Check out Andrew Robinson’s preview capsules for SOL girls’ soccer teams in action in the District 1 Tournament that begins Tuesday. Photos courtesy of John Gleeson. To visit the Photo Gallery: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f405978483
Class 4A
No. 2 Pennridge Rams (Opening round bye)
– Faces winner of No. 15 Central Bucks West and No. 18 Boyertown
The Rams added an eighth straight SOL title to their ledger, capturing the SOL Colonial title, now all attention turns to the postseason. Last year’s state runner-up, Pennridge has designs on a return trip to Cumberland Valley in November, but there’s work to do first in order to get into the state tournament. Led by a senior class that does not lack motivation or experience, their last run starts on Thursday.
Pennridge
– 17-0-1 record (15-0-1 SOL Colonial)
– SOL Colonial champion
– Team’s defense is again its backbone, anchored in the middle by senior Anna Croyle at center back. Senior Hannah Primwhere holds the other center back spot, Meredith Blannett is at right back and left back can be filled by seniors Casey Malone or Lindsey Balmer. Sophomore keeper Seretha DeMoss holds it down behind them.
– Senior-laden front line is potent, led by Seton Hall recruit Tori Angelo, Hailey Primwhere and either Balmer or Malone. Group has plenty of speed and brings effort to check back on defense. Riley Williams, Caitlyn Peace and Gabriella Howley can give a spell at any forward spot.
– Midfield group is deep, led by seniors Liv Grenda, Sophie Craig and Ava Kiwak. Grenda has been on a roll offensively while Craig has been chalking up assists and Kiwak is a tough ball-winner. Addy Mills and Jessie Moylan add depth to the group.
No. 17 Perkiomen Valley at No. 16 Plymouth Whitemarsh
– Winner faces No. 1 Conestoga
A first-round home game was the goal for PW coach TJ DeLucia and his nine seniors in August. PW’s been a robust team all year, relying on a tough defense, some excellent goalkeeping and a proficiency to score off set pieces. Perk Valley retooled quickly under first-year coach Kaitlyn Dougherty, replacing a large senior class and qualifying for the PAC playoffs.
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
– 10-6-2 record (9-5-2 SOL Liberty)
– Senior Caitlyn Dinh is a game-changer in goal. The RIT recruit is athletic and can make the brilliant saves, but also commands her area well and cuts down plenty of threats before they develop. A mainstay in goal, Dinh would like to add a playoff win to her resume before her career ends.
– Back line commanded by senior captain Bri Reynolds, an Iona lacrosse recruit, with Meg Wendler, Haley O’Hara and Katie Lukens forming a tough-minded wall of defense in front of the goal.
– Midfield features a good mix of veterans and underclassmen, with sophomores Marleigh Burton, Maddie McLaughlin and Maddie McGuckien both tenacious on either side of the ball and good off set pieces. Senior Abby Boegner and sophomore Olivia Budin always play scrappy and junior Liv Reilly gives good depth in a variety of roles.
– Forward line paced by underclassmen. Freshman Maddi Lazaroff, one of the team assist leaders, creates chances with set pieces and a long throw while freshman Mia Baron and sophomore Keira Whalen are constantly around the ball.
Perkiomen Valley Vikings
-11-7-1 record (7-5-1 PAC)
– Experience in the midfield behind senior anchors Gianna Corroplese and Rain Boyd.
– Front line has some skill and is capable around goal paced by senior Mia Milleo and sophomore Giavanna Marciano. Freshman Brianna Young can be a threat as well
– Junior Madi Lindsay anchors the back line in front of keeper Olivia Hulayew, who is a second-year starter.
No. 25 Avon Grove at No. 8 Central Bucks East
Last year, the Patriots had to go all the way down to Avon Grove in the second round and came back with an upset win over the Devils. Now playing the hosts, East will try to avoid allowing Avon Grove to repay the favor. With a terrific defense backing up some talented underclassmen up top, last year’s district runner-up is viewing a similar run. Avon Grove graduated a good bit from last season but is still a program used to playing late October games.
Central Bucks East Patriots
– 13-3-2 record (11-2-2 SOL Colonial)
– Team is led by its veteran defense, which has yielded multiple goals on just two occasions this fall. Seniors Sophie Schorn and Katie Bullard lock down center back while senior Grace Craig and junior Jessie Bernabe excel at defending and getting into the attack. Savannah Hayes can fill in any spot if needed.
– Mae Leedy and Arralyn Patterson share time in goal, both plenty capable of making big saves and are in tune with their defenders.
– Senior Sofia Mignon, an NJIT recruit, is a wall at holding mid and a capable scorer if given the chance. Freshmen Ava Mignon and Kiera Sleicher are aggressive going forward and can create for themselves or others. Madelyn Hill provides good minutes off the bench.
– Freshman Mia Forney just buzzes around the goal with hustle and energy. Wingers Julia Santanello and Stella Genin are good on the ball and put the ball in the right places for their teammates to take advantage of.
Avon Grove Devils
– 10-8-0 record
– Seniors Mary Kate Walker and Eden Veenema were First Team All Chest-Mont selections last season.
– Abby MacDonald controls play as a center midfielder while senior Sydney Correll roves up top as a forward.
No. 24 Neshaminy at No. 9 Abington
The last week of the regular season proved crucial for both these teams, albeit for different reasons. Neshaminy, the reigning District 1 4A champ, was firmly on the bubble before a pair of big wins assured them a chance to defend their title. Abington saw itself go from second place to SOL Liberty champion in a matter of days and now begins its quest to make a push for states.
Abington Ghosts
– 13-4-1 (13-2-1 SOL Liberty)
– SOL Liberty champion
– Midfield has solidified itself after a number of injuries to be an all-around solid unit. Senior Kara Slavin fills all kinds of roles on attack and defensively while senior Maddie Egan controls the flow of play as a passer. Senior Jocelyn Pollock has solidified the group at holding mid.
– Front line is very capable, led by senior twins Piper and Harper McGinley. Piper is a capable scorer from run of play or set pieces, while Harper can create out wide. Addison Doyle, Hannah Gilchrist and Nya Riggs give Abington options up top or out wide.
– Sara Kaeser and Madison Oldham anchor the back line with Peyton Farrabaugh adding pace at outside back. Olivia Capps is also a factor with her long throw-in. Alicia Martino will likely start in goal due to an injury to Addy Hayden
Neshaminy Redskins
– 10-7-1 (9-6-1 SOL Patriot)
– Junior Abby Collins has been a keystone player for a roster that’s undergone plenty of chance. A tenacious tackler, Collins has also emerged as a go-to scorer with a high IQ and fearless approach.
– Midfield also gets support from Cassidy Tweedie and Anna Axenroth.
– Freshman Alexis Barnes has taken command in goal. Senior Carly Hock-Smith leads a tough back line that also includes Sierra Cofer, Ava Hood and Keira Siwinski. Hood has a big leg for set pieces as well.
– Bri Garyah and Allie Ortman supply a mix of speed and technical play up top, both also able to drop back and play a supporting role. They’ve connected well all season to create and finish chances.
No. 23 Central Bucks South at No. 10 Hatboro-Horsham
The Hatters are used to playing at this juncture of the season, but it’s new territory for this group of Titans as South makes its first district appearance since 2018. HH saw its season end on its home field in the first round last year, and its strong senior class wants to avoid a repeat.
Hatboro-Horsham Hatters
– 12-4-2 record (12-2-2 SOL Liberty)
– Senior Emma Levin is a game-changer in midfield. The Towson recruit often only needs a brief window to fire a shot, creates chances with set pieces and can blast long-range goals off free kicks. She draws plenty of attention but is a more than capable passer.
– Hard-working defense has a strong anchor in center back Jordyn Harris while senior keeper Alyssa Tooley will rack up saves in goal. Natalie Tocci brings energy at outside back and Madison Duggan does the same on the opposite flank.
– Senior Sarah Roesing, a West Chester recruit, brings toughness as a center back or holding mid. Sarah Boland and Lily Harvey help stretch the field out wide. Senior Kitty Randa is a good target up top, putting in work to get the ball and a capable finisher with her foot or her head.
Central Bucks South Titans
– 8-8-2 record (7-7-2 SOL Colonial)
– Kelly Donnelly gave the offense a big spark after coming up from JV. Riley Karpinski is strong on the ball and is a scoring threat from outside the 18, on the flanks and in close.
– Abbie Bass, Monika Daly, Tessa Hughes and Morgan Hughes have been consistent contributors. Olivia Wade is a tough-minded center midfielder who always battles for the ball.
– Alana Peev, Megan Schmidt and Brooke Hall have led the back line during the season.
No. 20 Council Rock North at No. 13 William Tennent
-Winner faces No. 4 Spring-Ford
The SOL Patriot winner faces the SOL Freedom winner in one of three all-SOL first round matchups. Injuries, inconsistency and overtimes, just so many overtimes, defined the season for CR North, which started to get healthy in the final weeks and has a group that’s faced postseason tests before. The Panthers are back in the postseason for the first time since the abbreviated 2020 season, with a senior class eager to add onto a division title.
Council Rock North Indians
-11-5-2 record (9-5-2 SOL Patriot)
– SOL Patriot champion
– Solid midfield saw its depth restored late in the season. Sara Tyler, Audrey Rogan and Sydney Linus are a strong central trio good at connecting passes with Lexi Fischer, Taylor Fischer and Isabel Diaz adding pace and a dimension out wide.
– Defense is solid in front of senior keeper Mairin Coghlin. Audrey Thomson, Kinsley Smith, Amber Yuan and Ottavia Copestick work well together to win the ball, cover for each other and are always looking to send the ball forward to ignite an attack.
– Junior Mia Cairone, a Penn State recruit, is a force in front of goal. With a quick first step, one touch can put her toward goal and it often pays off with a finish.
William Tennent Panthers
– 14-4-0 (12-4-0 SOL Freedom)
– SOL Freedom champion
– Senior Emily Ehresmann, in her first season of high school soccer, has been a controlling presence in net and has helped shape a robust defensive unit.
– Veteran defense led by seniors Theresa Ditri, Tori Dolt and Jess Villada. Ditri is also a scoring threat on free kicks and shots from range and can push forward if needed.
– Kaitlyn Frank, Brielle Langford and Page Marek form the core of the midfield. Senior Maddie Hughes and Bailey Kasner line up wide and Lia Jablonowski works up top at forward.
No. 18 Boyertown at No. 15 Central Bucks West
Road warriors in last year’s memorable postseason run, the Bucks have earned the chance to start this year’s quest at War Memorial Field. Injuries plagued the group throughout the year but in typical West fashion, whoever was available went out and gave max effort every game. Boyertown comes out of the always-competitive PAC, so the Bears will be ready.
Central Bucks West Bucks
– 11-5-1 (11-4-1 SOL Colonial)
– Senior Kate Weyer, a VCU recruit, is a do-it-all workhorse in center midfield as the anchor of a unit that’s dealt with plenty of injuries but is formidable when healthy.
– Emery Sterling and Mackenzie Gausch bring plenty of energy to the midfield. Ashley Lott and Rian Detweiler constantly get after the ball up top and are a threat on the counter.
– Determined defense is led by senior Ava Brunner and sees plenty of gutsy wins from Janelle Blokker, Cece Funseth and Kira Winn every time out. Cam Nocito is a commander in goal who is plenty sure-handed when called upon for saves.
Boyertown Bears
– 9-8-0 record
– Senior Alina Friz and junior Harper Glennon are the primary scoring options up top.
– Goalkeeper Ciera Cameron controls the defense.
No. 21 Council Rock South at No.12 Downingtown West
The Golden Hawks are no strangers to the postseason, although the same is true for the Whippets. CR South has played plenty of close matches this fall and has a veteran team that can handle a long trip to get things started. Downingtown West has faced its share of challenges too and this seems like a match where seedings don’t matter.
Downingtown West Whippets
– 12-5-1 record
– Youthful attack features sophomore Olivia Primianti and freshman Amayah Alston
– Junior Kiersten Deamer is a capable keeper in goal.
– Seniors Lily Pitcherella and Ava Young and junior Ella Jahromi lead the team as captains.
Council Rock South Golden Hawks
– 9-5-3 (8-5-3 SOL Patriot)
– Dynamic midfield is led by junior Kathryn O’Kane in an attacking role while junior Fiona Reckner, senior Lily Bross and sophomore Gianna Kirlin aren’t afraid to take on defenders out wide and can stretch the field at will.
– Juliette Salvi, Katelyn Deal, Maggie Kane and Jenna Waterman have solidified the back line and are confident carrying the ball up the pitch. Ella Mayberry is very solid in goal and commands the 18-yard box well.
– Senior Cam Blatz is a relentless worker up top, able to take the ball at defenders directly or put herself in position to finish off passes from teammates. The forward will drop back to press the ball and has scored plenty of big goals.
No. 26 North Penn at No. 7 West Chester Henderson
It wasn’t the start but the finish for the Knights, as an inexperienced group came together near midseason and went on a run to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. An energetic side, North Penn has certainly found its confidence heading into the playoffs. Henderson, after an uncharacteristic season that saw them open on the road last fall, returned to the top of the Ches-Mont standings.
West Chester Henderson Warriors
– 13-2-2 record
– Senior Morgan Chiazza, a First Team All-Ches-Mont selection last fall, is a playmaker who has stood out as both a scorer and a facilitator this fall.
– Henderson has versatility on the attacking end, with Kaitlyn Miller, Kendall Sliney and Jackie Kincaide all contributing goals and assists. Ellie Knapp is also a frequent contributor
– Keeper Allison Werner anchors a defense that has posted eight shutouts this fall. Junior Maura Fisher is a tough center back who also factors plenty on the attacking end as both a finisher and facilitator.
North Penn Knights
– 8-8-2 record (7-7-2 SOL Colonial)
– Junior Maddy Murphy, a Buffalo recruit, has been a talisman offensively. The forward is quick to the ball, reads the play well and is a composed finisher while also possessing plenty of range to test keepers.
– Senior Sam Ridler has been a wall in goal, playing aggressive and with confidence. Defensively, Gardenia Mikhail, Emily Patkos and Jadyn Sperling have come together and were playing their best as a unit over the final weeks of the season.
– Keira Sparango and Izzy Kee are the leaders in the midfield, with Kee holding the line in front of the defense and Sparango distributing the ball. Izzy Ault has played a number of good balls for assists. Paula Fernandez brings pressure and fellow freshmen Madi Morrow and Paige Gladfelter give good minutes.
No. 27 Quakertown at No. 6 Lower Merion
The Panthers found their stride late in the season and are a sure bet to come in organized and energized. A tough group, Lower Merion has built itself into a top program in the district, often pushing for a high seed and opening at home but still looking for a prolonged playoff run to go with it.
Lower Merion Aces
– 13-2-2 record
– Rigid defense had 12 shutouts this fall. Sophomore goalkeeper Kate Cantu, a first team All-Central League selection last fall, anchors the unit while juniors Casey Forman and Harper Morse and senior Alex Dore are the core of the back line.
– Midfield is heavy on underclassmen who have performed well. Group includes junior Carolyn Kelly, sophomore Alexa Braslow and freshmen Nieve Clifford and Eloise Gerson.
– Sophomore Dylan Steinberg is an all-league threat on the wing while senior Kylee Gust and freshman Harper Gust combine well up top.
Quakertown Panthers
– 7-9-2 record (6-8-2 SOL Liberty)
– Ashlyn Calabria is a burner on the flank, able to use her speed to create scoring chances. Junior Rachel McMonagle has been a clutch scorer all season, combining well with Calabria.
– The defense of senior Carlee Roesener, junior Madison Taylor, sophomore Anna Greenday and sophomore Jewel Renshaw don’t give up anything easy in front of freshman keeper Sophia Barrett.
– Junior Taylor Kletzing and sophomore Faith Greenday can fill a variety of midfield roles. Senior Grace Maceri, junior Kayla Glaeser and senior Lauren Harwick always look to boost their team in whatever role is asked of them.
No. 28 Wissahickon at No. 5 Garnet Valley
The Trojans wrapped up their regular season with a visit to Garnet Valley and will start the postseason with the same trip. Wiss got off to a slow start but did find its stride just past the midseason mark and fought for its spot in the playoffs. Garnet Valley made the jump many expected, the Jaguars getting some playoff reps as a young group last year and turning that into a terrific regular season.
Garnet Valley Jaguars
-15-2-1 record
– Forwards Madelyn Smith, a South Carolina Upstate recruit, and Ella Bryan are a handful, both bringing speed and finishing ability at the top of the GV formation.
– Decisive midfield led by centers Maura Mellides and Kamryn Sarmento. Outside mid Kylie Mulholland, Sylvia Behl and Chrissy Dragoni also fly around the ball and left back Olivia Perry will get involved in the attack.
Wissahickon Trojans
-7-9-2 record (7-7-2 SOL Liberty)
– Senior Lannah Werynski and junior Emma Greenberg have grown into their roles as go-to scorers, both bringing a high work rate and ability to attack from different parts of the field.
– Lucy Greenstein, a senior, has helped solidify the back line in front of junior goalkeeper Olivia Lore – who has returned to form after missing last season due to injury. Gillian Blight, Ellie Stein and Lainey Werynski form up the back line.
– Kendall Dries and Lila Marciniak stretch the field on the wings, and both can challenge the keeper. Ryan Matt, Sophia Stelik, Emily Kim and Julia D’Aquanno will take shifts in the center of the field for Wiss.
Class 3A
No. 9 Marple Newtown at No. 8 Upper Moreland
It’s a rematch of the first round from a year ago as the Tigers once again visit the Golden Bears. UM will be looking for a different outcome however, following a 2-1 loss last fall. An experienced group has put together a strong season for the Bears with a solid defense and capable scorers up top.
– Winner faces No. 1 Upper Perk
Upper Moreland Golden Bears
– 10-7-1 record (8-7-1 SOL Freedom)
– Senior Willow Taylor leads a highly productive attacking unit that also gets plenty of contributions from Kyra Favors and Brooke Lobban. The trio is extremely effective combining with and playing off each other.
– Gracie Costello has been strong in her first season starting at goalkeeper. Devin Bush, Molly Meakim and Annalise Messina are tenacious defenders in front of her.
– Maggie Brophy and Madeline Cox lead a deep midfield group that features Leah King, Keiley Hawk, Steph Jones, Mickie Soroka, and Deanna Swedberg who can all step in and give quality minutes.
No. 10 Springfield Twp at No. 7 Villa Maria Academy
The Spartans are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021, albeit in Class 3A over 2A. A large group of seniors under first-year coach Marissa Conover put together a nice season and will have the opportunity to continue it. Springfield Twp’s got plenty of experience and firepower.
Springfield Twp Spartans
– 9-6-3 record (7-6-3 SOL Freedom)
– Senior Kaleigh Evans, an Ursinus recruit, has made a career out of scoring goals. The forward netted her 50th career marker in the regular season finale and she’s done it at a consistent clip over her four years playing with the Spartans.
– Alana Decker and Kalei Noonan add extra punch to the attack, both able to contribute directly as scorers or through assists. Shannon Silvius and Zhanna Ivanick work hard in the middle and Fiona Rizzo and Sam McDevitt will play out wide.
– Goalkeeper Grace Dailey leads the defensive unit, which features Murphy McGranaghan, Sophie Williamson, Maddie McDevitt and Tess Talbot.
Class 2A
No. 2 New Hope-Solebury vs No. 1 MaST Charter
A win over Collegium Charter on the last day of the season vaulted New Hope-Solebury into the district postseason. With one more win, they’d have an opportunity to play the District 12 champion for a spot in states, but in order to do so, they’ll have to get by the top seed first.
New Hope-Solebury
– 3-15-0 overall (2-14-0 SOL)
– Junior Mia Usatin is the engine for the Lions. An honorable mention All-SOL pick last season, she controls the flow of play and can put the ball in the back of the net. Nina Meixler adds more experience for New Hope-Solebury
About the Author
