Manion did a great job keeping the ball out of our circle, forcing goalkeeper Grace Gidwani to make one save in the shutout.”
Central Bucks East (8-3, 7-2 SOL) will host Neshaminy on Friday, and Pennsbury (5-7, 4-7) will travel to Bensalem on Monday.
Central Bucks East 1-1-0-0 2
Pennsbury 0-0-0-0 0
(Article submitted by Pennsbury Field Hockey)
It was Groundhog’s Day at Pennsbury as the Falcons lost 2-0 in a crossover match up against Central Bucks East.
Fifth loss in a row. Fifth shutout in a row. Fifth unsolved mystery in a row.
However, on what was said to be National Coaches Day, the Fab Four Pennsbury staff focused on the journey rather than the destination and refused to miss a chance to model resilience and grit. Coaches Traci Curtis, Brittany Sheenan, Aly Mallon, and Hannah Aker have found a way to let their philosophy guide the process and use the last seven days as a very powerful teaching tool.
“We knew that East would be another huge challenge and so we made some changes to our lineup to maximize our strengths across the layers,” coach Traci Curtis said. “We are making smarter decisions as coaches and improving our overall approach to each game.
“Our girls have been so flexible and open to doing whatever is best for the greater good. It makes us proud to see their willingness to implement change and not fear it.”
The Patriots started off the scoring in the first quarter when they connected in the corner, beating a defender and PHS goalie Vradenburgh. The score did not stay 1-0 for long as East added another goal right at start of the second quarter. Trailing 2-0, the Falcons stayed confident, positive, and united in their efforts from end to end. Pennsbury’s defense shone brightly once again as they helped to deny 21 shots on goal and stop 11 penalty corners.
“Sophia Curtis got her stick on the ball to disrupt many corner shots and she protected the defensive end with smart playing,” Curtis said. “Helena Sosa, Rylie Henderson, Gabby Darling, Jenna Outcalt, and Vradenburgh were a force to be reckoned with as well in the back. Midfielders Olivia Graebner, Molly Murray, and EB Rafferty fought a great fight, and forward attackers, Meg McClure, Jaclyn Gorgo, Liz Jordan, and Reagan Ward worked with intensity for breakaways and chances in the circle, but just could not dot the i and cross the t.
“East is a tough, physical team with strong hits, accurate passes, great sticks, and the ability to score. We were excited about stopping them from scoring after their early second quarter goal and then through the entire second half of the game. The past five games have been an extreme rollercoaster ride with some upside-down loops along the way. The Falcons are keeping their heads held high and celebrating the progress made along the way and the winnable moments that remind them of who they are.”
The orange and black are hoping to break the scoring drought on Monday night as they exit the “crossover dimension” and return to the Patriot Division to play Bensalem.
“Huge shoutout to CB EAST for their contribution to the PHS FH Food Drive,” Curtis said. “Your generosity is greatly appreciated and makes a difference beyond the field! Thank you!”
SOL Liberty/Freedom Crossover
WISSHICKON 3, NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0
The Trojans scored a goal in each of the first three quarters, and their defense was strong in Wednesday’s crossover win.
“I think today they put on a really great performance against a team that’s doing pretty well,” Wissahickon coach Lucy Gil said. “This is a nice, strong team, and they have a really good goalkeeper.”
NHS goalie Caroline Berman was credited with eight saves.
Midway through the opening quarter, Ella Hummel scored with a Caroline Kirkpatrick assist. Kirkpatrick connected for a goal of her own with 4:28 remaining in the opening half, using a Kate Lovensheimer assist. Four minutes into the third quarter, Kendall Crowley scored with a Sophia Havrilla assist.
The win was the Trojans second shutout in as many games since last Friday’s 7-1 loss to North Penn.
“It was a shellacking, and I was super concerned this would drag them down, and it really hasn’t,” Gil said of the North Penn loss. “We had a few injuries, and they realized they needed to regroup. Two of the injuries were able to come back, one did not.
“We’re regrouping, making sure our team is strong all the way around. I think they came out of it stronger, which I’m super happy about. It’s really hard to go through an entire season and not lose and then be faced with the district tournament. I’ve had seasons where I’ve been undefeated throughout the season and then lost in the first round because they don’t know how to deal with adversity.
“I never want to lose, but in the long run, I think it’s going to be really good for us as a team to bring us together and to work harder together. I know it sounds corny, but I think it actually happened for us. They came out of it – the next time we got together they were strong, they were talking to each other, they were lifting each other up.”
The Trojans’ coach lauded the strong play of her four midfielders – Caroline Kirkpatrick, Brynne Miller, Sophia Havrilla and Kate Levensheimer – in Wednesday’s win as well as their role in the Trojans bouncing back from their first loss of the season.
“Today and during the coming back period, I have to credit my entire midfield,” Gil said. “We have four midfielders – a left, two centers and a right, and they have not let the ball get much over the 50.
“They were working really, really well today. My left midfielder Caroline Kirkpatrick had a goal and an assist and played really, really well. Brynne Miller always plays really well, Sophia Havrilla had an assist, and on the right was Kate Levinsheimer. She just had one assist, but the ball was on her stick 80 percent of the game it felt like. She was carrying the ball really, really well today.”
Wissahickon (11-1, 8-0 SOL) will travel to Springfield Township on Friday, and New Hope-Solebury (8-2-1, 7-2-1) will host Upper Dublin Friday.
New Hope-Solebury 0-0-0-0 0
Wissahickon 1-1-1-0 3
QUAKERTOWN 2, LOWER MORELAND 0
The Panther scored a pair of first-half goals on the way to their fourth straight win in crossover play.
Alexis Mowrer connected on an unassisted goal, and then Kiera Gallagher turned a pass from Kaitlin Calvello into a goal and a 2-0 lead that held until the final whistle.
“We came out ready to play this game and it showed in the first quarter,” Quakertown coach Kate Kemp said. “The players were moving the ball well, had great communication, everything.
“Lower Moreland came out really aggressive after the first quarter, but we were able to hold them off. It was a complete team effort, everyone played really well. Bottom line, it was great hockey.”
Kylie Lerch recorded six saves in the shutout win.
Quakertown (5-5, 5-4 SOL) will travel to Cheltenham on Friday, and Lower Moreland (6-6, 4-6) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Thursday.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 3, UPPER MORELAND 1
The visiting Colonials scored a pair of goals in the opening five minutes of the game, and that turned out to be the difference in the contest.
“We played a great 55 minutes of hockey today,” UM coach Marissa Elizardo said. “We were asleep the first five minutes of the game, and PW took advantage of our slow start.”
Carley McGee scored an unassisted goal just over a minute into the opening quarter, and three minutes later Hailey Copestick scored an unassisted goal.
PW’s lead grew to 3-0 late in the second quarter, but UM’s Mallory Seider scored with a Jenna Piantieri assist to make it a 3-1 game at the intermission. Neither team scored the rest of the way.
The Colonials held a 14-3 advantage in corners. UM’s Emma Hurley was credited with 25 saves in goal while Cayden Weist and Liz Santry each had a defensive save.
“PW had some quick players, but we were able to neutralize their speed and limit their impact,” Elizardo said. “Emma Hurley came up with some clutch saves today. Cambrie Richmond had a great game defensively.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-2-1, 8-1-1 SOL) will travel to Lower Moreland on Thursday, and Upper Moreland (3-9, 2-8) will be on the road at Abington on Friday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 2-1-0-0 3
Upper Moreland 0-1-0-0 1
UPPER DUBLIN 8, CHELTENHAM 0
The Cardinals got on the scoreboard within the opening two minutes of the game on a goal by Erin Muth (Avery Lennon assist) and never looked back.
Less than a minute after Muth’s goal, Olivia Vitella slammed home an unassisted goal.
“That really set the tone for the rest of the game,” UD coach Emily Town said.
A goal by Mackenzie Beamer closed out the opening quarter with the Cardinals on top 3-0.
In the second quarter, the Cardinals reeled off four straight goals with Ella Lyon capping a passing play from Tess Malizia with a goal. Then it was Beamer connecting for her second goal – also unassisted.
“Ashley MacNeal had a beautiful run up the field and brought it in 1v1 with goalie to score,” Town said.
In the final two seconds of the half, senior Avery Lennon scored off a pass from Drew Malizia. The Cardinals would not score again until the fourth quarter when Aviva Kuznits found the back of the cage.
“Once again my defense came up big keeping them out of our circle and only allowing one corner,” Town said. “The Cheltenham goalies both had great games defending our 14 corners.”
Upper Dublin (6-4 SOL) will wrap up crossover play Friday when the Cardinals will travel to New Hope-Solebury. Cheltenham (0-9) will host Quakertown on Friday.
Cheltenham 0-0-0-0 0
Upper Dublin 3-4-0-1 8
ABINGTON 2, WILLIAM TENNENT 0
Marilynn Capps turned away all eight shots she faced to earn the shutout in goal, leading the Ghosts to the crossover win.
Devan DiMaria (Camryn Stewart assist) put the Ghosts on the scoreboard in the opening quarter, and that 1-0 score stood until Maura Callandanoto connected on an unassisted goal in the third quarter.
“We went to a new lineup today to try and create some offense,” Abington coach Katie Small said. “We were fortunate enough to get two goals on the scoreboard off some nice circle play.
“Marilynn Capps did a great job in the net recording eight saves, and Erica Devlin helped us get the ball down the field. Tara Hughes and Devan DiMaria did a nice job in our defensive circle marking and clearing the ball. We are hoping to have healthy squad on Friday for our Pink game. All proceeds will be donated to the Breathing Room.”
Abington (7-5, 6-4 SOL) will host Upper Moreland on Friday, and William Tennent (1-8) will be on the road at Hatboro-Horsham on Thursday.
Abington 1-0-1-0 2
William Tennent 0-0-0-0 0
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 4, HATBORO-HORSHAM 0
The Spartans controlled play but did not get on the scoreboard until the second quarter when Anna Jablokov found the cage to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead. Annie Coll’s goal with an assist from Hailey Lesniak in the third quarter made it a 2-0 game, and the Spartans sealed the Hatters’ fate with a pair of goals in the fourth quarter – the first from Emma Yoder with a Coll assist and the second by Malayna Flowers.
The Spartans held a lopsided 32-0 advantage in shots and a 21-0 advantage in penalty corners. That advantage was negated by the standout 28-save effort of HH goalie Raven Hiller.
Springfield Township (8-3, 7-2 SOL) will host Wissahickon on Friday, and Hatboro-Horsham (1-10, 1-9) will host William Tennent on Thursday.
Hatboro-Horsham 0-0-0-0 0
Springfield Twp 0-1-1-2 4
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