Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Thursday. Neshaminy/Pennsbury photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for a gallery of photos.
SOL Patriot Division
NESHAMINY 2, PENNSBURY 1
Mia Brooks broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the opening minutes of the third quarter, and that goal opened the floodgates.
At least for a while.
Three minutes later, Abby Iacona connected with the equalizer for the Falcons, but if there was a defining moment in the game –it came just over a minute later when Brooks found the cage with her second goal, this time using a Chloe Brison assist.
“I thought we controlled a lot of the game – we had a lot of opportunities, and we weren’t giving up,” Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto said. “They scored, but we were applying pressure, and we were playing so well that I think our girls had mindset – ‘All right, we’re going to come back.’ It didn’t stop us.”
Once they regained the lead, the Redskins refused to give it up, holding on for the important win.
Scoring summary
First quarter
No score
Second quarter
No score
Third score
Mia Brooks (N) assisted by Ariana Lenihan, 12:34
Abby Iacona (P) 9:18
Mia Brooks (N) from Chloe Brison, 8:12
Fourth quarter
No score
Neshaminy coach Jamie Pinto:
–The game: “Pennsbury is stronger this year, and we knew that coming in. We knew we really had to play hard, and if we played hard enough and were able to step to the ball and win 50-50 balls and just be aware there’s always going to be 
pressure on us, we would be okay, and we were. This was probably the best we’ve played, practiced, looked since the season started. The goal was to win 50-50 balls and be aggressive, and we were.”
–Bouncing back: “I’m really proud of the girls. We’ve worked hard since that North Penn game (a 3-0 loss in the Redskins’ season opener). We’ve had good practices, they work hard, they ask questions. We’re trying to go over different things, moving some people around. I think it paid off today. They were proud, they were excited. It was great to see – all the hard work they did the last week really came together today.”
–Props: “Today’s win was a total team effort, we’ve been practicing hard and working together as a team and it showed today. Our defensive unit is strong; they are experienced, smart players. Taylor Tenaglia continually stepped up from the back, Reese Merrill worked hard on the right side, and Hailey Wert was a presence. Goalie Lexi Tarapchak communicated well and played strong. Chloe Brison controlled the middle of the field, stepping up and distributing the ball well; Ellie Miller also did a nice job of cleaning up any ball that got through and stepped up strong. We made some adjustments coming into today and Layla Agster and Maci Fox were aggressive and did what we needed them to do. Ariana Lenihan stepped up on the left, and forwards Eve Garrison, Maci Fox and Mia Brooks did a nice job at getting touches in the circle and generating scoring opportunities. Mia Brooks has been able to step up, lead up top and score goals. I couldn’t be more proud of how the whole team stepped up today, they played our game— we played smart, together, and aggressive.”
Up next: Neshaminy will travel to Council Rock South on Friday, and Pennsbury will host Council Rock North on Monday.
Pennsbury 0-0-1-0 1
Neshaminy 0-0-2-0 2
(Article submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
The game is 60 minutes long, but the outcome was decided within a five minute span in the third quarter.
Five minutes.
Head coach Traci Curtis didn’t hesitate to say, “This is the most prepared we have ever been for this battle in the seven years I’ve led the program. There has been an extreme positive shift in the talent, mindset, and the approach to this game over time.
“The Neshaminy – Pennsbury game is a fierce rivalry with the Skins dominating that seven-year win record (PHS has yet to pull out a win under Curtis), but Curtis explains, “Today was the best performance we’ve had against them without a doubt, making them work for everything they got – it wasn’t easy on either side.”
The first two quarters were scoreless with a back-and-forth fight – exchanging possession and offensive pushes throughout. The game was tied 0-0 going into the half and the atmosphere was electric. Emotions were leveling up as the two high-powered teams clashed from end to end. The needle on the record scratched three minutes into the third quarter when Mia Brooks used a reverse touch to put one past the PHS goalie, Abby McCole.
The 1-0 lead did not last long as the orange and black came back with force three minutes later catapulting the crowd to the edge of their seats. Abby Iacona scored the equalizer on a rip from the top of the circle into the far corner after the backs and mids worked the ball into the PHS attacking end.
In perfect rivalry fashion, barely sixty seconds later, Neshaminy bit back on a Mia Brooks deflection to go ahead 2-1.
“Our defense was working hard and doing the right things, relentlessly denying so many opportunities, but Neshaminy got their stick in there one more time than we did,” explains Curtis. “Our goalie, McCole, played an awesome game – poised, confident, and focused with ten key saves.
“Standout defense was played by Payton Worth at the left back position. Payton had some stellar stops defensively. She halted breakaways, stayed in plays, and really slowed down their progression on the right side of the field. It was exciting to play this game early in the season and truly helps to set the tone for us moving forward. We will take so much momentum from this and use it for good.”
Pennsbury is set to meet up with Council Rock North on Monday for a night game at Falcon field.
BENSALEM 7, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
The Owls offense exploded for seven goals in a shutout win at Truman on a beautiful day for field hockey.
Kylie Blank stole the spotlight with three goals and two assists. Lily Lendzinski opened the scoring early in the first quarter. It marked the beginning of a five-goal burst in the quarter. By halftime, Bensalem led 7-0.
The Owls were awarded 10 penalty corners – all in the first half.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Lily Lendzinski (B) assisted by Mollie Reilly
Kylie Blank (B) assisted by Veronica Lennon
Ava Hood (B) assisted by Tierney Sayers
Lily Lendzinski (B) assisted by Kylie Blank
Kylie Blank (B) assisted by Paige Dando
Second quarter
Mollie Reilly (B)
Kylie Blank (B) assisted by Paige Dando
Bensalem coach Gary Kubik:
–On the game: “Sophomore Lily Lendzinski started the scoring off early in the fourth minute of the first quarter. That was Lendzinski’s first varsity goal off of an assist from Mollie Reilly at the 11:28 mark in the first. Kylie Blank had herself a day scoring her first of three goals about three minutes later with an assist from Veronica Lennon at the 8:18 mark. Just two minutes later, Ava Hood had her second of the year, scoring off of a pass from junior Tierney Sayers. Lendzinski got her second goal of the game with 40 seconds left in the first quarter with an assist from the very busy sophomore Kylie Blank. And with just 12 seconds left, Kylie Blank was able to reach the back of the net with an assist from fellow sophomore Paige Dando. That finished off the first quarter with a dominant 5-0 score going into the second.
“Mollie Reilly had a nice little run into the circle off a pass from Blank at the 10:00 mark in the second. Reilly was able to penetrate the circle, drive to her right and get off a nice forehand blast into the back of the cage. The combination of Blank and Dando finished off the scoring with a circle entrance from Dando which pulled the Truman defenders over to their left and Dando found an open Blank on the doorstep for a 7-0 lead for the Owls. That goal was scored at the 4:06 mark left in the second quarter.
“From there, the Owls tried to work on their passing sequences and timing. The Truman defense stepped up in the second half and allowed only perimeter passing and kept the ball pushed to the outside. The Truman team did not let up at all today, and it’s a credit to their team and their coaching staff that the girls continued playing hard throughout the contest.”
–Outstanding Owl: “The Outstanding Owl award went to Kylie Blank for her three goals and two assists, but there was much to be happy about.”
–Props: “The passing that Bensalem used in the second half will hopefully be rewarded later on down in the season, and the intensity and drive that showed itself throughout the whole game was something to be very proud of. The connectivity of forwards Chloe Masciantonio, Blank, Hood, and Reilly with their midfielders Paige Dando, junior Anjali Guda, Keana Rodriguez, Peyton DeCarlo, along with the Sayers sisters, Tierney and Reese, is starting to show.
“Veronica Lennon is really starting to get more creative with her offensive abilities through the midfield. The defense has been solid in this young season with seniors Makayla Duncan and Lucciana Krecko, along with juniors Reagan Colgan and Lexi Hartman. The play of sophomore Abby Cheung has been outstanding and has been a great addition to our varsity team. Cheung was also so close to scoring her first varsity point today.
“The goaltending of Hailey Fricke, while not tested too much today, added another shutout to this young season and her first year at the varsity level. That brings her shutout total up to 2, and her goals against average down to 1.75.”
Up next: Bensalem will host Council Rock South Monday, and Harry S Truman will host Neshaminy Monday.
Bensalem 5-2-0-0 7
Harry S Truman 0-0-0-0 0
SOL Colonial Division
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 7, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 2
It’s been quite a week for the defending Colonial Division champions.
Two days after defeating rival Souderton 6-1, the Bucks handed the Titans their first loss of the young season. And if there was any doubts that the Bucks were the team to beat in the division, those doubts were put to rest. Scoring 13 goals against a pair of teams that promise to be two of their toughest competitors made a statement. Five of West’s seven goals in Thursday’s win came on corners, and they established the tone for their most recent win in the first quarter when they scored three goals in the final 6:24 – all three on corners with one each from Claire Demmer, Zola Morelli and Lucy Smith. Ella Tweddale assisted on two of them and Morelli on the other.
South made it a 3-1 game by halftime with a goal by Addison Edwards during corner play in the second quarter, but the second half belonged to the Bucks, who erupted for four goals.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Claire Demmer (CBW) assisted by Ellie Tweddale, 6:24
Zola Morelli (CBW) assisted by Ellie Tweddale, 4:50
Lucy Smith (CBW) assisted by Zola Morelli on a corner, 1:35
Second quarter
Addison Edwards (CBS) assisted by Kaeli Vandersluis, 2:27
Third quarter
Aida Ierubino (CBW) 10:47
Claire Demmer (CBW) assisted by Ellie Tweddale, 3:21
Fourth quarter
Lucy Smith (CBW) assisted by Zola Morelli 11:28
Avery Tyler (CBS) 8:43
Aida Ierubino (CBW) 3:49
By the numbers: Penalty corners: CBW 12, CBS 6; Shots: CBW 16, CBS 10, Goalie saves: Kendra Pitts (CBW) 8, Nora McQueen (CBS) 9.
Central Bucks West coach Lori Ierubino:
–On the game: “It wasn’t our best game despite the score. I thought our effort and play was a bit schizophrenic – really disciplined and skilled at times vs sloppy and reactive at other times. I think it was the result of having to adjust being an athlete and students this first week back to school.”
–Props: “Our offensive corner team did a nice job with execution and finishing. Kendra Pitts continues to be a central force in our defense. After what feels like a really long week, we are happy with our solid league wins and looking forward to starting a new week with the CB East game on Monday.”
Central Bucks South coach Kelli Chioffe:
–On the game: “Another Central Bucks rivalry today. While the game did not go as we wanted it to, we fought hard the entire game against a well-coached and skilled team. CB West has great passing and ball skills. They can throw the ball in the air 30 yards or more.
“The score didn’t show the true game play. They did score three goals on us in the first quarter, but we were able to change things around on defense, and we kept them from scoring in the second quarter. Addison Edwards scored a beautiful shot off corner play when Kaeli VanDerSluis passed her the ball in the second quarter.
“Going into the halftime with the score at 1-3, we knew we were still in it. We continued to fight, and our defense continued to get bombarded by their fierce shots. Avery Tyler, one of our mids, scored in the fourth quarter on an unassisted shot into the left corner of the goal cage.”
–Props: “Avery had an outstanding game today. She really keeps her composure and knows how to get the ball down the sides of the field. Our forwards really stayed strong and really had a number of shots regardless of the score. We will work on some of the things that we struggled with today and continue to BELIEVE in ourselves.”
Up next: Central Bucks West (4-1, 4-0 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks East Monday (7pm), and Central Bucks South (5-1, 2-1) will be on the road at Pennridge Monday (7pm).
Central Bucks West 3-0-2-2 7
Central Bucks South 0-1-0-1 2
NORTH PENN 4, PENNRIDGE 2
Unfazed by the rain and a storm delay, the Knights rallied from a 1-0 deficit to even the score by halftime and then outscored their visitors 3-1 in the second half.
“The Knights bounced back after a loss on Tuesday to CB South by playing team hockey – making strong possession passes and going with speed to goal,” North Penn coach Shannon McCracken said.
Pennridge’s Kayla Verespy and North Penn’s Sam Stone exchanged first-quarter goals.
Back-to-back goals by Paige Shearer and Kylie Barwis in a two-minute spant put the Knights on top 3-1. A goal by Pennridge’s Deegan Smith made it a one-goal game, but Shearer – whose two goals and one assist led the Knights – connected on an insurance goal with a Barwis assist.
Scoring Summary
First quarter
No Score
Second quarter
Kayla Verespy (P) 12:13
Sam Stone (NP) assisted by Paige Shearer 10:10
Third quarter
Paige Shearer (NP) 10:38
Kylie Barwis (NP) 8:45
Deegan Smith (P) 7:25
Fourth quarter
Paige Shearer (NP) assisted by Kylie Barwis, 14:15
By the numbers: Penalty corners: NP 11, P 3; Shots: NP 19, P 7; Goalie saves: Kiley Moister (NP) 5, Charlotte Gozzard (P) 11
North Penn coach Shannon McCracken:
–Props: “Junior back Sophia Arnaiz and midfielders Sam Stone and Devon Crowley played well in transition, keeping the Rams out of the attacking circle for much of the night. The offense was led by Paige Shearer and Kylie Barwis, but freshman Cissy Lewis created a lot of offensive opportunities by forcing fouls in the circle and making great passes.”
Pennridge coach Chris Chookagian:
–On the game: “Each day we are getting 1 percent better, and you can feel the energy shifting every game through each quarter. We are in the right spot, now we are continuing the climb up. North Penn played a great game tonight whistle to whistle. As we get further into the season, we have to keep pushing harder to keep up with our opponents, who are also continually getting better.”
–Props: “What a display by our defensive unit, turning away nine of eleven corner opportunities. And keeping us in the game by stepping up in tough moments”
Up next: Pennridge (2-4, 0-4 SOL) will host Central Bucks South on Monday at 5pm and North Penn will travel to Souderton on Monday at 6:30pm.
Pennridge 0-1-1-0 2
North Penn 0-1-2-1 4
SOL Liberty Division
QUAKERTOWN 5, UPPER DUBLIN 1
Casey Rosenberger connected on a hat trick while Cameron Landis and Penny Longacre each added a goal as the Panthers rolled to their second win of the week.
Scoring summary:
Casey Rosenberger – 3 goals
Cameron Landis – 1 goal, 1 assist
Penny Longacre – 1 goal
Cassidy Landis – 1 assist
Paige Longacre – 1 assist
Cadence Jozelowski – 1 assist
Emma Stalletti – 1 assist
Quakertown coach Peach Draper:
–On the game: “Great team win! We are going to keep the momentum going. Very thankful for everyone working together and trying to fix all the ‘little’ things that make a BIG difference.
–Props: “Shoutout to Casey Rosenberger for a hat trick. She has a great stick and was able to finish big time today. Penny Longacre had an impressive goal with a cross from Emma Stalletti. Cameron Landis added one goal, one assist and was our leader of the defense. Cassidy Landis, Paige Longacre, and Cadence Jozefowski also each added an assist. I am very proud of our unselfish play and how well we did in the circle creating 17 corners and over 30 shots on goal.”
Up next: Quakertown will be on the road at Wissahickon, and Upper Dublin will host Hatboro-Horsham Monday.
WISSAHICKON 2, ABINGTON 1
The Trojans took an early lead on a goal by Regan Szczepkowicz in the opening quarter, and they took that one-goal lead into the third quarter when Sam Farno added a goal. Abington trimmed that lead to 2-1 heading into the final quarter for the final score.
First quarter
Regan Szczepkowicz (W) assisted by Carly Lehman 5:41
Second quarter
No score
Third quarter
Sam Farno (W) 5:05
Maeve Link (A)
Fourth quarter
No Score
Wissahickon coach Hannah Havrilla:
–On the game: “Our goal for today was to focus on playing through every opportunity and taking our free hits quickly once we won possession. It was a true team win, and we continued to play hard right up until the last few minutes.”
–Props: “I would like to give a shoutout to Abington’s goalie, who had an excellent performance. She made several strong saves and played a solid game.”
Up next: Wissahickon will host Quakertown Monday, and Abington will host Plymouth Whitemarsh Monday.
Abington 0-0-1-0 1
Wissahickon 1-0-1-0 2
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 6, HATBORO-HORSHAM 0
Sammy Callan connected for a hat trick, and Emily Dobrowolski added a pair of goals to lead the Colonials’ attack.
Three goalkeepers – Carly Spinner, Claire Carrington and Anna Powel – combined for PW’s first shutout of the young season.
Scoring summary
Sammy Callan – 3 Goals
Emily Dobrowolski – 2 Goals
Gracie Kerns – 1 Goal
Ella Catania – 1 Assist
Carly Spinner – 1 Save
Anna Powel – 1 Save
PW coach Charise Halteman: “PW earned its first shutout of the season with a 6-0 win over Hatboro-Horsham. Sammy Callan started the scoring at the end of the first quarter and led all scorers with three goals. Callan had a great offensive game using a variety of shots and skills to score. Emily Dobrowolski added two goals and Gracie Kerns also found the back of the net. Goalkeepers Carly Spinner, Claire Carrington, and Anna Powel combined for the shutout win.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh will travel to Abington on Monday, and Hatboro-Horsham will be on the road at Abington Monday.
SOL Freedom Division
SPRINGFIELD TWP 2, WILLIAM TENNENT 0
Klara Ochab broke a scoreless tie with a goal just over a minute into the second quarter. Emma Rutkowski added an insurance goal in the third quarter for the Spartans, who had nine shots on goal and seven penalty corners.
Grace Bell was forced to make just two saves in the shutout.
Scoring summary
First half
No score
Second quarter
Klara Ochab (S) 13:30
Third quarter
Emmy Rutkowski (S) 4:05
Springfield Twp coach Brianna Buckley:
–Props: “Klara Ochab and Emmy Rutkowski each played key roles on the offensive end, helping to secure the victory for the Spartans. Molly McGuckin and Ella McLaughlin provided steady support, helping to control possession and create opportunities for Springfield throughout the game.”
Up next: Springfield Twp will host Hatboro-Horsham in a non-league game Friday, and William Tennent will host Lower Moreland Monday.
William Tennent 0-0-0-0 0
Springfield Twp 0-0-1-1 2
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 5, LOWER MORELAND 0
Olivia Conte scored a pair of goals and assisted on another – her first goal in the second quarter stood as the game-winner. Gabi Solis had a hand in two goals, scoring once and assisting on another.
The Lions took a 1-0 lead into halftime and upped that to 2-0 with an unassisted goal in the third period.
In the fourth quarter, the Lions erupted for three goals – one each from Conte, Claire Thomes-Klug and Abby Varghese.
“We started playing a better team possession passing game in the second half,” Lions’ coach Gwen Smith said.
Scoring summary:
First quarter
No score
Second quarter
Olivia Conte (NH-S) assisted by Gabi Solis, 6:31
Third quarter
Gabi Solis (NH-S) 12:51
Fourth quarter
Olivia Conte (NH-S) assisted by Gabi Solis, 7:25
Claire Thomes-Klug (NH-S) 6:03
Abby Varghese (NH-S) from Olivia Conte
Up next: New Hope-Solebury will travel to Cheltenham Monday, and Lower Moreland will be on the road at William Tennent Monday.
New Hope-Solebury 0-1-1-3 5
Lower Moreland 0-0-0-0 0
UPPER MORELAND 6, CHELTENHAM 0
The Golden Bears took a 2-0 lead into the fourth quarter and then blew the game wide open with four unanswered goals. Ella Gould and Soph Riehle each scored a pair of goals while Olivia Torres added a goal and an assist, and Taylor Pagano had two assists. MJ Reilly also contributed a goal.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Soph Riehle (UM) assisted by Taylor Pagano
Second quarter
Ella Gould (UM)
Third quarter
No score
Fourth quarter
Ella Gould (UM) assisted by Gianna Jones
MJ Reilly (UM) assisted by Taylor Pagano
Olivia Torres (UM)
Soph Riehle (UM) assisted by Olivia Torres
Upper Moreland coach Pam Remmey:
–On the game: “The Bears dominated play, but Cheltenham’s defense was tough throughout. The whole first half, we had multiple scoring opportunities but could not connect. Finally, eight minutes into the game, Taylor Pagano sent a strong shot toward goal that Soph Riehle stepped toward to reverse a lifted shot.
“In the second quarter, Ella Gould scored off a rebound at the top of the circle. We have been working on rebounds and Gould, one of our hardest workers, was in perfect position for the rebound, lifting the ball into the mid right of the cage.
“During the second and third quarters, Bridget Hess and Olivia Torres were dominant and relentless in their pressure in the middle. Both are 10th graders playing more maturely than their years and controlling play.
“In the third quarter, Cheltenham’s strong goaltending and strong defense in the circle, did not allow a Bears score.
“It was evident in the fourth quarter, that the Bears extra conditioning paid off. We were able to be more dominant in the stretch and ended up scoring four goals in the fourth quarter to end the game.
“Another 10th grader, Taylor Pagano, is improving every game as a right midfielder, and she got her second assist on a goal by MJ Reilly.
“Scoring continued with Gianna Jones assisting Ella Gould, Olivia Torres scoring from the top of the circle and finished with Riehle scoring her second with an assist from Torres.
“Defensively, Abby Kelly had her best game of the season, working hard to not let the ball into our defensive end. Charlotte Russo also did a great job playing strong in multiple positions.”
Up next: Upper Moreland will host Springfield Twp Monday, and Cheltenham will host Chichester in a non-league game Friday.
Cheltenham 0-0-0-0 0
Upper Moreland 1-1-0-4 6
About the Author
