Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Tuesday. Wissahickon/Upper Moreland photos provided courtesy of Jon Sklut. Check back for a gallery of photos.
SOL Patriot/Colonial Crossover
NORTH PENN 5, NESHAMINY 0
The Knights needed to right the ship.
After opening the season with three straight wins, the Knights lost their next three games, so Tuesday’s crossover win – which saw the Knights erupt for five first-half goals – was welcome indeed.
“We had such a strong start to the season, the Souderton game was a great game (a 4-3 loss), but I think we just doubted ourselves a little bit after the loss because it was such a close game,” NP coach Shannon McCracken said of her team’s first loss. “Then the next week playing CB South and CB East back to back because our division is very challenging. I think you’re going to see this whole season – this team beat that team, and that team beat this team.
“Statistically, last week, we won, and that’s very deflating and frustrating to a team when you’re statistically putting up the shots and the corners but not being able to capitalize on those opportunities and put something on the scoreboard.
“On the flip side, we were allowing teams that had less opportunities to come down and score, so we were having a little bit of trouble on both sides of the ball in the circle. We needed to clean up some things.”
A day off last Friday when North Penn’s game at Pennsbury was postponed may have been the break the Knights need.
“I think the difference maker was just getting back to some of the basics last week,” McCracken said. “Just making sure we were sound in places we were exposed in those games.
“We had a team meeting last Thursday and talked about how to reset and refocus. We looked at some film last week as well. On Friday, we had a non-traditional practice, and sometimes those things can be helpful for everyone.”
On Tuesday, the Knights once again dominated the game statistically, but this time they also won it on the scoreboard. Just over three minutes into the game, Maddie Waldspurger banged home a shot on a corner with an assist from Kerry O’Donnell. Then it was O’Donnell scoring during a broken corner midway through the quarter, and Waldspurger’s second goal of the game in the final seconds of the quarter gave the Knights their 3-0 advantage.
In the second quarter siblings Catherine McGeehan and Grace McGeehan each added a goal – Catherine’s with a Waldspurger assist – to send the Knights into halftime with a commanding 5-0 lead that stood until the final whistle.
“The story today was the passing sequences that we had,” McCracken said. “We were allowing the passes to do what the legs can’t do. We were moving the ball quickly. Knowing Neshaminy is a traditional grass team, we really focused on fast restarts because our turf is fast as well, so that was key.
“We moved the ball very well, and we made the most of our opportunities. We had a variety of shots as well. We scored on two corners, and we scored on two lifts. Their goalie made some great initial saves, but we just needed to vary our shots a little bit better, and we did that today.”
The Knights held an advantage in shots (17-4) and corners (14-2).
“Maddie Waldspurger had a great game for us,” McCracken said of her senior captain who had two goals and an assist. “Kerry O’Donnell led the way in the midfield.
“Linsey Gilbert has been moved to center back, and I thought she held down the backfield very well today.”
North Penn’s Kiera Holt and Mackenzie Czajkowski combined for the shutout in goal.
North Penn (4-3, 3-3 SOL) will travel to Council Rock South on Thursday, and Neshaminy (6-3, 5-3) will host Pennridge on Thursday.
Neshaminy 0-0-0-0 0
North Penn 3-2-0-0 5
PENNSBURY 4, PENNRIDGE 2
(Submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
There was nothing typical about the lead up to this game.
Pennsbury set out for Pennridge late in the afternoon for an hour-plus bus ride and arrived with about fifteen minutes to spare for JV to warm up for their game, which was being played first. The varsity team, used to playing first, settled in to cheer and support their teammates during the early game, and as darkness fell, they prepared for their first battle at night on turf under the lights.
The Pennridge stadium has a great vibe. and it was exciting to be there at night, but coach, Traci Curtis, could not help but wonder how her team would respond to the situation.
“Our home game on Friday was canceled because our grass field was too wet and then the weekend was upon us,” Curtis said. “Yesterday we practiced on turf to get ready, but we were worried about the girls being in the right mindset with the three days off in conjunction with the other non-typical facets of today’s match up.”
The Falcons responded with nothing but strength as they notched the first goal of the game halfway into the first quarter. Reagan Ward tapped one in, sending a message that they were ready to fight no matter what was sent their way. With 3:35 left in the first quarter, Meg McClure sent a beautiful cross ball into the circle and EB Rafferty one timed it past the Pennridge goalie with authority. The orange and black held onto that 2-0 lead through the second quarter, into halftime, and all through the third quarter as well.
“It was a pretty evenly matched fight going end to end the whole time,” Curtis said. “Pennridge had more corner opportunities throughout, but Pennsbury’s defense held up incredibly well, supported by the dominating performance by goalie Jordan Vradenburgh. Pennsbury had more shots on goal, but the Rams had really strong sticks everywhere.”
Little did anyone know that the game was FAR from over. It was the Rams’ turn to light up the scoreboard. Those girls dug their heels into the ground and gave PHS the horns. Two minutes into the fourth quarter, Pennridge scored on a tip in the circle making it 2-1. There was so much game still left to play, and you could feel the tension rise on the Falcons’ sideline. Both teams were playing great hockey – it was so exciting to watch, and the intensity was at full tilt.
With 5:49 left to play in regulation, Pennridge earned a corner and scored from the top of the circle tying the game 2-2. The crowd went wild!
“When that goal went in and the fans lost their mind, my heart sank,” said Curtis. “I’ve seen this before so many times and was literally running through speeches in my head that I would have to give if we lost in this way. I knew that we were in trouble. Giving up a lead in the end like that is so often how you find yourself on the heartbreaking side of a game losing headline.”
Not with this group. Not today. One minute after Pennridge tied it up, PHS senior EB Rafferty found her way into the circle using breakneck speed and dumped a pass to Liz Jordan who tipped it in.
“The selflessness exhibited in that pass was beautiful and everything I love about this game and these players,” Curtis said. “We are getting smarter, stronger, more intentional, and reading and reacting to game situations like never before.”
The Falcons were up 3-2 and were not ready to stop – there were still five minutes to play. Pennridge did not let up at all, firing shots and getting penalty corners, making it a serious nail biter! The Falcons earned only two penalty corners the whole game and one of them was with 1:15 left in regulation. Curtis could not be more proud of the execution of those two corners, but especially that final one that ended in a fourth goal. Junior Molly Murray perfectly placed the ball for senior captain Sophia Curtis to get her shot off. Curtis did not score the goal but put it on pads and Liz Jordan finished it off scoring her second goal of the game. Pennsbury kept composure and handled the ball well until the final buzzer walking away with a 4-2 victory.
“Pennridge played an awesome game – to come back like that is admirable,” Curtis said. “They should be so proud and keep their heads up. They made us work so hard for every single minute of that game.
“Our coaching staff is proud of everyone for so many different reasons. Jaclyn Gorgo contributed for the entire 60 minutes, Olivia Graebner owned the center of the field like a champ, Rylie Borgman steps onto the field and just gets the job done every time, Sophia Curtis keeps the defense glued together. Meg McClure works magic, Helena Sosa had an amazing defensive save. Molly Murray is a crazy smart player who just does what is asked of her and does it well. Gabby Darling is the brickest of brick walls in the back, and Jordan Vradenburgh was born to be in the goal cage.
“Rafferty and Liz Jordan teamed up to make things happen out there for us in addition to Reagan Ward, Jenna Outcalt, Pranita Madaka, Lily Morgan, Riley Henderson, and Chelsea Todd. It was a full team effort guided by the underlying principle that everyone owns their role and carries it out. Our bench was incredible tonight as well – you could feel the positive energy rippling from the bench to the field and that was impacting and so important.”
Pennsbury (5-2, 4-2 SOL) will now get ready to return home to face Souderton on grass Thursday and then turn around and play on turf again as they travel to CB West on Friday. Pennridge (3-6, 2-5) will be on the road at Neshaminy on Thursday.
Pennsbury 2-0-0-2 4
Pennridge 0-0-0-2 2
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 6, BENSALEM 0
Olivia Nolan scored a pair of goals and assisted on two others to lead the visiting Patriots to the crossover win.
“It was a great team win today with many different players contributing both offensively and defensively,” East coach Emma Rosenthal said. “It took us a little bit to find our groove, but once we did, there was no stopping that momentum.”
Nolan scored an unassisted goal to spot the Patriots a 1-0 lead after one quarter. Nolan’s second goal with an Amelia Wheelan assist was followed by a goal from Caroline Suko with a Nolan assist. The Patriots led 3-0, and Nolan had a hand in all three goals. In the third quarter, Ali Troth added an unassisted goal, and Ally Cenci (Nolan assist) and Ceci Palakow (Cenci assist) each contributed a goal in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring.
“Olivia Nolan did an excellent job shutting down Bensalem’s big ball game and getting the job done with our first two goals and contributing two assists,” Rosenthal said. “Sophia Parker also had a great game, collecting up loose balls in the midfield to create breakaways and spark offensive corners.
“It’s nice to see every game build off of the last as we continue to learn and grow from each game to the next.”
Central Bucks East (5-3, 5-2 SOL) will host Council Rock North on Friday, and Bensalem (1-6) will host North Penn on Monday.
Central Bucks East 1-2-1-2 6
Bensalem 0-0-0-0 0
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 6, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0
The Titans – who received goals from five different players – turned a 1-0 lead after one quarter into a 4-0 halftime lead on their way to the crossover win.
Erin Smith put the Titans on the scoreboard midway through the first quarter with an assist from Megan Reilly. Rebecca Zakrzewski’s unassisted goal less than two minutes into the second quarter marked the beginning of a three-goal explosion for the Titans. Samantha Thomas (Julia Cooper assist) followed with a goal, and then it was Zakrzewski turning an Anna Shirley pass into her second goal that put the Titans on top 4-0.
That score didn’t change until the fourth quarter when Julia Cooper scored with a Smith assist and Reilly connected on an unassisted goal.
The Titans held an advantage in shots (16-2) and corners (9-0).
South goalie Emma Kraft was forced to make just two saves in the shutout.
“CR North’s goalkeeper had some great saves stopping several 1v1’s,” South coach Pat Toner said. “(Our) defense played a solid game, allowing no penalty corners and only two shots on goal. Congrats to both teams on a hard-fought game!”
Central Bucks South (5-2 SOL) will travel to Harry S Truman on Thursday, and Bensalem (1-6) will be on the road at Central Bucks East on Friday.
Central Bucks South 1-3-0-2 6
Council Rock North 0-0-0-0 0
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 3, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 1
The visiting Golden Hawks won a tightly contested battle with the Bucks in Tuesday’s crossover game.
Rock South’s Elise Lindros (Breanna Gable assist) scored with 52 seconds remaining in the first half, and that lead grew to 2-0 when Amanda Green turned a Megan Rafter pass during corner play into a goal three minutes into the third quarter.
West cut the Hawks’ lead in half with a goal by Calista Boos (Bella Aulisio assist) with 5:05 remaining in the third quarter, but the Golden Hawks had an immediate answer. Just over a minute later, Kerry Kaufman scored with a Kylee Hager assist to give Rock South a 3-1 lead. Neither team scored the rest of the way.
“Amanda Green had an excellent game today,” Rock South coach Colette Paprocki said. “She created many offensive opportunities, and it was clear that she was eager to win which was the spark that we needed today.
“Elise Lindros played well today and scored on a nice pass from Breanna Gable. Amanda Green connected on a nice corner sent in from Megan Rafter. Kylee Hager did an excellent job driving the end line and sent a pass to Kerry Kaufman for a beautiful goal.”
Both teams had 14 shots on goal, but the Bucks held a 9-3 advantage in corners.
“CB West has some talented players that created opportunities for them and were quick moving to the ball generating a lot of corners on us,” Paprocki said. “They did a good job with their block up. CB West had a nice goal against us and really played well all around.
“I was happy with the way our team quickly answered CB West goal, putting another one 29 seconds later.”
Also for the Golden Hawks, Megan Rafter was credited with four defensive saves, and Green had one defensive save.
Council Rock South (7-3, 7-1 SOL) will host North Penn on Thursday, and Central Bucks West (1-6) will host Pennsbury on Friday.
Council Rock South 0-1-2-0 3
Central Bucks West 0-0-1-0 1
SOL Liberty/Freedom Crossover
WISSAHICKON 7, UPPER MORELAND 0
Brynne Miller scored two goals and assisted on another to lead a balanced Trojan attack that saw eight different players contribute to the scoring.
It was Miller connecting on a goal with an Ella Hummel assist with 9:19 remaining in the opening quarter. That early goal turned out to be the game-winner. Four minutes later, Avery Mullin scored an unassisted goal for a 2-0 Trojan lead.
Kayla Pak’s goal with a Miller assist midway through the second quarter sent Wissahickon into halftime with a 3-0 advantage.
The Trojans added three unanswered goals in the third quarter. Just over a minute into the second half, Kate Lovensheimer scored an unassisted goal. Midway through the quarter, Audrey Walsh turned a Caroline Kirkpatrick pass into a goal, and 41 seconds later, Noelle Koop connected on an unassisted goal and a 6-0 Trojan lead.
Late in the fourth quarter, Miller closed out the scoring, using a Hummel assist.
Wissahickon goalie Alli Wood was not forced to make a save in the shutout win. UM goalie Emma Hurley recorded 29 saves in a busy afternoon in the cage.
Wissahickon (8-0, 7-0 SOL) will host Lower Moreland on Thursday, and Upper Moreland (3-6, 2-5) will travel to Upper Dublin.
Upper Moreland 0-0-0-0 0
Wissahickon 2-1-3-1 7
ABINGTON 7, CHELTENHAM 0
Camryn Stewart and Rachel Kallan each scored a pair of goals and assisted on another while Skylar Beal also had two goals to lead the Ghosts to the decisive win.
Kallan scored the game’s first goal with a Stewart assist, and then it was Maddie Slavin connecting with a Kallan assist. Back-to-back goals by Stewart put the Ghosts on top 4-0. Kallan followed with an unassisted goal, and the scoring was closed out by an unassisted goal from Beal, who then assisted on a goal by Olivia Dougherty to close out the scoring.
“Today was a total team effort,” coach Katie Small said. “We were able to play some girls who don’t see much playing time and they were able to make contributions to the win.
“Emma Brown did a nice job on defense, and Skylar Beal came off the bench to score two goals for us. We had a slow start but settled in after halftime where we were able to score four goals in the third quarter.
“Cheltenham has really improved and had nice moments when they were able to get by our midfield to make a run at our circle. Tara Hughes, Devan DiMaria and Kyra Malanowski did a nice job stopping their momentum and getting the ball back to our midfield. We have a well-deserved break tomorrow before we head into a game Thursday and Friday.”
Cheltenham goalie Mayanna Perry was credited with 15 saves on 22 shots. Abington’s Marilynn Capps was credited with one save in the shutout win.
Abington ((6-2 5-2 SOL) will travel to New Hope-Solebury on Thursday, and Cheltenham (0-6) will host Hatboro-Horsham on Thursday.
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 0, PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 0 (OT)
Four quarters and overtime – 75 minutes all told – could not determine a winner in Tuesday’s crossover game at New Hope-Solebury.
For the Lions, the scoreless tie came on the heels of a 1-0 overtime loss to Quakertown.
“Quakertown played a really good team game. They moved the ball, and they moved it fast and supported each other all over the field,” NHS coach Gwen Smith said. “It was nice to see us play like a team today. We have been struggling with that.
“We kept the pressure on all game, but we had difficulty scoring. We actually had a goal called back in the third quarter.”
The Lions held a 14-2 advantage in corners but could not capitalize.
“(PW) played a really solid defensive game, and for as much as we were in their circle, we didn’t get quality shots off,” Smith said. “They denied us good offensive opportunities.
“Today it was about us playing as a team. Everybody came in ready to fight, ready to go. I was really disappointed on Friday, and the fact that we responded to that game and came back and played as a team today is what I’m really proud of. I’m obviously disappointed that we didn’t put it in the net, but I am pleased that we fought the entire time.”
New Hope-Solebury (6-1-1, 5-1-1 SOL) will host Abington on Thursday, and Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-2-1, 5-1-1) will host Springfield Township on Thursday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 0-0-0-0 0
New Hope-Solebury 0-0-0-0 0
LOWER MORELAND 4, HATBORO-HORSHAM 0
The Lions rebounded from Monday’s 3-1 loss to Abington to earn the shutout win Tuesday.
“As a team, we played much better, but we still need to find that momentum and grit we had to start the season,” LM coach Janet Lutter said.
Liz Neeld scored a pair of goals for the Lions, who led 1-0 at halftime and then added a pair of goals in the third quarter and one more in the final frame. Meredith Lutter added a goal and an assist, and Zoe Karros also scored a goal.
Lower Moreland (6-3, 4-3 SOL) will travel to Wissahickon on Thursday, and Hatboro-Horsham (0-8, 0-7) will travel to Abington.
Lower Moreland 1-0-2-1 4
Hatboro-Horsham 0-0-0-0 0
UPPER DUBLIN 1, WILLIAM TENNENT 0
The Flying Cardinals won a tough grass game, thanks to a goal by Mackenzie Beamer with an assist from Avivia Kuznits.
“Senior Mackenzie Beamer was hungry for her first varsity goal, which she scored off a pass from Aviva Kuznits,” UD coach Emily Town said. “William Tennent didn’t see much our circle, but when they did, our goalie, Dara Fishman, made big saves.”
QUAKERTOWN at SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP (Ppd)
About the Author
