Check out the recaps for SOL Field hockey teams in action Friday.
SOL non-league crossover
North Penn 2, Neshaminy 1
Cissy Lewis scored North Penn’s first goal, then assisted on the second, as the Knights battled to a 2-1 victory over Neshaminy in Friday’s SOL Crossover game.
Maci Fox scored Neshaminy’s (7-3 overall, 4-2 Patriot Division) lone goal with 2:20 left before halftime.
North Penn keeper Elizabeth McClarren (2 saves) and Neshaminy’s Lexi Tarapchak (13 saves) kept both offenses off the scoreboard in the second half.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Cissy Lewis (Devon Crowley), NP, 3:22
Second quarter
Samantha Stone (Lewis), NP, 6:45
Maci Fox, N, 2:20
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
No scoring
By the numbers: PC: North Penn 15, Neshaminy 0. SOG: North Penn 15, Neshaminy 3. Goalkeeper saves: Elizabeth McClarren (NP) 2. Lexi Tarapchak (N) 13.
North Penn coach Shannon McCracken: “We kept control of much of the game today statistically and maintained possession in our midfield and attack. Credit to their goalkeeper for playing a strong game and keeping us off the scoreboard in the second half as we had multiple opportunities.”
—Props: “Play for the Knights today was led by the midfielders Cissy Lewis, Devon Crowley, and Avery Hanrahan. They worked well today advancing the ball to our attack. I am proud that we have scored on multiple corners in our last two games.”
Up next: North Penn (2-6, 1-4 Colonial Division) hosts Council Rock South at 6 pm Tuesday, and Neshaminy will travel to Central Bucks West on Monday.
Neshaminy 0 1 0 0 – 1
North Penn 1 1 0 0 – 2
Bensalem 2, Upper Moreland 0
(Submitted by Bensalem Field Hockey)
What a game today! The Bensalem Owls defeated the Upper Moreland Bears 2-0, which was really a 1-0 game for 45 minutes. Bensalem (4-3-1 overall, 2-3-1 Patriot Division) came out pretty hot early on, but the Bears were able to hold us off. Leah Vorgity scored off of a rebounded shot by Kylie Blank to put the Owls up 1-0 with 11:24 left in the second quarter. After that, the Bears responded with play up and down the field. Upper Moreland (4-4, 3-3 Freedom Division) hit a post to almost tie it up late in the second quarter. If it wasn’t for Outstanding Owl Award winner Lexi Hartman getting a key defensive save, the game would have been tied up. Just before halftime, an Upper Moreland player had a shot at an odd angle from just outside the circle, another Bear was there to slam the ball into the back of the cage, but it had been ruled that the ball had crossed the goal line prior to the second touch. That, too, would have tied it up at 1-1.
The second half was back and forth with great midfield play.
“Midfielders Tierney and Reese Sayers, Paige Dando, and Anjali Guda, along with freshman Paige Pressler – who I’m really proud of today – played superbly,” said Bensalem coach Gary Kubik. “Defensively, I’m so proud of both Abby Cheung and Veronica Lennon, who get the most difficult, selfless job every game and shine bright each day. Joining them today was the aforementioned Lexi Hartman who really shored up our defensive alignment today. She had some great stick wins and dribbled out of trouble on multiple occasions today, along with the big defensive save.”
With just seconds to go, Bensalem was granted their sixth corner of the day. And with no time remaining, Ava Grayo was able to slam home a great assist from junior Reese Sayers. Grayo was our second Outstanding Owl for her play and goal today!
(Submitted by Upper Moreland Field Hockey)
This was a fun game to play because Upper Moreland has a great relationship with Bensalem. We did an international camp with them at UM with British coaches. So, many players know each other. Upper Moreland started out slow and Bensalem took advantage with the ball in the Bears’ circle for the first quarter, but the Upper Moreland defense stayed tough, not allowing any goals.
After the first quarter, the Bears changed their formation and were able to get more offensive pushes up the field. MJ Reilly played well at both midfield and forward, keeping possession and making great passes. Giana Morrison played well at multiple positions as the Bears tried to find the right combination.
Bensalem then scored on a great shot to go up 1-0. But the Bears battled back. Olivia Torres ripped a shot from the right and Taylor Pagono put in the tying goal. But the goal ended up being called back because the ball crossed the goal line before Pagano tipped it in.
The remainder of play was very even and not much circle play for either team. When the ball entered the circle each team had their chance, but no one could put the ball in the goal.
With barely any time on the clock, Upper Moreland center back Bridget Hess got pushed down in the circle, but ended up fouling when she went down, so Bensalem was awarded a corner. During the confusion as time ran out, Bensalem scored on the corner and the game ended.
Scoring summary
First quarter
No scoring
Second quarter
Leah Vorgity assisted by Kylie Blank (B), 11:24
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
Ava Grayo assisted by Reese Sayers (B) 0:00
Up next: Bensalem will travel to Central Bucks East for a non-league SOL crossover game Tuesday, and Upper Moreland will host Upper Dublin on Tuesday.
Bensalem 0 1 0 1 – 2
Upper Moreland 0 0 0 0 – 0
Springfield Twp 1, Abington 0 (OT)
Molly McGuckin found the cage at the 2:40 mark in overtime to score the game’s only goal and lift Springfield Twp (6-3 overall, 4-2 Freedom Division) to a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over Abington (0-7-1, 0-5-1 Liberty Division) in Friday’s SOL Crossover game.
Scoring summary
First quarter
No scoring
Second quarter
No scoring
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
No scoring
Overtime
Molly McGuckin (Spr), 2:40
By the numbers: Springfield Twp: Penalty Corners 15; Shots on Goal 17; Goalkeeper Saves 4.
Springfield Twp coach Brianna Buckley: “Both teams delivered strong defensive performances, keeping the game scoreless through regulation. The Spartans continued to push offensively, with Molly McGuckin finding the back of the cage in overtime to secure the hard-fought victory.”
Up next: Springfield Twp will host Wissahickon in a non-league SOL crossover game Tuesday, and Abington will host Wissahickon on Wednesday.
Abington 0 0 0 0 0 – 0
Springfield Twp 0 0 0 0 1 – 1
Wissahickon 2, Pennridge 1 (OT)
The Trojans won an overtime thriller on Friday night, edging the Lady Rams when Samantha Farno converted a penalty stroke with 7:26 remaining. It was her second goal of the game.
“This was a grit win,” Wiss coach Hannah Havrilla said. “I am so proud of this team. We have been working really hard this past week across all of our lines, focusing on stepping to the ball, off-ball movement, and fighting in the circle to get outcomes. They never gave up, and we were able to come out on top with a true team win. We as coaches are so proud.”
Neither team scored until the fourth quarter in what was a battle of the two defenses. The Trojans struck first when Farno turned a pass from Addison Arnott into a goal only to see the Rams answer with a goal by Jenna Verespy, who scored on a ball off the goalie’s pads.
Pennridge’s Ella Ricci recorded 11 saves in a busy night in goal.
Scoring Summary
First quarter
No scoring
Second quarter
No scoring
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
Samantha Farno assisted by Addison Arnott (W) 13:27
Jenna Verespy (P) 5:02
Overtime
Samantha Farno – Penalty stroke (W) 7:26
By the numbers: Corners: P 14, W 11; Saves: Ella Ricci (P) 11, Allie Diemer (W) 5, Rae Stiteler (W) 12.
Wissahickon coach Hannah Havrilla:
–Props: “I would like to recognize Samantha Farno for having two goals on the day, one off of a corner and a stroke in overtime. She is someone who continues to step up every game and knows how to play this game really well. She works hard in practice, and it is showing in our games this week.
“I would also like to shout out Addison Arnott, who assisted our first goal off the corner. She continues to prove herself every game, and we are happy to have her on the circle. She is a great player and is very smart defensively.
“I would also like to shout out our goalkeepers, Allie Diemer and Rae Stiteler. Allie started us off strong with five saves on five shots on goal. She also saved a stroke during the second quarter, which was a huge moment for us and showed her ability to stay composed under pressure. Rae held it down in the third and fourth quarters and in overtime. She had 12 saves, including four shots on goal and seven corner saves. Both goalkeepers stepped up when we needed them and gave our team the confidence to keep fighting.
“Lastly, I would like to shout out our DPC (defensive penalty corner) unit of Sylvia Lampron, Samantha Farno, Siena Le, and Addison Arnott. They really stepped it up this game, staying low the entire time and never giving up on a play. They did a great job supporting our goalkeepers, getting their sticks on balls, and making big defensive stops when we needed them. Their effort and communication were huge in helping us finish this game with a win.”
Pennridge coach Chris Chookagian:
“This week the team has shown incredible growth. In tonight’s game alone, we cut the turnovers in half from the first half to the second half of the game. We are generating more sustaining attack, and the team is putting it all together. Our schedule is tough, but this group is resilient and growing each day.”
Props: “Jenna Verespy scored the tying goal and almost put away a second one to secure the game. Relentless on the press and show great patience in the circle under pressure.
“Goalkeeper Ella Ricci is playing unbelievable in goal this year for us. Last year she played in four of our 19 games and has truly made a difference against one of the toughest schedules in SOL, District 1 and PIAA.
“Anna Ogden has taken on a new role this year in the back line and has demonstrated increasing game IQ and composure under pressure.”
Up next: Wissahickon will travel to Springfield Twp for a non-league SOL crossover game Tuesday, and Pennridge will host Quakertown on Monday. The Lady Rams will hold their Pink Out and Morgan’s Message game when they host Harry S Truman Tuesday.
Wissahickon 0-0-0-1-1 2
Pennridge 0-0-01-0 1
Nonleague
Pennsbury 6, Germantown Academy 2
(Submitted by Pennsbury Field Hockey)
The Falcons took to the road once again, this time to Germantown Academy to face the Patriots on their home turf. Coming off of a huge win against Neshaminy on Wednesday night, the orange and black were looking to ride the wave of energy right into the Friday afternoon nonleague contest. This was a brand new opponent for Pennsbury and a great way to focus on just showing up and playing their game no matter the team on the other side. The Falcons (8-1 overall, 6-0 Patriot Division) did just that, picking up a 6-2 win.
The Patriots came out of the gates with force, scoring in the first minute of the game to go up 1-0 after weaving through the PHS defense and putting one past goalie Amelia Fernandes.
“They certainly caught us half asleep and took advantage of our slow start,” said Pennsbury head coach Traci Curtis. “We have been doing a much better job of coming out strong, so not sure what happened today. They literally passed with stick-to-stick precision right around us.”
The lazy legs didn’t last long, however, as senior captain Ryan Burdette had an answer four minutes later when she wove through the Patriot defense and knocked in an unassisted goal to tie it up 1-1.
With three minutes left in the quarter, senior captain Abby Iacona and senior Regan Rodriguez worked a beautiful overlapping passing combo up the right side that resulted in an incredible goal to put the Falcons up 2-1.
“Iacona did what she does so well, possessing the ball with skill in the middle and setting her teammates up for success,” Curtis said. “She made a great leading pass to Rodriguez who had overlapped into the circle and Rodriguez wound up for an awesome reverse stick shot that lofted up right over the goalie’s head into the goal. It was so well done from start to finish and makes us very happy that we have threats all over the field who are so capable and confident.”
The second quarter started with a GA possession, but the Falcons were waking up and started to settle into their style. Junior defender Allie Fouss was on fire, stepping to the ball to intercept with force and denying offensive opportunities before GA could blink. Her play helped to start the offense from the backfield and contribute to the Falcons’ momentum throughout the game. Two minutes after the starting whistle, Rodriguez assisted Burdette’s second goal of the game to give PHS a two goal lead at 3-1. The Patriots didn’t hesitate to respond – 11 seconds later, Cece Durkin brought GA within one with a goal assisted by Genevieve Gajan. It was a very even battle that was heating up with every tick of the clock. The rest of the quarter was back and forth and the 3-2 score remained going into halftime.
The third quarter was all Pennsbury and all Burdette, who hit an unassisted hat trick goal to make it a 4-2 game at the 10-minute mark. She struck again with an assist five minutes later on a rocket shot that bounced off of the post and was finished off by junior forward Lily Fanini. PHS went ahead 5-2 and Burdette was not slowing down. Thirty seconds later, she iced the cake with another unassisted goal, notching her fourth of the game and putting an exclamation point on the third quarter. It was 6-2 going into the final 15.
“The third quarter can sometimes be a little messy for us, but not today. We actually gained momentum in the second half and settled into our groove. Our movement off the ball and connections are so exciting to watch,” said Curtis.
The fourth quarter was scoreless and the Falcons walked away with their eighth win in a row. PHS goalie Fernandes had five saves and senior defender Payton Worth had a defensive save in the fourth that kept the Patriots off the board.
“Worth has been clutch for us and extremely consistent in every game. She is so smart and skilled back there and works really hard for her team,” Curtis said. “GA is a strong team with great stick skills, especially in the middle of the field. They made us work for everything and did not give up or slow down. Their passing was precise and put us on our heels a few times, for sure. The stats were pretty even across the board. We each had four penalty corners, about a dozen shots, and goalies each had a handful of saves. Now we rest for the weekend and it’s back at it on Monday to prepare for the next step.”
Up next: Pennsbury will be on the road Tuesday to face Souderton and work to extend their win streak.
Strath Haven 1, Upper Dublin 0
Strath Haven scored midway through the first quarter and that would be all the scoring on the day as the visiting Panthers topped Upper Dublin 1-0 in Friday’s nonleague matchup.
The Panthers turned aside eight Cardinal shots to secure the shutout victory over Upper Dublin (3-6 overall, 2-4 Liberty Division).
Scoring summary
First quarter
Jane Allsman, SH, 6:03
Second quarter
No scoring
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
No scoring
By the numbers: Corners: SH 11, UD 9. Goalie saves: SH 8, UD 1.
Upper Dublin coach Erica Kelly: “Today was a disappointing loss and was not our greatest performance of the year. Strath Haven came out aggressive and ready to go, while we struggled to get into a rhythm until the second half. We had a lot of great offensive opportunities that unfortunately did not go our way. We have a lot to learn from and improve on for our next game.”
Up next: Upper Dublin will be on the road at Upper Moreland Tuesday for a non-league SOL crossover game.
Strath Haven 1 0 0 0 – 1
Upper Dublin 0 0 0 0 – 0
Thursday, Sept. 24
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 2, DOWNINGTOWN WEST 0
The Colonials handed the visiting Whippets their first loss of the season, using goals by Gracie Kerns in the opening quarter and an insurance goal by Kaleigh Boland in the third quarter.
The Whippets are ranked sixth in the latest District 1 3A power rankings while the Colonials are 13th.
Scoring Summary
First quarter
Gracie Kerns (PW) 1:41
Second quarter
No score
Third quarter
Kayleigh Boland (PW) 4:50
Fourth quarter
No score
By the numbers: Saves: Bree Molony 2, Lily Barclay 4.
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Charise Halteman:
–The game: “PW started the game strong and with intensity to set the tone today. Gracie Kerns scored an unassisted chip shot into the upper left of the net with 1:41 left in the first quarter to give the Colonials a 1-0 lead, a score which would hold through the half.
“Downingtown West came out strong in the second half and put us on our heels, but the defense remained composed, and Lily Barclay came up with some key saves. Kayleigh Boland increased the lead getting a touch around the goalkeeper at the 4:50 mark of the third quarter. Despite Downingtown West earning a number of offensive corners in the fourth quarter, PW’s team play prevailed.”
Downingtown West 0-0-0-0 0
Plymouth Whitemarsh 1-0-1-0 2
About the Author
