Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Friday.
Patriot Division
Pennsbury 3, Bensalem 0
After one postponement after another, the Owls and Falcons were back in action.
“After having both of our games canceled earlier in the week due to the current heatwave, we were scheduled to play on Thursday,” Bensalem coach Gary Kubik said. “That game also was postponed by the weather.”
When they finally got to play their rescheduled game on Friday, the game was just as hot as the temperature. Bensalem trailed 1-0 at halftime, but Pennsbury finished their job and handed the Owls their second loss of this young season with a 3-0 victory.
“We have yet to get our offense on track but have sustained some pressure, and some corners in these first two games,” Kubik said. “The midfield and defense certainly played better than their first outing against Council Rock South.
“We are being led, both on and off the field by their three exceptional captains Megan Klein, Giuliana Pasquerella, and Kaila DeWees. This is a new team, with a new coaching staff and twelve incoming freshmen, but we’re making strides, albeit small ones, and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”
(Article submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
It had been nine days since the Pennsbury field hockey team faced an opponent. The post-Labor Day heat wave that scorched our county forced the Falcons indoors searching for creative ways to prepare for the next game.
“Coming off of our loss to Neshaminy, we were working really hard to focus on specifics and fine tune some pieces of our game,” said Falcons’ coach Traci Curtis. “We were getting into a groove and then the thermometer exploded and we had to adjust.
“Sometimes the best laid plans don’t work out and this was a great lesson in being able to pivot, and more importantly, take advantage of what’s in front of you. Being forced to work indoors in a smaller space is so beneficial in addition to taking time to address the mental side of our game. Our coaching staff got really creative this week. The girls were so ready to play today and release the pent-up energy.”
The Falcons did not waste any time scoring as senior Chelsea Todd (assisted by senior Lily Abraham) scored at the 12-minute mark of the first quarter. Abraham connected beautifully to finish the play that Todd started, and that goal would end up the only goal of the first half.
Bensalem played tough defense throughout the game, especially in the second and fourth quarters, where they held the Falcons scoreless.
“We were not satisfied with our ability to finish in the circle and did not feel safe with only a 1-0 lead at halftime,” Curtis said. “Bensalem is a gritty team and they never let down. They can be sneaky and strong at just the right times so we knew we had to step it up and expect more from each other.”
Six minutes into the third quarter, freshman Ryan Burdette gave the Falcons a 2-goal cushion off a pass from junior Riley Askey.
“After an incredible passing sequence up the field, Askey made a selfless pass at the perfect moment to hit Burdette and Burdette moved the goalie and connected with strength,” Curtis said. “It was awesome to see practiced skills come to life in the game like that.”
Todd gave Pennsbury a 3-goal lead on a nice shot with 1:30 left in the third. The goalie got a piece of it, but Todd hit it hard enough to make it count.
That would prove to be the final goal of the game as Bensalem’s defense held Pennsbury to the end.
“We had some real shining moments and other moments that proved we still have more work to do,” said Curtis. “We are happy with the win, but hungry for more.”
Pennsbury (2-1 Patriot Division, 3-1 overall) will take that hunger with them as they travel to Council Rock South at 3:30 pm Tuesday. Bensalem falls to 0-3 (0-3) and will visit Harry S Truman at 3:0 pm Tuesday.
Pennsbury 1-0-2-0 3
Bensalem 0-0-0-0 0
Colonial Division
North Penn 1, Souderton 1
Longtime rivals North Penn and Souderton were knotted at halftime before the remainder of the game was called off due to the inclement weather. As a result, the game will go down as a 1-1 tie.
“It was disappointing to not play the full game today,” said North Penn coach Shannon McCracken. “We always have great games with Souderton. We started a bit slow as a team not quite connecting with our possessions as well as we had in our previous games.
“So far this season we have turned it on in the second half, scoring many of our goals in the third and fourth quarters. It was challenging to not have that opportunity today. Each game is a learning experience and we need to improve on a better and faster start.”
North Penn opened the scoring with 13:39 left in the first half when Kylie Barwis converted a setup from Grace McGeehan.
Souderton netted the equalizer just over three minutes later when Ashley Paturzo scored to make it 1-1.
“Our games against North Penn are always super-competitive,” said Souderton coach Sue Casciato, whose defending Colonial Division Champions were decimated on offense via graduation and injury. “They’re especially tough on their home turf. Their field is really fast compared to ours and I think that gives North Penn an advantage on offensive corners. North Penn has a nice passing game, which is still a work in progress for us. We’re still experimenting with a lot of different lineups, but I’m encouraged by the improvement we’ve shown recently.”
North Penn moves to 1-1-1 in the Colonial Division (2-1-1 overall). The Knights will visit Central Bucks South for a 7 pm game Monday. Souderton stands at 0-1-1 (0-3-1) and will look to earn its first victory of the season when it visits Central Bucks East for a 5 pm Tuesday game.
North Penn 0-1 1
Souderton 0-1 1
Non-league
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 4, FAITH CHRISTIAN 1
Emma Yoder connected for a hat trick – all in the second quarter – to lead the Spartans to the non-league win.
Gabi Maletta added a goal in the fourth quarter, using a Yoder assist.
The Spartans held a 15-1 advantage in shots on goal.
Springfield Twp (4-1, 2-1 SOL) will travel to Lower Moreland on Tuesday.
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