Pennridge, Pennsbury, CR South & North Penn were winners in girls’ soccer in Thursday’s District One 4A second round. Pennsbury/Neshaminy photos provided courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography.
#1 Pennridge 3, #16 Great Valley 0
Despite waiting nearly a week between games, the top-seeded Rams didn’t look like they’d missed a beat.
Keyed by another strong outing from senior midfield duo Chance Hendricks and Maddie Anderson and inspired efforts from Leah Malone and Lindsey DeHaven, Pennridge set the terms of engagement and never let up on their home pitch.
“We had a quick start and not having not played since last Friday, we thought we might need a couple minutes to get ourselves moving a little bit,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. “Leah Malone ran everywhere and Emily Kriney as well, the pressure those two put on was incredible, but once we started hitting crossbars, that’s how I thought our luck was going to go tonight.”
For all its pressure and shots, the Rams weren’t able to score on the No. 16 seed until late in the first half. After Hendricks won a ball, she played it out to freshman Zoe Sabol who lofted a service into the box.
Malone made a late run off the opposite wing, beating the keeper to the ball and touching it home for a 1-0 lead.
Hendricks made it 2-0 when she blasted in a rebound after Maddie Anderson’s shot was blocked in the box.
Great Valley tried to avoid the middle of the field as much as possible, but the senior duo still managed a major impact on the game.
“Chance and Maddie have been the glue that holds our backs and forwards together,” coach Anderson said. “When they connect with each other, it’s so hard for other teams to keep up with that. The little one-touch passes and give-and-goes with each other and they’re out of pressure just like that. It’s really, really fun to watch them play when they connect like that.”
DeHaven was a hub of offense all game but couldn’t seem to get a finish for herself despite a horde of chances. Finally, thanks to a well-served ball by Maddie Anderson, the junior got one, flicking home a quality finish after bringing down Anderson’s pass.
“She’s a great target,” coach Anderson said of DeHaven. “She can do so many different things and it’s easy to play off her too. She’s always looking to connect that next pass or take a shot, and she was really good tonight at separating herself from the last defender and got quite a few shots.”
Pennridge (17-1-1, 10-1-1 SOL) will host No. 9 Council Rock South in a quarterfinal on Saturday. While the teams met in the season opener with Pennridge winning 3-1, both teams have grown significantly since then.
“We have a lot of girls who haven’t been in this situation before so for them to get their feet wet with a win is huge,” Anderson said. “It’s only going to get tougher the rest of the way. Now it comes down to who’s going to be mentally tough, physically tough, who wants it and who is going to finish those set pieces, just the little things.”
PENNRIDGE 2 1 – 3
GREAT VALLEY 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Leah Malone, Chance Hendricks, Lindsey DeHaven
#5 Pennsbury 2, #12 Neshaminy 0
For the second straight season, the SOL National archrivals met in a win-or-go-home second round game.
Pennsbury, which had a first round bye, used its time to prepare for the challenge.
“Having a week of practice before a playoff game can become tedious or distracting, but the team had an incredible week that was so focused and dedicated to getting better,” co-head coach Kaitlyn Battiste said. “The girls took advantage of the time to prepare themselves not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
“They know that the opponent doesn’t matter if they are playing at their best. There was no fear in seeing a familiar opponent and only a new level of commitment to one another and achieving their goals.”
Neshaminy on the other hand, played 80 minutes of regulation against Radnor in Tuesday’s rain before returning to the pitch Wednesday for a 30-minute overtime and penalty kicks.
While the schedule did them no favors, the Redskins found the energy to battle Pennsbury to a scoreless tie at halftime.
“Tough loss for us,” Neshaminy coach Renny Papendick said. “We had opportunities in the first half and didn’t capitalize.”
At the half, Falcons co-head coach Kim Lindemann brought some new ideas to the team and challenged the players to respond.
“Coach Lindemann presented the team with a solution we hadn’t tried at any other point this season,” Battiste said. “She reminded the girls of their responsibilities but also demanded that they find that next level.
“When they went out to start the second half, the momentum changed drastically and there was a unified belief that we would not be defeated.”
Freshman Taylor Mays was a difference-maker for Pennsbury in the second half.
“Taylor Mays, playing in her first playoff game against a team who knows and respects her talent, couldn’t be stopped,” Battiste said. “She didn’t have to put the ball into the back of the net to make a difference. She kept their defense off balance, earned the penalty and assisted on the second goal.”
Pennsbury was awarded a penalty kick in the second half that senior co-captain Rosie Bostian buried for the 1-0 lead.
Papendick felt the whistle on the PK turned the tide of the match.
“After looking at video there was clearly no foul, (it) changed the game,” the Redskins’ coach said. “I’m bummed for our players but proud of the girls and their efforts.”
Battiste felt every player on the field and even on the sidelines played a role in Thursday’s victory.
“Juniors Bella Arcuri and Sarah Lohrey were incredible on defense, while Em Welsh took ownership of the midfield,” Battiste said. “Gianna Durle sealed the victory with a great, composed finish in front of the goal.”
Battise listed sophomores Sarah Tuohy, Kayla Karamis, and Darrien Furiness as game-changers and credited seniors Anna Lobanov, Maddie Karabell, and Kate Hansen for providing a lift from the bench.
“Our seniors used their experience to lead their teammates from anywhere they could,” Battiste said. “Although they didn’t see the field, their energy had the entire sideline ready for whatever the game presented.”
On the field, the Falcons’ seniors again carried the team from every part of the field.
“Erika Hansen earned another shutout in goal as Ashley Conlow’s relentless defending shut down Neshaminy’s attacking threats in the final third,” Battiste said. “Evie Ciaccia stayed active throughout the entire game and had her greatest moments moving off of the ball and creating opportunities for her teammates.
“Ultimately, Ro and Gabby Zalot ensured that whoever was out on the pitch was going to have an impact. They got their teammates involved on the attack with excellent distribution and also stepped up when we needed the offense to come from them. Gabby kept the defense honest with a few shots just missing and Rosie executed on her PK to open up the scoring.”
Pennsbury (16-2-1, 11-1 SOL) will host No. 13 North Penn in a quarterfinal on Saturday. Neshaminy (7-4-1 SOL) closed out its season with a 13-6-1 record.
PENNSBURY 0 2 – 2
NESHAMINY 0 0 – 0
Goals: P – Rosie Bostian (PK), Gianna Durle
#9 Council Rock South 3, #8 Hatboro-Horsham 0
The Golden Hawks just missed out on a first-round playoff bye, but they were road warriors all season and kept up that habit on Thursday.
“We possessed really well – used the width from the beginning and stressed finding feet to get after defenders,” Hawks coach Nick Heim said. “They play a compact defense so we wanted to spread them out a bit.”
Sammy Jones and Jordi Rubakh continued their stellar play in the attacking end, with Rubakh netting a brace and Jones assisting a pair of goals.
“We knew they’d come out aggressive – they’re a good team,” Heim said. “They put together a great record, and under the lights at their place, we knew they would come out firing. We preached being patient to find the openings and wanted to play feet more often.”
A set piece led to the opening goal when Jones found Aubrey Hondros, who drew the foul, on the end of a free kick.
“They answered with strong play and we were able to break pressure and have a nice build up and a great finish to go into half 2-0,” Heim said.
Jones found Rubkah for the second goal, then Rubakh scored her second off a set piece from Kimmie Herritt in the second half.
“We had a good deal of pressure to start the second half and their goalie made a great save on a breakaway,” Heim said. “She ended up going out hurt and we scored on the ensuing corner to make it 3-0.”
Council Rock South (13-4-1, 9-3 SOL) will visit No. 1 Pennridge in the quarterfinals Saturday. The teams met in the season opener, with the Rams winning 3-1 but much has changed for both sides since then.
Hatboro-Horsham (12-1-1 SOL) closed out a successful season with a 15-3-1 record and a SOL American Conference title.
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 2 1 – 3
HATBORO-HORSHAM 0 0 – 0
Goals: CRS – Jordi Rubakh 2, Aubrey Hondros
#13 North Penn 3, #4 Lower Merion 0
North Penn’s defense has become a certifiable strength.
After changing things up a couple of times during the season, the Knights found the right mix in the back, and it was a big part of their flourish to finish the regular season. Now 160 minutes into the postseason, that same defensive group has yet to give up a playoff goal.
“Just another phenomenal game by our girls,” North Penn co-head coach Mike Rio said. “First half was pretty evenly matched. Second half we really took control of the game, and defensively, we just really stood strong and played smart.”
Lower Merion, which brought in generator-powered lights for a doubleheader, kept the Knights offense in check for most of the first half. With 11 minutes and change left, North Penn pounced and nabbed a goal before the break.
“We took the lead after a free kick that Grace Sacchetti played into the box and Becca Richardson was able to get on the end of and volley by the keeper,” Rio said.
Sacchetti, who moved to center back and Richardson, a defensive midfielder, have been key players in North Penn’s defensive surge. The entire back line – Sacchetti, Casey Cavanaugh, Reagan Ertel and Landry Holt – along with holding mids Richardson and Emily Schurr along with keeper Anna Fiore locked down a talented Lower Merion offense.
“Just great composure all around,” Rio said. “All of them played with great positioning and anticipation. We closed down on the ball really well and didn’t give them any opportunities in the middle of the field.
“(We) limited corners and free kicks and relieved pressure when we were in any bit of trouble. Just great awareness and understanding of where each other are and then finding ways to help us move the ball into the midfield.”
Emily Varilla took over in the second half offensively. The sophomore speedster made it 2-0 when she latched onto a ball from Schurr, outran a defender and beat the keeper before tucking her shot into the open goal.
The forward was then taken down in the box for the second straight match, and for the second straight match, senior Tia Sheehy stepped up and converted the penalty kick.
“We were just able to control the midfield and we played very aggressive and won a lot of 50-50 balls,” Rio said. “Playing the type of competition we have played all year has really helped us so far in the playoffs. Lower Merion was a good team and had some weapon on the offensive side of the ball and we were really able to neutralize their attack.”
North Penn (11-7-2, 6-4-2 SOL) will travel to No. 5 Pennsbury on Saturday for a quarterfinal matchup.
NORTH PENN 1 2 – 3
LOWER MERION 0 0 – 0
Goals: NP – Becca Richardson, Emily Varilla, Tia Sheehy (PK)
#2 Boyertown 5, #15 Plymouth Whitemarsh 1
Boyertown’s potent offense had all the answers for PW’s rigid defense on Thursday.
The PAC champion Bears scored three minutes in and didn’t look back as they ended an otherwise extremely successful season for the Colonials.
“It was a really fun season,” PW coach Ryan Zehren said. “We ask a ton of the girls as far as effort and commitment to the program, and they gave myself and the rest of the coaches everything they had day in and day out.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh expects to bring back almost all of its starting 11 and will look to build on a campaign that ended a match short of an SOL American title and with a district playoff win.
Senior Anni Shula, playing her last game at PW, had the Colonials’ goal in the first half to make it 3-1.
“I’m extremely proud of the brand they have created for PW soccer moving forward,” Zehren said. “Expectations are high for next season and we have no doubts the girls will raise their play to the next level to make another run.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh (11-3 SOL) closed out its season with a 15-5 record.
BOYERTOWN 4 1 – 5
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 1 0 – 1
Goals: PW – Anni Shula
#3 Conestoga 5, #14 Central Bucks West 2
The Bucks saw a 2-1 second half lead turn into a deficit, thanks to a spurt from the Pioneers led by outstanding senior Caitlin Donovan.
“It was definitely not a 5-2 game,” coach Mike Moyer said. “They had a 12-minute spurt in second half where they scored four goals. Other than that, we had them 2-1 with 22 minutes to play in the game.
“We came out fast. We had the offense rolling the first five minutes of the game. The very first time ‘Stoga crossed midfield, they scored. Number one (Donovan) for them is the only reason they won the game. She is the best player I have seen all year.”
Conestoga took the first lead, but the Bucks adjusted to the Pioneers speed and took over the match for the rest of the first half. The tying and go-ahead goals followed soon after.
“We got a goal about six minutes after they scored,” Moyer said. “Erin Fitzsimmons controlled a ball of a corner scrum from 15 yards out and hit a beauty to tie the game at 1-1.
“About five minutes later we had a great set piece off a throw-in where Ryan Fitzsimmons had a long throw that Tori Albrecht headed to Taylor Moyer and Taylor headed the ball in to give us a 2-1 lead.”
The Bucks felt they could have taken a bigger lead to half but were not awarded a penalty kick after Moyer said Albrecht was dragged down in the box later in the first half.
CB West still had the advantage and came out of the intermission playing like it.
“We came out and played solid,” Moyer said. “They tied it up with about 22 minutes to play when one of their girls hit a one in a million shot, hitting a half volley from the corner of the 18 that went upper 90. That really gave them life because up until than we were controlling the game.”
Then, the Donovan show started.
“After that (Donovan) just decided to take over the game. She scored three goals in nine minutes,” Moyer said. “My back line was exhausted.”
West’s season ends but after a successful campaign that saw the program earn its first postseason victory since 2015.
“I am really proud of this group of girls. They accomplished a lot of ‘firsts’ this year,” Moyer said. “This was a tough one to swallow because we had them tonight, they had one player put her team on her back. I couldn’t be more proud of my entire team.”
Central Bucks West (5-4-3 SOL) closed out its season with an 11-6-3 record.
CONESTOGA 1 4 – 5
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 2 0 – 2
Goals: CBW – Erin Fitzsimmons, Taylor Moyer
#7 Unionville 4, #10 Council Rock North 0
Unionville is known for fielding an athletic side that wants to go right at defenses, and that was exactly what Council Rock North had to deal with.
“A tough game tonight,” coach Gavin Flannigan said. “Unionville was very aggressive and incredibly direct in their play and that caused us a lot of problems.
“They are a pretty athletic group and it was tough to contain the constant pressure at times, they are quick in transition and often our turnovers just led to a counter attack in one long ball.”
After a couple years of rebuilding and gaining experience, the Indians made plenty of strides this fall, but Thursday was a reminder they can still improve even more.
“Today was a good learning experience for our younger girls and while this was not the way we wanted to finish the year – this game does not define our season,” Flannigan said. “Our coaching staff is incredibly proud of this group. After the last couple of years I’m not sure anyone would have picked us to get to the second round of districts and have the regular season we had. The effort and commitment that the girls have shown this year made that happen.”
Flannigan noted only one player in the program had any playoff minutes prior to the start of the season, so not only getting to the playoffs but winning a first round game spoke to the amount of work the players put in.
“There has been a huge amount of growth from girls who had little varsity playing experience at the start of the year,” Flannigan said. “Moving into next year we will have these experiences to draw from.”
Rock North used a true team effort, from defense to attack and it seemed a different player came up big on a daily basis.
“I cannot say enough good things about this senior group, their leadership on and off the field has been terrific and an example for the underclassmen in the program, their selflessness and work ethic every day were the backbone of this team,” Flannigan said. “I’m delighted for them that we had such a good season.”
Council Rock North (8-3-1 SOL) closed out its season with a 14-5-2 record.
UNIONVILLE – 4
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH – 0
About the Author
