Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Thursday. Neshaminy/CR South photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for a gallery of photos.
SOL National Conference
NESHAMINY 3, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 2
Peyton Ritchey is a dangerous goal scorer, but that’s just a part of the Neshaminy senior captain’s game. The Golden Hawks can certainly vouch for that. The high-scoring forward didn’t score a goal in Thursday’s conference showdown, but she spent the first half setting the table for her teammates with passes from the right side.
“I feel like that’s what my purpose is as forward – to bring the ball down and create opportunities and to make sure there’s always someone out there to pass it to,” Ritchey said.
Two of Ritchey’s passes resulted in goals and a 2-0 halftime lead – a fact that does not surprise her teammates.
“It’s almost comforting because if a midfielder or defender is sending a nice ball through and Peyton’s there – we’re like ‘Okay, she’s going to get it,’” senior captain Jamie Pennington said. “We’re going to try and support her, but there’s a very good possibility she’s going to get the ball into the circle.”
From the outset, Ritchey established that she was going to be a force to contend with, repeatedly bringing the ball down the right alley and sending it into the circle. Rock South goalie Karlie McCloskey delivered back-to-back saves, but the Redskins were awarded a corner, setting the stage for a goal from senior captain Brooke Cordisco (Ritchey assist) six minutes into the game.
“Peyton came out working hard,” coach Jamie Pinto said. “Her speed, giving other players opportunities to score – she can score as well, but she’s a threat because of her speed and stick skills to get the ball down the field. If she doesn’t have the shot, she’s finding the player, and hopefully, we’re scoring after it, and that’s what we did today. She really came out setting the tone – ‘We’re working hard, we’re here to stay.’”
With 2:35 remaining in the half, Sanaa Hebron turned a Ritchey pass into a goal that sent Neshaminy into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
There was a sense of urgency on both sides as the Golden Hawks entered the game with just one loss while the Redskins were undefeated in conference play.
“Our first two years as freshmen and sophomores – we came up short, we came in second in the league,” Pennington said. “Last year we got a taste of what it felt like to finally win, so this year, knowing that we’re seniors, it was up to us to lead the team and follow in the legacy that we left last year. South is always a great team, and it’s always a battle, so we knew we had to bring our best game.”
“There are some nerves,” Ritchey said. “We all work together, we encourage each other. This year it feels different because it is our last time playing them, and we both are fighting for the first spot.”
The Golden Hawks didn’t go down quietly, and they made it a 2-1 game seven minutes into the second half when Cailey Hiscox scored with a Katelyn Cocco assist. With just under four minutes remaining, Pennington scored on a strong drive from the top of the circle to put the Redskins on top 3-1. The senior midifelder’s goal loomed large when just over a minute later Hiscox found the cage.
“She’s always strong, she’s always very consistent, and she’s a very smart player too,” Pinto said of Pennington. “Playing South and today’s game for sure, there was never a letdown. We were hoping to get a third goal.
“We knew South was going to come out strong. Even the last couple of minutes – we needed to play our game, which I think we did. I think our defense played very strong – they played composed, they played smart.
“Yesterday all day we were working just on scoring, pressuring the ball, pressuring the goal, so I think it paid off today because we had that energy, we had that little spark, especially to start the game off which helped set the tone.”
McCloskey was credited with seven saves in goal for the Golden Hawks. Both teams were awarded 11 corners with Rock South collecting 10 of its 11 in the second half.
“I was very pleased with our team’s effort,” Rock South coach Lisa Belz said. “I was happy to see them battle until the very last second.
“Katelyn Cocco fought hard the entire 60 minutes, and I think her intensity was a good motivator for the rest of the team. Karlie McCloskey had some great saves, and the defense (Ashley Lackman, Lauren Mitchell, Sophie Mattie and Rachael Rolle) stepped to the ball and put great pressure on Neshaminy’s forwards.”
The Redskins are 8-1 after a 1-2 start. The team’s three losses – all non-league – were all at the hands of teams in the top 10 of the District 1 3A power rankings.
“We play stronger teams, and it’s different from playing the same teams in our league,” Ritchey said. “We get a taste of what playoffs might be like.”
“We see how great of a team we can be when we play them,” Pennington said. “There’s a pattern that we kind of start playing up to their level. We saw what great passing looked like, what great connections looked like, what great stick work looked like. We definitely learn a lot playing strong teams out of league.”
Neshaminy (9-3, 8-0 SOL) will host Harry S Truman on Wednesday, and Council Rock South (7-5, 6-2) will be on the road at Bensalem next Friday.
Council Rock South 0-2 2
Neshaminy 2-1 3
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 10, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
Seventeen players saw action for the Indians, who received goals from seven different players. Seniors Celie Burke and Ellie Tushar both scored a pair of goals – for both, it was their first goals of the season. Senior Sarah Scott also had two goals.
Adding one goal each were Rebecca Ripans, Lindsey O’Brien, Riley Clark and Skylar Bayard.
“We got a strong game from some of the younger players who do not get a lot of varsity time since we subbed early in the game,” Rock North coach Heather Whalin said. “Some players stayed in to prepare for tomorrow’s game against powerhouse Souderton.
“The entire varsity team got to see significant action in this game. I was proud of the overall team effort and the fact that 17 girls came together for a complete game.”
Freshman goalie Stacy Couillard was credited with 12 saves for the Tigers.
“Despite the score, Truman continued to play hard until the end, which is not easy to do when you’re down 10,” coach Tom Leahy said. “The defense – led by Hailey Marshall, Colleen Rementer and freshman Reilly Creswell – cleared the ball out of the circle numerous times and made several saves.”
Council Rock North (8-4, 5-3 SOL) will travel to Souderton for a non-league game Friday, and Harry S Truman (3-9, 0-8) will host Conwell-Egan in a non-league game Saturday at 10 a.m.
Council Rock North 4-6 10
Harry S Truman 0-0 0
SOL Continental Conference
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 3, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0
Emma Donnelly scored a pair of goals – the first seven minutes into the game. Grace Melloy scored just over a minute later, and the Patriots took that 2-0 lead into halftime. Donnelly closed out the scoring, connecting for her second goal with 11:10 remaining in the second half.
“We played a very physical, strong game, connecting on a number of passing sequences all over the field,” East coach Meghann Spratt said. “We head into our Methacton game at home on Saturday feeling confident, prepared and ready to put in a solid effort across the board.”
Central Bucks East (9-3, 7-1 SOL) will host Methacton in a non-league game Saturday at 10 a.m.
The Patriots held a 12-5 advantage in shots.
Despite the outcome, South coach Pat Toner was pleased with her team’s effort, especially in light of the fact that one of her team’s top scorers – sophomore Julia Cooper – was injured in the previous game and lost for the season, forcing the veteran coach to change her lineup.
“I asked quite a few people to step up and play a different position,” Toner said. “They did so without complaint. We gave up two goals in a short span and then settled in and played very well.
“CB East is a very physical and aggressive team with good skill. Our four sophomores and one freshman handled the intensity well. Sophomore Grace Haag and freshman Lily Haag had an excellent game. In addition, Anna Shirley has been a versatile player and has been moved to five different positions this season – based on our needs for the game – and has done an excellent job at each position.
“Sophomore Sarah Cooper played with poise under pressure and sophomore Erin Smith made some excellent runs. While the entire team played well, Sophia Wasyliw, Anna Gillard, Maddie Pierce and Jillian Heilig turned in outstanding performances on defense.”
Heilig was credited with nine saves in goal. East’s Emily Bullard recorded five saves in the shutout win.
Central Bucks South (6-5, 4-4) will travel to Wissahickon for a non-league game Friday.
Central Bucks South 0-0 0
Central Bucks East 2-1 3
SOUDERTON 1, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0
A look at the standings prior to Thursday’s contest might have suggested it wouldn’t be all that competitive. After all, the Indians had just one loss in 11 games while the Bucks had one win in the same number of contests. Throw in the fact that the Indians defeated the Bucks 5-0 in the early season meeting, and an easy win seemed all but assured for the Indians.
Somebody apparently forgot to tell the Bucks, who gave the Indians all they could handle.
“The Bucks truly come together in tonight’s game,” West coach Ginny Moore said. “Their intensity, speed and ability to connect passes was phenomenal, especially against the top team in their conference.
“I’m extremely proud of this team’s positive attitude, tenacity and mental toughness as well as the gradual yet remarkable improvement.”
Lauren Kenah scored the game’s only goal with 9:24 remaining in the first half.
West goalie Brooke Golbeski was outstanding in goal in a contest that saw the Indians – who had 15 corners – take 18 shots.
“Facing quick and skilled Souderton shots, her impressive reflexes kept us in the game all night,” Moore said. “The defense also did a terrific job at protecting our net. Their tackles and clears helped the team regain possession. Together they made five defensive saves.”
Claire Engebreth was credited with two defensive saves while Maggie Whalen, Sara Lelii and Claire Natoli each had one.
“Middies Julia Bunch, Kendall Siegle, Carley Briece JL and Bryn Spoerl hustled to every ball and used their passing skills to connect the D to the forward line,” Moore said. “They provided offensive opportunities and played smart and beautiful hockey.
“Forwards Em Erickson, Grayce Reimel, Caroline Crecca and Bella Aulisio did a great job advancing the ball beyond the 50 and doubling the amount of shots and penalty corners from the first time we played Souderton.”
The Bucks had four shots and four penalty corners.
“People are often quick to make assumptions about a team with a record like ours, but I recognize – and am so incredibly proud of – the hard work, passion and positive culture of the team,” Moore said. “Me, the staff and the players know that adversity, scores and records can’t and won’t bring us down.”
Souderton (11-1, 8-0 SOL) will host Council Rock North in a non-league game on Friday, and Central Bucks West (1-11, 1-7) will travel to Pennridge on Wednesday.
Central Bucks West 0-0 0
Souderton 1-0 1
SOL American Conference
UPPER MORELAND 2, ABINGTON 1 (OT)
The Golden Bears won a thriller when Bryanna Gordon scored with 11:59 remaining in overtime.
“The goal started back near our defensive end with a side in,” UM coach Casey Dellostretto said. “Cassidy Hirsch made a nice pass to the middle of the field where Annabelle Duncan cut onto the ball. Many nice give-and-go passes were made by Moira Olexa and Meredith Marsteller during this transition into the circle.
“Finally, the ball made its way to Bryanna Gordon’s stick who took her first shot right at the goalie’s pads. The goalie saved it right back to her stick where she shot a second shot right into the corner of the cage. It was a team effort to get the ball from one end of the field into the goal.
“The girls had played in overtime before during the season and ended up with a tie in the end. They were ready to come out strong and get the win this time. From the start of the game, they came out strong and this intensity continued into overtime.”
The win was the third of the week for the Golden Bears, but this one loomed large. It avenged an early season 3-2 loss to the Ghosts and was the program’s first in memory over Abington.
“This was a HUGE win for the girls,” Dellostretto said. “We have had a tough season with only four seniors and many new varsity players.
“With some highs and lows of the season, the team keeps pushing forward. The senior captains have been great leaders for the rest of the team and continue to keep a positive attitude. This was our best game of the season and the kick-start we needed as we head into the second half of the season. The girls came out strong from the first whistle to the last. This was the first game they never gave up and played as one unit.”
Earlier, Gordon – who had both her team’s goals – put the Golden Bears on the scoreboard when she found the cage midway through the first half. The Ghosts evened the score just over seven minutes into the second half when Paige Doyle turned an Ava Paxson pass into the equalizer, setting the stage for overtime.
Dellostretto credited the play of several players in the important win.
“Some of the key players today were Cassidy Hirsch, Moira Olexa, Bryanna Gordon, Annabelle Duncan, and Isabella Guarenghi,” the Golden Bears’ coach said. “Cassidy is unstoppable on the field and continues to play her heart out each game. She is our center back and plays from circle to circle every game. We can always count on her aggressiveness to get us the ball back especially during today’s game.
“Moira Olexa is our center mid and we expect a lot from her. She did a great job at controlling the midfield today and setting up our forwards with great passes. Bryanna Gordon scored both of our goals today. She has been working on her receptions and today it clicked for her. Annabelle Duncan is our right midfielder and played very strong today. The OT winning goal started with her cutting to the ball from the opposite side of the field. Isabella Guarenghi is our goalie. She had an excellent game today and kept the Ghosts to only one goal. She helped lead the defense today with her strong voice and had four saves in the game.”
Abington goalie Marilyn Capps was credited with five saves.
Upper Moreland (5-6-1, 3-5-1 SOL) will travel to New Hope-Solebury Friday for a non-league game. Abington (3-6-1, 3-5-1) will travel to Pennsbury for a non-league game Friday.
Abington 0-1-0 1
Upper Moreland 1-0-1 2
WISSAHICKON 2, HATBORO-HORSHAM 1
Lauren Donofrio scored a pair of goals – one in each half – to spot the Trojans a 2-0 lead. Her second proved to be the game-winner as the Hatters held on for the 2-1 win.
Donofrio put the Trojans on the scoreboard eight minutes into the opening half, using a Grace Ball assist. Midway through the second half, Donofrio turned a Tess Kluhgerz pass into a goal.
The visiting Hatters cut that lead in half when Paige Mullen scored with 3:06 remaining in regulation. The Trojans – who won the initial meeting between the two teams 2-1 – held on for the one-goal win.
Wissahickon’s Meghan Reilly (six saves) and Alli Wood (seven saves) combined for 13 saves in goal in the win. Hannah Havrilla was credited with a defensive save.
Wissahickon (8-2-1, 7-2 SOL) will host Central Bucks South in a non-league game Friday, and Hatboro-Horsham (4-7, 4-5) will host Upper Moreland on Wednesday.
Hatboro-Horsham 0-1 1
Wissahickon 1-1 2
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 5, SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 0
Ava Borkowski picked up her second hat trick in as many games to lead the Colonials to the big win.
“We played well today with some great passing combinations and solid team defense,” coach Charise Halteman said. “Ava Borkowski scored three goals, including the game-winner.
“Autumn Luptak scored off a beautiful cross by defender Carly McGee midway through the half, and Molly Lynch put PW up 3-0 two minutes before halftime with a hard shot from the top of the circle.”
Borkowski scored twice in the second half for the 5-0 final.
Sarah Trask recorded five saves in the shutout win.
“She was supported by senior defenders Livia Truong, Kayla Link and Jess Frangiosa,” Halteman said.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (11-0, 9-0 SOL) will travel to Owen J Roberts on Saturday for a non-league game, and Springfield Township (9-3, 6-3) will host Wissahickon on Wednesday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 3-2 5
Springfield Township 0-0 0
Wednesday, Sept. 25
UPPER DUBLIN 8, CHELTENHAM 0
Jenn McCarry connected for a hat trick, and Julia Reardon had two goals and an assist to lead the Flying Cardinals to the win.
Maisie Hanson (Lydia Casey assist) scored three minutes into the game, and four minutes later Reardon scored her first of two back-to-back goals. Ellie Eby turned a Reardon assist into a goal with 2:14 remaining in the half, sending the Cardinals into halftime with a 4-0 lead.
Mikayla DeMichele turned Casey’s second assist of the game into a goal to open the second-half scoring. McCarry closed it out with three straight goals in the final 15 minutes. Ellie Eby assisted on the first.
Cheltenham goalie Mayanna Lerry had 21 saves. Kayla Sullman and Cydney Jones also recorded defensive saves.
UD goalie Rhianna Gonzales was not forced to make a save in the shutout.
The Cardinals had 28 shots on goal and 16 corners. Cheltenham had one corner.
Upper Dublin (3-6-2, 2-5-2 SOL) will host Abington on Wednesday, and Cheltenham (0-9) will be on the road at Plymouth Whitemarsh on Wednesday.
Cheltenham 0-0 0
Upper Dublin 4-4 8
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