Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Wednesday. Upper Dublin/Upper Moreland photos provided courtesy of Troy Leatherbury. Check back for a gallery of photos. All SOS photo galleries for FIELD HOCKEY can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Patriot/Colonial crossover
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 2, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 1 (OT)
The third time was the charm.
After coming up short in two previous overtimes, the Golden Hawks – thanks to Kylee Hager’s goal three minutes into OT – picked up that elusive overtime win.
“We just had to break the cycle,” Rock South coach Kelly Mason said. “It was a bad losing cycle – we just needed one win to get us moving.
“We’ve been playing really well, but the difference was we played as a team and had the confidence to win. I feel like we have been waiting for this to happen. During this long stretch of crossover games, I feel like we were knocking on the door for a win. I think the energy was a lot different today. They did not want to lose this game.”
The visiting Titans broke a scoreless tie when Rebecca Zakrzewski scored with an assist from Kaeli VanDerSluis three minutes into the third quarter.
“Rebecca Zakrzewski scored a beautiful goal when CR South was beaten in transition on three quick passes to get behind the defense,” CB South coach Pat Toner said. “Rebecca’s speed allowed her to beat CR South’s goalkeeper 1v1. Unfortunately, CR South answered immediately.”
It took the Golden Hawks all of 45 seconds to even the score when Caroline Martin connected for a goal with an assist from Hager.
“That was big for us,” Mason said. “That’s something we’ve been working on – we don’t fold when someone attacks us.
“Kylee Hager and Megan Rafter took over the game for us. My senior captain broke her hand last week, so we have people in new spots. Kylee was one of the people that stepped up and filled a spot for us. She’s always one of our big scorers.”
Martin’s goal set the stage for overtime and the Golden Hawks’ dramatic win.
“This was a back-and-forth game,” Mason said. “We played most of the game in their half, but we just couldn’t capitalize. They had a few fast breaks that kept them in the game.”
Mason credited the contributions of several players in the win.
“Caroline Martin hustled on the forward line for us, and Peyton Wright was aggressive in the goal,” the Golden Hawks’ coach said. “Grace Franchini and Breanna Gable did a good job of getting the ball up the field for us. It was a good win against a good team.
“The confidence was a lot better than I’ve seen, and I’ve been waiting for this. I’ve been waiting for them to stand up and say, ‘This is my time,’ and that’s exactly what they did today. Now I think we’ll have confidence going forward for the second half of the season. That’s what I’m looking for.”
The Titans held a 7-6 edge in shots while the Golden Hawks had a 6-4 edge in corners.
“Although we are capable of stringing together some good passing sequences and also capable of strong defense, today we failed to put together a complete game from start to finish against a strong opponent,” Toner said. “We will keep working hard to improve.”
Council Rock South (5-4, 5-3 SOL) will travel to North Penn on Friday, and Central Bucks South (3-5-1, 2-5-1) will be on the road at Bensalem on Friday.
Central Bucks South 0-0-1-0-0 1
Council Rock South 0-0-1-0-1 2
NESHAMINY 2, PENNRIDGE 1
The visiting Redskins rallied from a 1-0 deficit to score a pair of late goals, escaping with the hard-fought win in a night road game on the turf at Pennridge.
“It was a good game, it was a tough, physical game,” Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto said. “Pennridge was moving fast to the ball, they played good solid defense.
“It took a little bit for us to adjust. The first couple of quarters we were able to just play good defense. In the second half, we came together. We finally started to pick it up. We were able to get shots off. Our passing looked good. We picked it up physically too, and speed-wise, we stepped up which we needed to do.
“It was a good win tonight. I’m proud of the girls with how they played and how they came back. This was the first game we were down and we came back. This was a good win for us.”
Despite the outcome, Pennridge coach Becky Spahr was pleased with her team’s effort.
“We put together a full 60 minutes of hockey,” the Rams’ coach said. “We dominated possession, caused turnovers up the field, stepped to the ball first and created scoring chances, but we couldn’t finish. Credit to Neshaminy’s circle ‘D’ and defensive penalty corner unit.”
The Rams got on the scoreboard first with a goal from Hannah Capo (Hayley Borneman assist). They maintained that one-goal advantage until – with no time remaining on the clock of the third quarter – the Redskins scored during corner play. Avery McGinty scored the equalizer with a pass from Kasey Rieger.
With 7:29 remaining in the fourth quarter, Ava Arbakov turned a pass from Olivia Roscoe into a goal that turned out to be the game-winner.
“Defensively, Alayna Roscoe did a nice job stepping to the ball and stepping up,” Pinto said of her right back. “Morgan Shaltens – all the way in the back – played strong. She’s doing a great job stepping to the ball, controlling the defense.
“Avery McGinty is just always a force back there, always stepping up to the ball and helping to generate offense. Our goalie, Brittany Mattoi, made some great saves today which kept us in the game.
“Kasey Rieger up top – she was just hustling. She’s a great forward, but she also has been doing a nice job of cutting back, getting the ball when we need it and helps take the ball down the field.”
Pennridge held a 7-3 edge in penalty corners. Maia Machado had three saves in goal for the Rams.
Neshaminy (9-1, 8-0 SOL) will host Souderton on Friday, and Pennridge (3-6-1, 2-5-1) will host Council Rock North on Friday.
Neshaminy 0-0-1-1 2
Pennridge 0-1-0-0 1
NORTH PENN 6, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 1
The visiting Knights opened up a commanding 5-0 halftime lead on their way to the decisive win.
Catherine McGeehan connected on an unassisted goal with 4:55 remaining in the opening quarter, and 32 seconds later, Grace McGeehan followed her sibling’s lead, connecting on an unassisted goal.
In the second quarter, Erika Pickford scored back-to-back goals – the first unassisted and the second with a Laura Albert assist. Jillian DelGiorno (Caleigh Sperling assist) scored with 1:04 remaining in the quarter to send the Knights into halftime with a 5-0 lead.
Grace McGeehan capped the Knights’ scoring two minutes into the third quarter. Rock South broke up the Knights’ shutout bid when Sierra Kim scored with 8:05 remaining in the third quarter. That would be the extent of the scoring for both squads.
“The Knights had excellent passing sequences and made the most of their offensive opportunities today at Council Rock North,” North Penn coach Shannon McCracken said. “Transitions from defense to offense were key today and center back Melissa Sessler and center midfielder Caleigh Sperling did a great job of distributing the ball well. It was a true team effort for North Penn by maintaining possession and communicating well. “
The Knights held an advantage in shots (17-3) and penalty corners (10-5).
Kiley Moister was credited with three saves in a winning effort in goal for the Knights.
North Penn (5-4, 5-3 SOL) will host Council Rock South on Friday, and Council Rock North (4-6, 3-5) will travel to Pennridge on Friday.
North Penn 2-3-1-0 6
Council Rock North 0-0-0-1 1
SOUDERTON 6, PENNSBURY 0
Sparked by a hat trick from sophomore Ava Jones, the Indians opened up a 5-0 halftime lead on their way to the shutout win.
“I thought tonight’s game was one of our best offensively,” Souderton coach Sue Casciato said. “We moved the ball very well and had a lot of players involved in the offensive circle.
“Pennsbury’s goalie was really tough, especially in the second half. On numerous occasions, she turned away what I thought were very good shots.”
The Indians put a pair of goals on the scoreboard in the opening quarter, including a goal by Jones 36 seconds into the game with an assist from Ava Shaw. Ang Borisow’s goal during corner play with assists from Lauren Frye and Shaw put the Indians on top 2-0 with five minutes remaining in the frame.
Jones scored during a scramble in the circle four minutes into the second quarter, and the Indians added a pair of late goals by Borisow and Jones – both with Tatum Andrews assists – for their 5-0 halftime lead.
Souderton put the finishing touches on the win with a goal midway through the third quarter when Borisow scored with a Shaw assist on a corner.
The Indians held a decisive advantage in shots and corners (17-3).
(Submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
The lights. The turf. The stadium. The announcer. The National Anthem paired with the setting sun. The slight chill in the air. It all sets the scene for a late September night game that seems to create a different kind of enthusiasm for players, coaches, and fans as well.
The long bus ride was somewhat calm as the Falcons pre-game mental prep simmered along the highway toward Souderton High School.
“You could feel the vibe of excited anticipation just under the surface, and I could tell the girls were ready to play,” coach Traci Curtis said. “Coming off of a frustrating performance against Pennridge on Monday and a “gut check” chalk talk at Tuesday’s practice, my assistant coach, Britt Sheenan, and I were hoping tonight’s challenge would bring out the best in our team. The girls did not disappoint.”
In this type of match-up, we cannot focus on the final score. Despite losing 6-0, we won in so many ways out there. Souderton came out and scored early, making a statement on their home turf, but we were so proud of how our team responded and did not let it phase them. With a complete unified effort, our Falcons held them to two goals in the first quarter, playing with so much energy and heart. Souderton is a really fast, skilled, solid team with a huge talent and size advantage, but our girls just continued to work on playing their game and finding ways to succeed.
The second quarter was a bit more messy for us as they increased the lead to 5-0 by the half with reverse stick shots, rebounds off of pads, and lifted goals. Halftime gave us the opportunity to analyze what was happening and adjust. With the score where it was, we decided to change things up and give everyone a chance to get out there and fight the good fight. Fresh legs and a different perspective always help.
Tonight, was a true full team effort from end to end as everyone got playing time. The second half was a Pennsbury victory as far as we were concerned. Souderton scored one more goal with seven minutes left in the third quarter and then never scored again.
Our goalie, Jordan Vradenburgh came up HUGE and just kept getting better and better as the game went on. She tallied 32 saves and was tested for 60 minutes with reverse chips, rebounds, laser straight corner shots, and many circle scrambles. We are extremely proud of how she stood strong in that cage and rose to the occasion. She was protected well by her extremely strong backfield teammate, Gabby Darling, who notched two defensive saves to make it a complete 34 stops on their opponent’s 40 shots on goal. They had 17 penalty corners against us and our defense stopped them almost every time.
Although Pennsbury did not generate too much offense, we had 3 penalty corner opportunities and Meg McClure helped us to penetrate a couple of times and get shots off. One of the best moments was in the final seconds of the game as McClure carried the ball almost a field length, dodging, fighting, and beating players the whole way and earning a penalty corner as the time ran out. Unfortunately, the corner didn’t get played out because scoring wouldn’t change the winner of the game, but in our hearts, we understood what she accomplished for us as a whole. She never backed down for a second and sent a strong message to her teammates that she believes we CAN. Every loss provides an opportunity to learn, and tonight we learned a ton about who we are as a family. Games like this are the ultimate classroom and force you to face your weaknesses and learn how to push yourself beyond self-perceived limits. We will continue to focus on winning many small moments and holding onto those as our measure of progress and success. One day we will put them all together and win a BIG moment. The long bus ride home was not quite as calm, and we are happy about that. Finding joy through these tough sports experiences is a remarkable feat in itself. Thank you to these additional players for standout efforts – Liv Graebner, Molly Murray, and Kaylin Flannery.
Souderton (9-0, 8-0 SOL) will travel to Neshaminy for a key crossover game on Friday, and Pennsbury (3-6 1-6) will host Central Bucks East on Friday.
Pennsbury 0-0-0-0 0
Souderton 2-3-1-0 6
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 13, BENSALEM 0
The Bucks, who led 3-0 after one quarter, erupted for six goals in the second quarter on their way to a win that saw eight players score goals.
“Tonight, we were able to take advantage of our opportunities, utilizing our fitness and ball speed,” West coach Dave DeAngelis said. “We will continue to be a balanced and attacking team as eight different student-athletes were able to find the back of the net.
“Quite a few of our members gained valuable and extended varsity experience this evening.”
The list of contributors for the Bucks was a lengthy one. Nina Mayro’s hat trick led the way while Calista Boos, Alexis Seaner and Kylie Cook each had two goals. Adding a goal and an assist were Mimi Duffy, Aida Ierubino and Kendal Siegle. Abby Gardner also had one goal. Contributing one assist each were Leah Feldman and Ella Dougherty.
West had an advantage in shots (19-1) and penalty corners (16-6).
Central Bucks West (8-1, 6-1 SOL) will travel to Harry S Truman on Friday, and Bensalem (1-6) will host Central Bucks South on Friday.
Bensalem 0-0-0-0 0
Central Bucks West 3-6-2-2 13
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 14, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
Twelve different players contributed scoring for the Patriots, who were led by the two-goal efforts of Alli Troth and Sammy Kishel. Adding one goal each were Aly McIsaac, Riley Schmidt, Caroline Suko, Emma Weisel, Ally Cenci, Anna Daly, Abby Tomer and Avery McCann. A pair of players up from jayvee also added single goals – Katie Spillane and Mae Mahoney.
Central Bucks East (4-3 SOL) will travel to Pennsbury on Friday, and Harry S Truman (0-9, 0-8) will host Central Bucks West on Friday.
Liberty/Freedom crossover
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 2, ABINGTON 1
The Lions saved their best for last, scoring a pair of fourth-quarter goals to erase an early 1-0 lead by the visiting Ghosts.
“We had a lot of individual effort today but not a great team effort today,” Lions’ coach Gwen Smith said. “Coming off a really great team win and connecting and supporting on Monday (in a 5-1 win over PW), this was definitely a different day. It was much more of an individual effort kind of day. We definitely were lacking in supporting and really connecting.
“I thought Abington actually connected really well between the 25s. They had really nice connecting passes. I’m proud of the fact that we kept fighting.”
Abington got on the scoreboard in the first quarter when Erica Devlin connected, using a Camryn Stewart assist.
“They caught us off guard – we left someone unmarked, and they capitalized,” Smith said. “Kudos to them – they had a great goal.”
The Ghosts took that 1-0 lead into the fourth quarter when – three minutes in – Morgan Riggione found the cage.
“I think we got a little more energized – it energized us a little bit,” Smith said. “We had 11 corners and weren’t connecting today. Our first goal was on a corner, but it was on a rebound after rebound after rebound. Morgan was able to lift it and put in a nice goal. I was really happy to get on the board with that.”
With the possibility of overtime looming, Ava Cozza scored with 5:59 remaining in regulation, using an Avery Mendola assist.
“We had a nice drive down to the end line, and Avery Mendola found Ava Cozza, and Ava took a quick, hard shot – a beautiful shot into the goal,” Smith said. “I said that to the girls. I’m proud that they kept fighting and didn’t give up, but we need to play a better team game.
“It was just hard to watch this game compared to Monday’s, but I do think Abington played a really good game. They pressured us well, forced us to play faster. They did a good job.”
The Lions held an 11-1 advantage in penalty corners.
New Hope-Solebury (9-0, 8-0 SOL) will travel to Wissahickon on Friday, and Abington (5-5, 4-4) will host Lower Moreland on Friday.
Abington 1-0-0-0 1
New Hope-Solebury 0-0-0-2 2
QUAKERTOWN 1, WILLIAM TENNENT 0
The Panthers upped their winning streak to five games, scoring an early goal and holding on to earn the win.
“We came out hard but just couldn’t finish some of the opportunities we had after the first quarter,” Quakertown coach MacKenzie Kramer said. “Our first and only goal was scored by sophomore Leah Schwalm, who tapped in a perfectly fed ball from senior Alex Bevan-Xenelis.”
Schwalm scored with 8:46 remaining in the first quarter.
“Defense kept it out and up there,” Kramer said. “Ember Retter played sweeper today doing a great job of stepping up and clearing the ball.
“Megan Roth played a mid-defender today – she was consistently sending the ball either up the line or feeding directly into the circle. Both were a great presence on the field today. The opportunity was there – we just struggled to completely finish.”
Quakertown (5-3-1, 5-2-1 SOL) will travel to Upper Moreland on Friday, and William Tennent (1-8, 1-7) will host Hatboro-Horsham on Friday.
Quakertown 1-0-0-0 1
William Tennent 0-0-0-0 0
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 3, HATBORO-HORSHAM 1
The Spartans scored a pair of first-quarter goals and extended their lead to 3-0 by halftime on their way to the crossover win.
Two minutes into the game, Natalie Rittler connected on an unassisted goal. With six minutes remaining in the frame, Norah Conlin found the cage with a Hailey Lesniak assist. A goal by Emma Yoder with an assist from Natalie Rittler with 1:24 remaining in the half sent the Spartans into the intermission with a three-goal advantage.
Senior forward Madelyn Gregory scored for the Hatters two-and-a-half minutes into the final quarter.
The Spartans held a 5-2 advantage in shots, and the Hatters held an 8-2 edge in corners.
“We’re getting closer,” HH coach Marie Schmucker said. “We held them scoreless in the second half. The girls played really well together. They were aggressive on offense making good passes and pushing the ball.
“What hurt us was not capitalizing on our corners. Defense kept us close with strong play by our defensive players – junior Catie Bombas and senior Charlotte Elwell. Senior Madelyn Gregory scored our only goal, and there was strong support up front from senior midfielders Emily Nelson and Angelina Park. These girls keep getting stronger, and it will eventually pay off.”
Grace Bell and Kennedy Braddock combined for six saves in a winning effort in goal.
Springfield Township (6-4, 6-2 SOL) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Friday, and Hatboro-Horsham (0-9, 0-8) will travel to William Tennent on Friday.
Springfield Township 2-1-0-0 4
Hatboro-Horsham 0-0-0-1 1
UPPER DUBLIN 6, UPPER MORELAND 0
Sparked by the three-goal, two-assist effort of Ashley MacNeal, the Flying Cardinals rolled to a win over the Golden Bears.
UD opened up a 2-0 lead after one quarter and never looked back. Ashley MacNeal and Tess Malizia each scored a goal in the final three minutes of the frame.
Malizia found the cage with her second goal, using a MacNeal assist, and then it was Aviva Kuznits scoring with a MacNeal assist. MacNeal closed out the scoring with back-to-back goals – the first with an Ellison Kullman assist and the second with an assist from Mason Kullman.
UM goalie Addi Hurley was credited with 17 saves. The Cardinals held a 15-1 advantage in shots.
Upper Dublin (5-5, 4-4 SOL) will host Cheltenham on Friday, and Upper Moreland (4-6, 2-6) will host Quakertown on Friday.
WISSAHICKON 13, CHELTENHAM 0
The Trojans scored early and often on their way to the no-doubt-about-it win.
Ella Hummel scored 56 seconds into the game with an assist from Caroline Kirkpatrick. Three minutes later, Kayla Mullin scored with a Riley Ball assist, and then it was Kirkpatrick turning a Sophia Havrilla pass into a goal and a 3-0 lead. Kayla Mullin scored back-to-back goals in the final four minutes of the quarter – the first with a Ball assist and the second with an assist with Audrey Walsh. Mullin’s second goal put the Trojans on top 5-0 after one quarter.
In the second quarter, Kayla Pak connected on an unassisted goal, and that 6-0 lead held until Ball scored back-to-back goals in the final four minutes of the half. Pak assisted on the first and Walsh had an assist on the second.
In the third quarter, Ball scored back-to-back goals – Walsh assisted on the first. Mullin opened the scoring in the fourth quarter, using a Pak assist. Then it was Walsh (Kirkpatrick assist) connecting for a goal. Avery Mullin put an exclamation point on the big win, scoring the game’s final goal with a Faith Jampo assist.
Meredith Walsh and Ava Fell combined for just one save in the shutout win with Walsh collecting the save.
Wissahickon (9-0, 8-0 SOL) will host New Hope-Solebury on Friday, and Cheltenham (0-8) will travel to Upper Dublin on Friday.
Wissahickon 5-3-2-3 13
Cheltenham 0-0-0-0 0
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 2, LOWER MORELAND 0
(Game information will be added when it is received)
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