Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Friday. (Photos provided courtesy of Pennridge field hockey)
SOL Patriot
NESHAMINY 3, PENNSBURY 0
In a battle of neighboring rivals, it was the Redskins shutting out the Falcons. With the win, Neshaminy – which holds a nine-point lead over second place Council Rock South with five games remaining – maintains its commanding lead in the standings.
“We played well today, we did some good things, and we know what we need to improve on and continue to work on as team to finish the season strong,” Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto said. “We were able to string together some good passes and had opportunities in the circle.”
With 10:50 remaining in the second quarter, Cait Colyar turned a pass from Kasey Rieger into a goal that would turn out to be the game-winner. The Redskins took that 1-0 lead into halftime.
Midway through the third quarter, Mia Sermarini connected on an unassisted goal, and Ava Arbakov (Sermarini assist) scored with 10:19 remaining in regulation to close out the scoring.
“Avery McGinty stepped up well today in her play and leadership,” Pinto said. “Olivia Roscoe was a strong presence in the middle and Kasey Rieger continued to help us generate offense.”
(Submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
The last time the Falcons touched their grass field was Friday, Sept. 30. Hurricane Ian’s impact a week ago, forced a home game cancellation and the need to practice indoors during the week leading up to today’s game.
“We had to get very creative in our preparation as our field was under water, and we needed to give it time to heal,” head coach Traci Curtis explained. “The focus this week was on specific situations and skills and just becoming the best version of ourselves as possible. Our girls came out ready to release their pent-up energy from the long pause, and we are so proud of their entire performance. Today we did not play intimidated, and we remained true to our game. We have grown into a smarter, faster, and stronger team.”
It was a very even first quarter with neither team scoring. Talk about progress, the first time we played Neshaminy back on August 30, we were losing 3-0 after the first quarter. It was great to see our girls taking charge, winning small moments, and believing in themselves. Neshaminy connected twice in the second quarter and Pennsbury went down 2-0, but the orange and black knew there was plenty of game left and were so excited to get back out there and go even harder. It was another stellar showing for our defensive unit – Reagan Ward, Gabby Darling, Kaylin Flannery, and Riley Henderson. The give and take, communication, and ebb and flow of that unit is fun to watch. Gabby Darling stopped almost everything that came her way and is the most wonderful protector of her goalie. Speaking of the goalie, Jordan Vradenburgh once again proved that she is among the best in the league. Neshaminy had 18 shots on goal and 12 penalty corners, and only three of them got by Vradenburgh. She is the backbone of our defense and sets the tone for everything that happens in the red zone.
The third quarter was another scoreless battle, and the Falcons found themselves with fifteen minutes to work toward chipping away at the 2-0 deficit. We struggled finishing on offensive opportunities, and although we earned a penalty corner at one point, we were not able to convert. Neshaminy tallied a third goal early in the fourth quarter and the 3-0 score would hold to the ending buzzer. Olivia Graebner and Meg McClure were another huge reason for our successful showing today, in addition to Chelsea Todd’s efforts. Angelina Kenney and Molly Murray contribute so much for us as well and help our midfield be a great connecting layer.
“It was another loss for us, but we won in so many other ways today,” said Curtis. “The Pennsbury Wink 4 Pink organization was on the sidelines raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Being able to support that cause for our school is so special. It’s things like that that help us to hold onto a perspective that keeps us grounded, humble, and an incredible program in more ways than just the sport.
“In the coming week, we will also support MiniTHON, Appendix Cancer, and collect food for the food pantry. Yes, today we lost another game, but as we near the end of our 2022 season, we could not be more thrilled with the hearts of every single player on our team and how they have lived out our #workinprogress theme. Today we were better than we were month and a half ago. We can. We will. End of story.”
Neshaminy (11-2, 10-1 SOL) will be on the road at Council Rock South on Monday (7 p.m.), and Pennsbury (4-8, 2-8) will host Harry S Truman on Monday to kick off a four-game week.
SOL Colonial
SOUDERTON 1, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0
The Indians have scored goals in bunches this season with 63 goals in 12 games heading into Friday’s division battle. One goal – an early score by Lauren Frye – was enough to win Friday’s contest, and although holding the Indians a single goal wasn’t enough for her team to earn the win, coach Pat Toner was pleased with her team’s performance.
“I could not be more proud of this team,” the Titans’ coach said. “They have shown an incredible amount of improvement and are very willing to learn. It’s tough competing in our difficult league, but it’s also nice to be in a league with so many talented players and excellent coaches.
“Our defense played a fantastic game today and the entire team played with a lot of heart.”
The fact that the Titans were a different team than the one the Indians defeated 3-0 earlier in the season came as no surprise to Souderton coach Sue Casciato.
“I told my girls – I always feel like the second time we play CB South, they always improved,” the Indians’ coach said.
Frye scored the game’s only goal three minutes into the second period.
“It started with a corner, but by the time Lauren scored the goal, the corner was long over,” Casciato said.
That goal was the beginning and end of the scoring for both sides.
“We really didn’t play with much energy today,” Casciato said. “Individually, I think most of our girls would admit that they did not personally have a very good game. I said, ‘That happens sometimes, but you can’t all choose to do that the same day.’
“It wasn’t a clean game – even our best players didn’t play a clean game, just overrunning the ball, stepping on the ball. We just never got in a rhythm.”
The Titans undoubtedly had something to do with that.
Casciato had high praise for right defensive back Ashley McNeill.
“She’s a freshman, and she kind of struggled at the beginning of the season, but she’s really come along,” the Indians’ coach said. “Even some of the seniors were like – ‘Charlotte saved us today.’ She had a good game.”
The Indians held an advantage in shots (7-2) and corners (7-0) – well below their average as the Titans threw some serious defense their way. Goalie Emma Kraft was credited with six saves, and Ella Haag came up with a clutch defensive save.
“A highlight of the game for us was when sophomore Ella Haag dove into the cage for a defensive save that was absolutely amazing,” Toner said. “Souderton has nice passing and is always well-coached and I am so proud of the fact that we followed a game plan that limited their chances.
“We are doing a nice job of recognizing when we have numerical advantage and had some beautiful passing combos. While the entire team played very well, Bella Schute, Lily Haag, Ella Haag, Sam Thomas, Maddie Orr, and Marielle Mauri had exceptional games, and Emma Kraft did a great job in goal. Congrats to both teams on a hard-fought game.”
Souderton (13-1, 12-0 SOL) will host Pennridge on Monday at 7 p.m., and Central Bucks South (5-6-1, 4-6-1) will travel to Central Bucks East Monday for a 7 p.m. contest.
Souderton 0-1-0-0 1
Central Bucks South 0-0-0-0 0
Non-league
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 3, HAVERFORD 2 (OT)
The Golden Hawks have more than a passing acquaintance with overtime – Friday’s was their sixth of the season.
“We definitely have the most practice when it comes to overtime,” Rock South coach Kelly Mason said.
Megan Rafter had apparently had quite enough of all the extra time the Golden Hawks have played this season, taking a pass from Kylee Hager and banging home the game-winner 30 seconds into OT to bring the game to a quick and dramatic end.
“I think we have so much practice on overtime, and I was like, ‘This is our time to do it. We own overtime at this point,’” Mason said. “It was Haverford’s ball, we took it off them, went straight down the field, passed it five times and Megan took a great shot from the top.”
There was no overstating the importance of Friday’s game for both teams battling for a spot in the 24-team District One 4A field. After Friday’s win, the Golden Hawks were 19th while the Fords fell to 24th.
“I told my team from the start that this was a big playoff game for us,” Mason said. “Because us and Haverford were fighting for pretty much the same spot in playoffs. This was do or die for us, and it worked in our favor.
“They showed up for a big game, and that’s what I need – I need them to show up to big games, and we’re going to have to do that the rest of the season. This was a good win for our team. “
Caroline Martin gave the Golden Hawks the early lead, scoring a goal midway through the first quarter.
“We’re a first-half team for the most part, and we came out super flat today,” Mason said. “We weren’t playing our best. We scored in the first half, but it was not a pretty goal.”
The Fords knotted the score in the second quarter, and the two teams went into halftime deadlocked 1-1. The Fords scored in the third quarter, converting a penalty stroke to go on top 2-1.
Martin (Hager assist) connected for her second goal of the game to even the score 45 seconds into the fourth quarter. The final frame was not without drama as the Fords were awarded their second penalty stroke of the game, and Peyton Wright delivered a game-saving stop on this one, preserving the tie and setting the stage for overtime.
“Our goalie had an awesome save,” Mason said. “I think that just pushed our momentum right into the overtime.”
The Golden Hawks’ coach lauded the play of her defense.
“Grace Franchini and Clare Morgan kept us in the game,” Mason said. “They had defensive saves behind my goalie, and they consistently do that every game. They were game-changers for us.
“Our defense as a whole – Grace Franchini, Clare Morgan and our goalie Peyton Wright making that save – just pushed our momentum going into overtime.
“Kylee Hager turned our game around and assisted on both the fourth quarter and overtime goals. Caroline Martin had two great goals, and Megan Rafter stepped up in overtime to win us the game.
“We have a big game coming up on Monday. We need to score early and play our game.”
Council Rock South (8-6, 7-5 SOL) will host Neshaminy on Monday at 7 p.m.
Council Rock South 1-0-0-1-1 3
Haverford 0-1-1-0-0 2
PENNRIDGE 7, BENSALEM 0
The Rams notched a decisive win over the Owls, but on this day, the highlight was Payton Muth reaching a prestigious milestone when – with her first goal of two in the third quarter – she scored her 100th career varsity point.
“Payton has had a super successful Pennridge field hockey career because of her ability to continually improve from season to season,” Pennridge coach Becky Spahr said. “Her offseason effort, especially this past offseason, has set P up for an incredible senior season and will serve her well as she continues her hockey career at West Chester. I am so proud of her achievements and the amazing young woman she is becoming.”
A goal by Alyssa Gobretch (Keira Horensky assist) spotted the visiting Rams a 1-0 lead after one quarter, and when Hannah Capo scored on a rebound, the Rams led 2-0, an advantage they took into halftime.
In the third quarter, the Rams erupted for five unanswered goals. It began with Muth’s first goal, which was assisted by Leah Verespy. Then it was Keira Horensky connecting on an unassisted goal. Capo scored her second goal with an assist from Audrey Frentzen, and Muth followed with her second goal, this one assisted by Capo. Lexi Capo scored with an Frentzen assist to close out the scoring.
“It took us a little time to adjust to the grass, but we were able to create scoring opportunities with good passing combinations and off-ball movement,” Spahr said. “Our midfield played well and did a great job connecting our lines and transitioning from defense to offense.”
Hannah Capo’s two-goal, one-assist effort led the Rams.
Pennridge (6-7-1, 5-6-1 SOL) will travel to Souderton Monday (7 p.m.), and Bensalem (2-10, 1-10) will be on the road at Council Rock North Monday.
Pennridge 1-1-5-0 7
Bensalem 0-0-0-0 0
QUAKERTOWN 2, PALISADES 0
The Panthers saw their eight-game winning streak snapped on Thursday but bounced back to start another streak 24 hours later, defeating the visiting Pirates in a non-league contest.
“We came out hard, putting a (goal) on the board in the first quarter,” Quakertown coach Mackenzie (Kramer) Moser said. “Katelyn Landis swept the ball from the right to the far left back of the cage.”
Moyer scored just 18 seconds into the game, and that 1-0 lead held until 5:10 remained in the second quarter when the Panthers scored again. That 2-0 lead stood the rest of the way.
“Casey Rosenberger fought and stuck with it until the ball was in the cage,” Moser said. “We definitely kept pressure on them by taking shots. We just need to look for those rebounds and capitalize on second shots.”
Quakertown (9-4-1, 8-3-1 SOL) will be on the road at Plymouth Whitemarsh Monday for a 5 p.m. game.
Palisades 0-0-0-0 0
Quakertown 1-1-0-0 2
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