Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Wednesday. The night was highlighted by Aida Ierubino scoring the 100th goal of a stellar career. PW/Abington photos courtesy of Kim Supko. Check back for a gallery of photos. (CB West photos courtesy of Nick Abbasi & Jess Mack/CB West FH)
SOL Colonial Division
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 4, CEENTRAL BUCKS EAST 1
The night was something close to magical for Aida Ierubino and her CB West teammates.
In the final seconds of the opening quarter of a scoreless game against archrival CB East, Ierubino hit paydirt on a penalty stroke that ensured the gifted midfielder a spot in the record books.
The University of Maryland-bound senior was mobbed by ecstatic teammates, celebrating a feat only an elite few ever achieve. The goal was the 100th of Ierubino’s career.
“When we got the stroke, I took the ball, and I was like – I’ve taken these all the time,” Ierubino said. “I was pretty confident – a little bit of me was nervous, but I put everything aside.
“I was like, ‘It’s Pink Out against East, the score is tied 0-0, and it could be my 100th goal.’ Everyone was so excited. We ran at each other, ended up on the ground. It was just awesome and surreal.
“I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates, and getting a stroke just goes to shows how much of a team effort it is just to get that penalty stroke. It was awesome. My entire family was there, so many of my friends came.”
Ierubino joins 2007 Wissahickon grad Katie O’Donnell as the only two SOL players known to reach the lofty milestone.
“It’s awesome,” said her coach and mother, Lori Ierubino. “It’s exciting for her, it’s exciting for the team and the school.”
Ierubino scored 35 goals last year and entered her senior year needing 29 to reach the milestone.
“I had 71 goals, and I had 35 last year, so I thought ‘Maybe I can do this – you know what, we’ll see what happens,’” she said. “It actually got really close, it got in the 90s and I realized I could get it.”
After scoring three goals against CB South in Monday’s Senior Night game, Ierubino needed just one on Wednesday. It didn’t take her long to get it, and she ended up with a pair of goals in a game that clinched sole possession of the SOL Colonial Division title, the program’s third straight.
“Aida is a very team-oriented player,” coach Ierubino said. “It’s nice to set individual and team goals, but I always am apprehensive because in a team sport, you don’t want somebody focusing on an individual goal.
“It was a goal, but it didn’t influence how she played. It was sort of an added bonus for the position she plays and how well our team has done in the time she’s been here. It helps to go to the postseason because you have more games and more opportunities. While it is an individual accolade, there’s definitely a team component to it.”
Ierubino’s unselfishness is underscored by the fact that she has almost as many assists as goals, and on this night, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate.
“It was great because it was a Pink Out too,” coach Ierubino said. “It was East versus West, so it was a good crowd. We had family there, we had friends there, we had former teammates.
“Because it was between quarters, they did an announcement, the team got to celebrate. It’s our last regular season home game, we clinched the SOL. It really was cool.”
–The game: Ierubino’s penalty stroke gave the Bucks 1 -0 lead after one quarter, but the Patriots came back to tie the score on a goal by Brynn Bonargo. That 1-1 tie stood until the fourth quarter when the Bucks erupted for three goals – one each from Lucy Smith, Ierubino and Zola Morelli.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Aida Ierubino (CBW) Penalty stroke, 0:08
Second quarter
Brynn Bonargo (CBE) from Jules Zipperlen, 10:41
Third quarter
No score
Fourth quarter
Lucy Smith (CBW) 2:47 Corner
Aida Ierubino (CBW) from Lucy Smith, 11:34
Zola Morelli (CBW) 7:05
By the numbers: Shots: CBW 19, CBW 2, Penalty corners: CBW 11, CBE 0.
Central Bucks West coach Lori Ierbuino: “A great game for all the fans that showed up at our Pink Out game. The night’s highlight was the penalty stroke that got the team on the board and was Aida’s 100th career goal. East put up a good fight, especially (goalie) Cam Puhalla who makes you earn every goal. Our team was relentless in their quest to clinch the league and win our last regular season home game.”
Central Bucks East coach Emma Rosenthal: “The final score really didn’t reflect the closeness of this game. Our defense of Katie Szczypiorski, Kate McCauley, Harper Tomlinson, and Morgan Harrington played absolutely out of their minds tonight. And goalkeeper Cam Puhalla- I can’t say enough great things about her. To only have one goal (a stroke) scored on you against a top team through three quarters is an absolute incredible feat.
“We fell apart a bit in the fourth quarter. There was a miscommunication on a corner and then unfortunately a bad call turned into the third goal.”
–Props: “I am so proud of this team and how far they have come. I really believe we’ll finish this regular season out strong. On the forward line, our goal by Brynn Bonargo (propelled by a Jules Zipperlen assist) was a great show of what we can do. We had other great moments in the midfield from Syd Lafferty, Emerson McFeely, and Meg Fahey.”
Up next: Central Bucks West will travel to Villa Maria Academy for a non-league game Saturday (11:30am). Central Bucks East will travel to Abington Friday for a non-league crossover game (5pm).
Central Bucks East 0-1-0-0 1
Central Bucks West 1-0-0-3 4
SOUDERTON 2, NORTH PENN 1
The Indians opened up a 2-0 halftime lead, thanks to goals by Charlotte McNeill and Autumn Wagner, but the Knights refused to go down quietly.
Brooke Goewey scored a third-quarter goal to cut Souderton’s lead in half, but the Indians held on for the win in the tightly-contested battle.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Charlotte McNeill (S), 5:02
Second quarter
Autumn Wagner (S) from Lexi Yanchunas, 2:11
Third quarter
Brooke Goewey (NP) 5:48
By the numbers: Shots: S 11, NP 9; Penalty corners: NP 6, S 2; Saves: Kiley Moister (NP) 8, Riley DeSimone
Souderton coach Sue Casciato:
–On the game: ‘Tonight’s game was a carbon copy of the game we played against North Penn a month ago. We led at half time 2-0 and then hung on in the second half to escape with the win. The game was very quick paced and both defenses were tough in their circle. We lost our composure at times in the second half when North Penn increased their tempo, but overall, I was pleased with the team’s effort.”
North Penn coach Shannon McCracken:
–On the game: “The Knights played a tough game against Souderton tonight and almost had the edge, but Souderton’s defense was top notch, forcing a lot of turnovers, and they did a great job of protecting the entrance to the circle.”
–Props: “For the Knights, junior back Lily Brown had an exceptional game in the defense, along with senior back Tallie Smink who had good control of 16’s and made some key transition passes. Goalkeeper Kiley Moister stepped up when needed and made some good saves. Junior forward Cara Albano continued to be a spark on the attack line and junior forward Brooke Goewey had a great goal coming off the bench.”
Up next: Souderton will host Pennridge on Monday (6:30pm), and North Penn will host Wissahickon in a non-league SOL crossover game Friday.
Souderton 1-1-0-0 2
North Penn 0-0-1-0 1
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 5, PENNRIDGE 0
The Titans celebrated their team’s five seniors with a shutout win of the visiting Rams. Kaeli VanDerSluis scored the game’s first goal in the second quarter, breaking a scoreless tie and giving the Titans a lead they would not lose. VanDerSluis led the Titans with a goal and two assists.
Adding single goals were Tessa Walls during corner play with an Addison Edwards assist, Carrie Williams on a breakaway, Jenna Butler and Edwards.
Scoring summary
First quarter – No score
Second quarter
Kaeli VanDerSluis (CBS) 11:37
Tessa Walls (CBS) assisted by Addison Edwards
Third quarter
Carrie Williams (CBS) 12:23 (breakaway
Fourth quarter
Jenna Butler (CBS) assisted by Kaeli VanDerSluis, 14:13
Addison Edwards (CBS) assisted by Kaeli VanDerSluis, 6:37
By the numbers: Shots: CBS 12, P 3; Penalty corners: CBS 11, P 7; Goalie saves: Nora McQueen (CBS) 3, Ella Ricci (P) 7.
Central Bucks South coach Kelli Chioffe: “CB South celebrated its stellar senior class tonight. There were plenty of tears but not all were sad. There were tears of joy when one of our seniors had a surprise guest arrive minutes before the start of the game who is serving our country overseas. Another tear was shed due to the fact that a ball popped up and cut the bottom of her chin to send her to the ER for some stitches (after the game, of course. She had to finish playing.)
–The seniors: “The senior class is composed of eight players: Addison Edwards, Peyton Flannery, Kelly Hemsley, Jordyn Jaffe, Avery Tyler, Kaeli VanDerSluis, Tessa Walls and Carrie Williams. They have been playing field hockey together for the past four years and can almost sense where each other are on the field. The seniors made the night exciting in that each goal was scored by five different teammates. Right now, they are enjoying their time together and will continue to treasure each day they get to spend with one another. We still have a tough schedule to finish out but are thankful for this win together.
“This Friday we will host a Pink Out game versus Agnes Irwin, and we will honor our greatest and favorite coach of all time, PT (Pat Toner).”
Pennridge coach Chris Chookagian:
–On the game: “Great game by both teams tonight. South capitalized on their opportunities and that was the difference. It felt like a midfield battle between the 25s. Our team is resilient and ready to get back tomorrow for another road game. This late in the season you have to make the most of your chances and keep going.”
–Props: “Recognition tonight is due for sophomore Ella Ricci stepping up for her first league start in the goal cage and turning away many shots in the relentless attack of the Titans.”
Up next: Central Bucks South will host Agnes Irwin in a non-league game Friday (4pm), and Pennridge will travel to Quakertown for a non-league SOL crossover game Thursday (7pm).
Pennridge 0-0-0-0 0
Central Bucks South 0-2-1-2 5
SOL Patriot Division
PENNSBURY 3, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 2
The Falcons took a 2-0 lead into halftime, but a pair of goals by Rock North’s Ella Moore – one in the third and one in the fourth quarter – evened the score.
Mallory Harrison scored the game-winner during corner play. It was her second goal of the game. Regan Rodriguez also scored a goal for the Falcons.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Mallory Harrison (P) from Ryan Burdette
Regan Rodriguez (P)
Second quarter – No score
Third quarter
Ella Moore (CRN) from Scarlett Stucky
Fourth quarter
Ella Moore (CRN) from Kailyn Smith
Mallory Harrison (P)
Council Rock North coach Jules Singer:
–On the game: “(We) battled hard against Pennsbury in a 3–2 matchup that showed the team’s grit, hunger, and growth. Despite falling behind 2–0 in the first quarter, the girls never backed down. Ella Moore sparked the comeback with a tip-in off a great pass from Scarlett Stucky, and she followed it up with another goal off a feed from Kailyn Smith to even the game.
“Though Pennsbury edged out the win, I could not be prouder of how we competed. We played a full game, showed resilience, and continue to grow stronger together as a team.”
Up next: Pennsbury will travel to Notre Dame (NJ) for a non-league game Saturday, and Council Rock North will travel to New Hope-Solebury on Monday for a non-league SOL crossover game.
Pennsbury 2-0-0-1 3
Council Rock North 0-0-1-1 2
(Article submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
Pennsbury was back on the road Wednesday after a hard fought home battle against Neshaminy Monday night. It was time to face Council Rock North for the second time – another Patriot Division rivalry.
The first time the Falcons and Indians met, PHS walked away with a 6-0 win, but October always bring unknowns as teams often have a much different look late in the season and every game is a heightened challenge. The orange and black didn’t waste any time getting on the scoreboard going up 1-0 in the first three minutes of the game.
“It was an Iacona, Burdette, Harrison trio of great heads up playing,” said coach Traci Curtis. “Mallory Harrison broke up a pass coming across the middle, and Iacona was there to pick it up off the CRN stick. Iacona made an incredible quick deception decision to reverse dump the ball out to Burdette who was charging up the left. It was a beautiful pass. Burdette touched the pass ahead to Harrison who had cut into the circle and Harrison dodged the goalie and sent it home.
“That type of connecting, passing, and awareness is so special and fun to watch.”
Pennsbury struck again with one minute left in the first quarter on a goal that went from end-to-end, starting at the defensive 10-yard line.
“Ava Pinto took a smart, super fast free hit coming out of the backfield and got the ball up to Regan Rodriguez,” Curtis said. “Rodriguez carried it up the right side with speed hitting Iacona on the run. Iacona cut off the defender and sent the ball into the circle at stroke. The CRN goalie broke up a one-time shot at the stroke, but Regan Rodriguez swooped in picking up the rebound and notched the goal to put PHS up 2-0.
“We were really proud of the way the girls were finding each other and working together in all of the layers on the field.”
The score was 2-0 going into the second quarter, and the visiting side was looking to widen the gap even more. But the gap did not widen in the second quarter – a scoreless battle all over the field with a Pennsbury team that seemed to slow and lose some oomph.
The Indians were knocking on the door earning a few corner opportunities and proving that they are not a team to ever back down.
“If there is one thing we know about CR North, it’s that they will sneak up on you, find ways to stay in the game, and make you work for what you want,” said Curtis. “We were not comfortable with a two-goal lead and so much game left to play.”
And Curtis’ intuition was right. Things got interesting late in the third quarter as Pennsbury watched the two-goal lead change to one on a scrappy goal by Ella Moore. It was a 2-1 game with two minutes left in the third and an entire quarter left to play.
“We had not scored in almost thirty minutes after scoring two within eleven minutes in the first quarter. It was a very uneasy feeling,” said Curtis.
That uneasy feeling worsened as the Rock took command at the start of the fourth, scoring the tying goal in the first 45 seconds.
“We were very disjointed, and it led to a breakdown defensively, but at the same time, we were struggling to find a way to put the ball in the cage as the clock continued to tick the minutes away. It was a bad combination and the 2-2 score stared us down with each passing second,” said Curtis. The Falcons exhaled slightly when Mallory Harrison cleaned up the trash in front of the pads during a corner play and reversed the ball into the cage past all of the chaos. The orange and black did the work to keep the corner play going and took the play from start to finish to put them up 3-2 with eight minutes left in the game.
“Harrison is doing a great job in the forward position and has really helped to complete our offensive puzzle in the past few games,” Curtis said.
Despite the ping pong play from circle to circle, Pennsbury was able to hold CRN for the remaining minutes and secure the division win.
“Council Rock lived up to their fierce determination style and really forced us to dig deep and figure ourselves out today,” explained Curtis. “We will take the win, but will continue to evaluate, do the work, and keep our eyes looking forward toward the next step.”
Pennsbury will travel to New Jersey to face Notre Dame on Saturday morning.
NESHAMINY 8, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
Neshaminy clinched sole possession of its eighth consecutive SOL Patriot Division title with Wednesday’s win over the Tigers. The Redskins have a two-game lead in the standings with just one division game remaining.
Eight players scored one goal each in Wednesday’s win. Four minutes into the game, Maci Fox turned a pass from Mia Brooks into a goal that turned out to be the game-winner.
In the second quarter, Mia Brooks, Kylie Kiss and Amya Young each scored a goal to send the Redskins into halftime with a 4-0 lead on their way to the win.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Maci Fox (N) from Mia Brooks, 10:54
Second quarter
Mia Brooks (N) from Reese Merrill, 6:32
Kylie Kiss (N) 3:33
Amya Young (N) from Hailey Wert, 1:02
Third quarter
Taylor Tenaglia (N) from Chloe Brison, 8:53
Ella Waitkevich (N) from Hailey Wert, 7:06
Fourth quarter
Lilly Cimochowski (N) from Kylie Kiss, 3:31
Hailey Wert (N) from Lauren Staines, 1:11
Up next: Neshaminy will host Conwell-Egan in a non-league game Friday, and Harry S Truman will travel to Cheltenham in a non-league SOL crossover game Friday.
Harry S Truman 0-0-0-0 0
Neshaminy 1-3-2-2 8
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 4, BENSALEM 0
It was a memorable Senior Night victory for the Hawks. South, according to its coach, brought the energy, grit, and determination.
Coach Katelyn Cocco said, “I am truly proud to be a coach of this team. The players put 110 percent effort in every day, and it shows on the field.
“Special shoutouts to Kylee Ward for amazing composure on ball as well as Meghan O’Brien.”
Up next: Council Rock South will travel to Plymouth Whitemarsh Friday for a non-league SOL crossover game. Bensalem will host Neshaminy on Tuesday.
(Article submitted by Bensalem Field Hockey)
The Bensalem Owls ran into a very talented and quick team tonight. Much more talented and skilled on their own turf field than they were at Bensalem’s home field. Council Rock South came to our field earlier in the season and scored very early in the first quarter. Bensalem battled back to keep the score 1-0 throughout the rest of the game, when CRS added a second goal with only eight seconds remaining. We felt good after that game, we felt that we were moving into that competitive area where we were equal against some teams that would, in the past, dominate us. So, we came into this game feeling good with a very positive attitude. CRS scored 3 of their 4 goals on corners tonight. It’s obviously one of the things we have to work on if we want to compete the way we expect to be able to compete. CRS had some great concepts with their corners and were very efficient with them.
The Bensalem coaching staff was satisfied with the energy level and the skills that we showed tonight, but CRS was just too quick and too skilled. Coach Cocco and her staff at CRS did a really good job with that team, especially on their offensive corners.
We had a few outstanding efforts tonight. Goalkeeper Hailey Fricke caught the attention of the CRS coaching staff. Fricke kept us in that game. If we didn’t allow those three corner goals, we played even throughout the rest of the game and Fricke was one of the main reasons for that. Defensively, Abby Cheung, Lucianna Krecko, and Veronica Lennon played exceptionally tonight. Paige Dando and Anjali Guda were solid in the midfield. Offensively, we hit two posts tonight. Mollie Reilly hit so little of the post that the ball went straight across the goalmouth but never crossed. Reilly played very well tonight throughout the game, working the ball down the left sideline. She was able to get a lot of fouls called against her and was able to penetrate the circle on many occasions. Sophomore Kylie Blank had a great shot on one of our corners off an insert by Cheung. Cheung just missed touching it in. Blank also used her skills to get a few corners as well, on some great pulls inside the circle. We’ll go back to Bensalem, work on our skills some more and keep getting closer to where we want to be.
SOL Liberty Division
QUAKERTOWN 4, WISSAHICKON 2
Sparked by Casey Rosenberger’s hat trick, the Panthers opened up a 4-0 lead before the visiting Trojans scored a pair of fourth-quarter goals.
Rosenberger scored a pair in a 90-second span late in the first quarter and then added her third goal early in the second to go into halftime with a 3-0 lead. Penny Longacre added a goal in the third quarter before Wissahickon’s Carly Lehman and Sophia Kim each scored a goal in the fourth quarter.
Sam Farno assisted on both of Wissahickon’s goals, and Cassidy Landis had a pair of assists for the Panthers.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Casey Rosenberger (Q) assisted by Emma Stalletti, 4:33
Casey Rosenberger (Q) assisted by Cassidy Landis, 3:05
Second quarter
Casey Rosenberger (Q) assisted by Cassidy Landis, 11:38
Third quarter
Penny Longacre assisted by Paige Longacre, 10:16
Fourth quarter
Carly Lehman (Q) assisted by Sam Farno, 10:42
Sophia Kim (Q) assisted by Sam Farno, 7:55
Quakertown coach Peach Draper: “We came out on fire tonight, jumping to a four-goal lead by the end of the third quarter. This was more than just a field hockey game, it was our Cancer Awareness Game, where we collected donations for Hope Lodge to support those battling cancer.
“Senior Casey Rosenberger led the charge with a phenomenal hat trick, showcasing incredible stick skills and dodging multiple Wissahickon defenders. Penny Longacre added the fourth goal off a perfectly executed corner from teammate, junior Paige Longacre. Cassidy Landis tallied two assists, while Emma Staletti added another.
“Our defense once again proved dominant, anchored by standout sophomore Cameron Landis, and Darcey Baxter was steady in goal with five key saves. Another great team win both on and off the field. We now turn our focus to Senior Night tomorrow against rival Pennridge.”
Wissahickon coach Hannah Havrilla: “We started out a bit on our heels in the first quarter but made key adjustments in the second half. Despite the score, this team truly played together today. Our forwards stretched the field to give our midfield room to move the ball, and our defense stepped up with strong passes — our connections were beautiful. We played selfless hockey and scored two goals within three minutes of each other in the final quarter.”
–Props: “Shoutouts to our forwards Sophia Kim and Carly Lehman. Sophia did a great job stretching the field as our center forward and applying the feedback from coaches. She continues to show how much she wants it, and all her hard work in practice is paying off as she enjoys her senior season. Carly also stepped up today, making great passes ahead and playing selflessly. She has tremendous skill, but it was exciting to see another side of her leadership shine through. Regan Szczepkowicz was moved deeper into our defensive end today and really rose to the occasion. She came up with strong block tackles and delivered beautiful passes to our midfield — we are lucky to have her back there. Sam added two assists and continues to lead both on and off the field. We will look to carry this momentum forward as we prepare for a tough opponent on Friday.”
Up next: Quakertown will host Pennridge for its Senior Night game Thursday (7pm), and Wissahickon will travel to North Penn for a non-league game Friday.
Wissahickon 0-0-0-2 2
Quakertown 2-1-1-0 4
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 7, ABINGTON 2
The Colonials celebrated Senior Night with a win that clinched sole possession of the SOL Liberty Division title.
“The game was a special one for our 13 seniors who dedicated the game to playing in honor of teammate Maddie Carr (who passed away in June),” said PW coach Charise Halteman. “Seniors Ella Bruno, Claire Carrington, Ella Catania, Ella Cheyne,
Emily Dobrowolski, Kate Dobrowolski, Carolyn Forgione, Bridget Fullerton, Brynn Monaghan, Alice Palumbo, Anna Powel, Tori Newell, and Carly Spinner have all contributed their time, energy, and leadership to our program and it was a joy to recognize their accomplishments, perseverance, and love of the game.”
The two teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after one quarter, but Sammy Callan scored a pair of goals in the second quarter to send the Colonials into halftime with a 3-1 lead. Unanswered third-quarter goals in a four-minute span by seniors Bridget Fullerton, Tori Newell, and Alice Palumbo gave the Colonials a 6-1 lead on their way to the win.
Scoring summary:
Plymouth Whitemarsh
Gracie Kerns – 2 Goals, 1 Assist
Sammy Callan – 2 Goals
Bridget Fullerton – 1 Goal
Tori Newell – 1 Goal
Alice Palumbo – 1 Goal
Quinn Burns – 1 Assist
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Charise Halteman:
–On the game: “PW field hockey celebrated senior night under the lights with a win over Abington. Gracie Kerns scored the first goal of the game with 1:24 left in the quarter, but Abington quickly responded with a goal of their own with 48 seconds left in the quarter. Sammy Callan would score both of PW’s goals in the second quarter. Callan’s first goal was a hard shot from the left side of the circle from Quinn Burns and her second goal came at the 5:28 mark by finishing a rebound in front of the cage.
“Seniors Bridget Fullerton, Tori Newell, and Alice Palumbo each scored in the third quarter within a four-minute span to capitalize on aggressive play in the circle. Kerns rounded out the scoring in the fourth quarter at the 10:45 mark. Abington would score their second goal with 8:56 remaining on the clock.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh will host Council Rock South in a non-league crossover game Friday, and Abington will host Central Bucks East in a non-league SOL crossover game.
Abington 1-0-0-1 2
Plymouth Whitemarsh 1-2-3-1 7
UPPER DUBLIN 2, HATBORO-HORSHAM 0
(Information will be added when it’s received)
SOL Freedom Division
LOWER MORELAND 5, WILLIAM TENNENT 0
It was a special night for Lower Moreland field hockey. The Lions – sparked by Cara Torgan’s second-half hat trick – notched a shutout win that represented the 200th career win of Coach Deborah Lawlor at Lower Moreland. Having previously coached the Lions from 1997 to 2010, Coach Lawlor’s return this season brought her renewed excitement and purpose.
The Lions took a 1-0 lead in the first quarter on a goal by Maci London. Lily Seiner’s first varsity goal in the second quarter sent the Lions into halftime with a 2-0 lead. Torgan’s hat trick in the second half closed out the scoring.
Scoring summary:
First quarter
Maci London (LM) assisted by Mary Skaziak
Second quarter
Lily Seiner (LM) assisted by Maddie Broderick
Third quarter
Cara Torgan (LM) assisted by Alex Gliwa
Cara Torgan (LM)
Fourth quarter
Cara Torgan (LM)
Lower Moreland coach Deborah Lawlor: “Lower Moreland proudly carried on its Play for the Cure tradition with an energetic and inspiring performance. The seniors led the charge, setting a high-tempo pace that defined the evening’s play.
“United by a shared cause and driven by teamwork, the Lions showcased poise, passion, and purpose, playing not just for a win, but to support a cause.”
–Defensive props: “Jordyn MacPhee held another shutout, her ninth of the season. She was surrounded by Mady Rossiter, Alexis MacPhee and Erin McCormick protecting the house.
Up next: Lower Moreland will celebrate Senior Night on Tuesday when the Lions host Upper Moreland, and William Tennent will host New Hope-Solebury on Tuesday.
William Tennent 0-0-0-0 0
Lower Moreland 1-1-2-1 5
SPRINGFIELD TWP 0, UPPER MORELAND 0 (OT)
The Spartans and Golden Bears battled to a hard-fought 0–0 overtime tie on Springfield’s Senior Night.
The Spartans drew six penalty corners and took 11 shots but could not find the cage.
Springfield Twp coach Brianna Buckley: “Both teams pushed for the upper hand in a tightly contested matchup, with scoring chances on both ends.”
–Props: “For the Spartans, Ella McLaughlin and Emmy Rutkowski were key in driving the ball up field and creating offensive pressure, while defenders Paige Pizzica and Ella Minetti, along with goalie Grace Bell, anchored a strong defensive effort to keep Upper Moreland off the board.”
Up next: Springfield Twp will host New Hope-Solebury on Thursday, and Upper Moreland will travel to Lower Moreland on Tuesday.
(Article submitted by Upper Moreland FH)
After 70 minutes of field hockey, the game remained scoreless. In the first meeting, the game was also scoreless until the last eight minutes when Springfield scored, so UM was determined to “bring it” tonight and beat the Spartans for the first time in many years.
Right away in the first quarter, the Bears forced a corner, and Olivia Torres shot a rocket to the goal. UM players on the field and sidelines thought the ball went over the line, then hit the post and came out, but no goal was called and Springfield got it out of the circle. The game was really back and forth with a lot of circle play for both teams. It was an electric atmosphere, with it being Springfield’s senior night. They had a lot of fans, but UM has a good fan base that travels well, so you could hear our fans as well – always supportive!!
Our defense was SO solid tonight, Abby Kelly just keeps getting better and better each game at right d, and Addi Gans and Lyla Soleau were reliable the whole night. And, of course, our defense is led by our senior captain Tierney Hogan, who notched her 300th career save tonight. Even though Springfield pressured in our circle at times, as coaches, we really had such faith that our defense would hold them. Hogan finished with 14 saves.
Bridget Hess was our anchor at defensive mid, taking most of the free hits and controlling the game from her position. To get a more offensive push, we moved Bridget to left mid and put Harper Richmond in off the bench, where Harper took the opportunity to excel at the position for the whole fourth quarter, not letting Springfield into the circle. Taylor Pagano and Hannah Gardner, additional 10th graders in this very athletic class, played hard both on offense and defense.
As the game continued Olivia Torres took control in the middle. She was able to use her stickwork and make great passes up to the forwards. We got several breakaways in the second half but couldn’t connect in the net. We know Springfield has a good back line and goalie, so we knew we had to find a way to score through working as a team and using passing. Senior forwards Ella Gould and Melissa Torpey played their heart out tonight. They left everything on the field, were exhausted from the battle and should have no regrets. MJ Reilly was all over the stat sheet tonight, using her stickwork to get by Springfield throughout the game. Sekai Bell and Gianna Jones also played well for multiple minutes at forward.
Bridget Hess summed up the night well when she said “Tonight, we played one of our best games this season and worked so hard together as a team. We had so much energy going into the game and especially into overtime. Even though we couldn’t come out with the win we’re so proud of everyone and how well we played together.”
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 10, CHELTENHAM 0
The Lions erupted for five first-quarter goals on their way to a win over the visiting Panthers that clinched sole possession of the SOL Freedom Division crown. Josie Taggi’s hat trick led the Lions while Danielle Wilson, Brianna McBride and Abby Varghese each also had three-point games.
Scoring summary:
Josie Taggi – 3 goals
Danielle Wilson – 2 goals, 1 assist
Brianna McBride – 2 goals, 1 assist
Abby Varghese – 1 goal, 2 assists
Gabi Solis – 1 goal, 1 assist
Rebecca Valliyil – 1 goal, 1 assist
Willa Bray – 1 assist
Up next: New Hope-Solebury will travel to Springfield Twp on Thursday (5pm), and Cheltenham will host Springfield Twp on Tuesday.
Cheltenham 0-0-0-0 0
New Hope-Solebury 5-2-1-2 10
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