Class 5A playback
#2 MARPLE NEWTOWN 50, #3 UPPER MORELAND 35
The Golden Bears fell behind early, trailing by five after one quarter, and they were on the short end of a 32-18 score at the intermission. They never were able to make up the ground they lost and saw their successful season come to an end.
“This is our first time in playbacks, and it’s hard to really know how players will respond trying to refocus after losing a playoff game,” UM coach Matt Carroll said. “Our girls were great the last two days. They were focused. They had great energy the last two days at practice.
“The game tonight didn’t reflect their mindset going into the game. We knew we would have a tough time matching up with them man-to-man so we played zone. Our zone defense wasn’t bad for the most part, but with no shot clock, they can be as patient as you want and wait for a good shot. Any time we had a slip up they made us pay. That team is really good and is one of the better 5A teams.”
EmmyFaith Wood and Holly Gohl both had nine points to lead the Golden Bears. Kiera Coyle added eight points.
“Having your season come to an end earlier than you want always stinks, but I couldn’t be more proud of these girls and coaches,” Carroll said. “They work so hard, do whatever we ask, and are the nicest kids.
“They have so much to be proud of this season, but I hope this postseason motivates them to really want to take the next step. We have seen firsthand what it takes to beat the better teams. Now we have to go make it happen.”
Upper Moreland closed out its season with a 17-7 record. The Golden Bears captured the SOL Freedom Division title with a 13-3 record.
Upper Moreland 13-5-6-11 35
Marple Newtown 18-14-8-10 50
Upper Moreland (35) – Alyssa Wiley 1 0-0 2; EmmyFaith Wood 4 0-0 9; Kiera Coyle 2 2-2 8; Marie Meyers 1 0-0 2; Holly Gohl 4 0-0 9; Emma Hurley 2 0-0 5. TOTALS 14 2-2 35.
Marple Newtown (30) – Mary O’Brien 3 3-4 11; Haley Levy 6 2-3 16; Ellie DiBona 1 0-0 3; Nikki Mostardi 4 3-6 14; Brooke Impriano 3 0-0 6. TOTALS 17 8-13 50.
3-point goals: UM – Kiera Coyle 2, EmmyFaith Wood, Holly Gohl, Emma Hurley; MN – Nikki Mostardi 3, Mary O’Brien 2, Haley Levy 2, Ellie DiBona.
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