(Kayla Stressman photo provided courtesy of North Penn girls’ lacrosse)
Non-league
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 9, NORTH PENN 7
In a tightly contested non-league battle, it was the Colonials eking out the hard-fought win.
“The game went back and forth,” PW coach Ellen Reilly said. “North Penn took a 2-0 lead. PW had opportunities but did not put the ball in the cage.
“Eventually, PW tied it up at 2-2. North Penn capitalized on the draw and took another two-goal lead, making it 4-2. PW gained some momentum and took a one-goal lead into half.”
That same pattern continued in the second half.
“Coming out at halftime, North Penn scored to tie it up,” Reilly said. “But PW gained possession of the draw and worked their plays with patience and took a four-goal lead on great hustle by Olivia Reilly and Maita Jayo. Bri Reynolds had a key draw control and a goal to help in the four-goal lead.”
Despite opening up what seemed like a commanding four-goal advantage, the game was far from over.
“North Penn had opportunities to come back,” Reilly said. “PW received two yellow cards in the span of a minute-and-a-half. PW played some good team defense and hustled to gain possession of the ball during the penalties and were able to run the clock out.”
Reilly credited the defensive play of Kaylin Smyth, Katie Lukens, Bri Reynolds and Kaiane Jayo.
Liv Reilly and Maita Jayo each had a hat trick to lead the Colonials’ attack. Bri Reynolds added a pair of goals. Meghan Wendler had one goal
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Lauren Blanch’s three goals and four draw controls led the Knights. Kayla Stressman added two goals – her first vaulted her to the 100-point milestone. She also had three draw controls.
“Kayla has played an important role on this team for the last three years – whether scoring, assisting, or collecting draw controls,” North Penn coach Heather Mellow said. “It’s unfortunate she didn’t have her freshman year (due to Covid) because I know she would have easily hit these big milestones last year.
“She is also knocking on the door of 200 draw controls and 100 goals. Kayla is such a graceful player and fun to watch play. Excited to see her finally get her 100th point.”
Also for the Knights, Katie Harkins added a goal and assist while Quinn Rodoff had one goal and Morgan Rodoff added one assist.
Victoria Rossi was credited with nine saves in goal for the Knights.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-2, 2-4 SOL) will host Cheltenham on Monday, and North Penn (3-4, 2-1) will travel to Central Bucks East for a 7 p.m. contest.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 5-4 9
North Penn 4-3 7
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