Pennridge & CB East were winners in Thursday’s second round of the District 1 4A Tournament. Lower Moreland/Radnor photos courtesy of Greg Zesinger. CLICK HERE to view Suburban One Sports’ GIRLS’ SOCCER GALLERIES. (Pennridge photos provided courtesy of Gordon Kocher/Pennridge soccer)
No. 3 Pennridge 2, No. 14 Central Bucks West 0
A large piece of whether or not Pennridge was going to be successful this season would be Seretha DeMoss showing what type of goalkeeper she really was.
The junior, who everyone calls “CeCe,” is a three-year starter who’s started two state title games and won a District 1 and PIAA title between the posts. On top of that, she’s one of the most popular players among the “Mini-Rams” who fill the stands at home games and is humble about her accomplishments. It’s why she’s the one to point out she did all that behind a back line that was just loaded with talent now playing at the college level, so there were some games where she didn’t have a whole lot to do.
Thursday, DeMoss had plenty to do and responded with one of the best games of her career while making eight saves and outright robbing CB West of at least two goals to help extend the Rams’ season.
DeMoss was fantastic and a major reason why a game that was much closer than its 2-0 final score finished the way it did. CB West, its starting lineup dotted with taped-up players and others in knee braces, ankle braces, wrist splints or other supportive gear signifying how much they wanted this win, did not stop coming after the hosts until the final whistle.
No goalkeeper is an island and DeMoss also got plenty of help from this year’s revamped back line. A group that came together during the fall won plenty of battles too while combating a determined West front line.
“Communication is a huge thing,” DeMoss said. “I was constantly looking around, finding players goal-side, communicating and telling the backs when it was time to get the ball out. We play a lot more possessively, which helps us.”
The Rams scored once on either side of halftime. In the first half, it was junior Cam Snyder ripping a half-volley off a bounce after senior Jessie Moylan won the ball off a clearance and sent it back into the box.
Shortly after the second half began, the Rams earned a corner. Senior Riley Williams played in a perfect ball that bent around a mass of players and toward the far post where sophomore Natalie Walter found it for a strong header.
From there, the Rams let their locked-in goalkeeper lead them to the win with a few fabulous saves.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
P – Cam Snyder 14:40
2nd Half
P – Natalie Walter (Riley Williams) 38:26
Pennridge senior captain Gabby Herrmann on the difference Thursday: “I think we had way more energy than we did when we played them on Senior Night, we really wanted the win and wanted to continue our season.”
–The growth of the back line: “We’ve grown as one. We hadn’t played with each other. Our whole team last year was pretty much seniors so us being together as one group for 19 games now has really helped us.”
–Help from the reserves: “Knowing we have people to do that is amazing. A lot of forwards and midfielders work so hard that they do get tired but with the rotation we have, we know everybody is going to give 100 percent and more.”
Pennridge junior goalkeeper Seretha DeMoss on the team’s motivation: “Our goal since preseason was to get back to states and that’s been our goal since Day One so we’re going to work for that goal no matter what.”
—Marshaling the defenders: “It’s communication, finding their strengths, working to their strengths and helping them build each other’s strengths up.”
Pennridge sophomore defender Natalie Walter on her goal: “We worked a lot on that, we take about 20 minutes every practice to do that specifically. I feel like I’ve had a lot of practice at it, and since coming back from my concussion, it felt really good to put one in the back of the net.”
–Defensive keys: “We had to stay connected as a group, make sure we know who we’re marking and stay with them. You don’t want to take an unnecessary chance, you want to stay connected and marked so we’re not relying on (DeMoss) all the time.”
—Picking each other up: “We’re there for each other. If somebody’s hurt, we’re rallying around them, we’re going to make sure they’re healthy and then welcome them back on when they’re ready.”
Central Bucks West coach Bree Benedict on the match: “Look, we created enough opportunities in this game to win it, and hats off to their keeper, she made some ridiculous saves again. It’s brutal going down when you’re up against a goalie that can literally take goals off the board. I do think we had more to keep going and we were starting to kind of get healthy again – I don’t know that we ever operated healthy or that we would know how to – and they were so close, it’s heartbreaking. To play Pennridge and have to beat that goalie, it’s just tough.”
–Her team’s fight to the end: “The last 25 minutes, we played with three in the back. We threw another person forward and played tough.”
–The seniors: “When you’re a coach, this only happens once in a while, I coached a bunch of these kids U8, U9, U10, all the way through so watching them go from these little kids that had no idea what they were doing to almost adults now and being able to be a fan of them and not just their coach, it’s been fun
“They’re a joy to coach and it’s just so tough to take that it’s over.”
CB West senior captain Eva Wierzbowski on her team: “Throughout the past four years, this has been more than just a team, it’s been a family. I made my best friends here, we put it on the line for each other and I’m going to miss everyone. They made me into such a hardworking player, and I’ve never been with a group that’s more supporting and motivating.
“I’m just proud of everyone and I’m excited to see where they go after this year.”
–The team’s intensity for 80 minutes: “That’s just what defines West and how it’s always been. We’re gritty, we’re not afraid to get hurt, we’re not afraid to go through any tackle, and I think that’s something we use all year to bring motivation. If you don’t have fear, if you’re not afraid, then you can do anything.”
–Lessons for the returning players: “Just put your best effort into everything. This has gone by so quick for me. If you’re tired, if you’re a little hurt, you have to do everything you can. It feels short, I feel like this season’s gone by way too fast for me. You have to put everything into it, because I didn’t know this was going to be my last game.”
“I’ve had so many coaches over the years, and Bree is one of the best I’ve had. She’s given me such a different perspective not just on being a soccer player but being a human and how to be aware of your feelings and yourself on the field.”
Up next: Pennridge (16-2-1, 7-2-1 SOL) will host #6 Downingtown West in Saturday’s District 1 4A quarterfinal game (3:30 pm). Central Bucks West closed out its season with a 13-7-1 record overall.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0 0 – 0
PENNRIDGE 1 1 – 2
No. 2 Central Bucks East 2, No. 18 WC Henderson 0
Sydney Ralph waited her turn and has certainly made the most of it
The senior center back didn’t have a spot to play on a veteran back line last fall but has been a true leader this fall, her first as a starter. Whether it’s soccer or basketball, Ralph is a textbook team player who does what’s needed.
Thursday, it was being in the right spot at the right time to help crack what had been a pretty rugged Henderson defense.
CB East opened its district run with a well-earned win over a traditionally strong program, just the kind of game that gets the legs moving again after a bye.
The Patriots added insurance on a well-worked second half goal finished by Ava Mignon and it took some contributions from every part of the field to move on.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
CBE – Sydney Ralph (Kiera Sleicher) 15:58
2nd Half
CBE – Ava Mignon (Stella Genin) 26:58
CB East coach Jake Nesteruk on the win: “Very proud of our kids for taking care of this game. WC Henderson is a well-coached and hardworking team and pushed us hard in moments of this one. I thought our first half was excellent and we created four or five very good scoring opportunities, but their keeper was lights out.”
–Ralph’s opening goal: “It felt like it was a matter of time before we got one, but any time it’s a center back that breaks the tie, it’s always a surprise. Kiera Sleicher dropped in a great ball and Syd Ralph timed her run perfectly and made great contact with her head. It was a really great team moment for us. Syd is a great leader and so deserving of the moment.”
—Resuming play: “I thought the game was a bit more back and forth. I thought we looked a bit flat, but coming into the second half with the lead and playing really well, the other team is always going to find ways to make the game more difficult to get something out of it.”
–Second goal: “Thankfully, after a bit of good combination play, Stella squared a good ball across to Ava that she finished really clinically. From there, it took a massive save from Mae Leady to keep this game at 2-0 and after a bit of a push from Henderson, I thought we closed the game out in control. In total, I thought this was a really good first step for us in Districts.”
CB East senior captain Jessie Bernabe: “It was a great team effort tonight. After having some time off with our bye, we know tonight wasn’t our best, but we came together and created opportunities to secure a win. I want to give credit especially to our goalkeeper, Mae Leedy, for her amazing saves tonight to keep our lead. We look forward to our next game on Saturday and playing on our home field.”
CB East midfielder Ava Mignon: “I think that we had a very slow start, and it was obvious that we hadn’t played in a week. We had a lot of early chances that we just couldn’t finish on. Once we settled in, and played the way we normally play, it opened the game a little bit more for us. Which then gave us the opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net. I think this was a good team that gave us a good battle, but overall super happy to be moving on to the next round.”
Up next: CB East (18-1, 10-0 SOL) will host No. 10 Owen J Roberts in the quarterfinals on Saturday, a win securing a state playoff berth.
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 1 1 – 2
WEST CHESTER HENDERSON 0 0 – 0
No. 1 Conestoga 1, No. 17 Council Rock South 0
Last year, the Golden Hawks ran into a buzzsaw in the district semis against Conestoga.
It would have been easy to look at that 6-0 result and think another walkover was in order. Except CR South had other ideas and gave the top seeded Pioneers all they could handle.
‘Stoga did eventually score midway through the second half, but the Hawks made sure they had to earn their way through.
CR South coach Nick Heim on the result: “Incredibly proud of our effort tonight. Our girls executed the game plan incredibly well and fought till the last second. We had some chances, getting 11 shots, but ultimately couldn’t get one across. I don’t think anyone gave us a fighter’s chance. But you could tell we frustrated them and made our presence felt.”
–Farewell to seniors: “Most importantly, it’s the last game for our seniors- Gia Littig, Carly McCory, Juliette Salvi, Maggie Kane, Fiona Reckner, and Kathryn O’Kane. It’s tough in the moment to express what this group meant to our program. Their play, their leadership, how they represented us in the school and community has all been with class. It’s big shoes to fill for sure. Incredibly proud of them and thankful to have been along for the ride they have taken this program on the last few years.”
Council Rock South closed out its season with an 11-8-1 record overall.
CONESTOGA 0 1 -1
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 0 0 – 0
No. 8 Lower Merion 2, No. 9 Upper Dublin 0
The Flying Cardinals came a long way over the last year, and while it stopped a little short of where they hoped, there was no denying their turnaround.
From last place in the division to SOL Liberty champion and the second round of the District 1 playoffs, it was a special year in Fort Washington. A talented group of seniors and underclassmen came together and accomplished plenty as a group.
UD coach John Topper on the end of the season: “Tough result, but I’m proud of the effort our girls put forth today and all season. The character and leadership of this senior class drove this year’s turnaround. A lot of players had to step into unfamiliar roles, but they accepted the challenge, and the results speak for themselves. It’s a group that has a team first attitude and who adopted the mantra of ‘we play for each other’ and I think that example they’ve set will benefit the program for years to come. I’m proud to have coached this group.”
Upper Dublin closed out its season with a SOL Liberty Division crown with an 8-1-1 mark and an overall record of 14-4-1.
LOWER MERION – 2
UPPER DUBLIN – 0
No. 4 Garnet Valley 2, No. 13 Central Bucks South 0
The Titans knew they had a difficult task going on the road to try and knock off a veteran and talented Jaguars team.
It was going to be an uphill climb either way but falling behind early just magnified the task. While South wasn’t able to find the goals it needed, it didn’t take the luster off a season that saw the Titans host and win a home playoff game for the first time since 2016.
CB South coach Pat Lordi on the match: “Two set pieces ended the season for CB South. Just one minute into the game, a hand ball was called 19 yards away from the goal and Garnet Valley buried it to go up 1-0. The second goal was scored five minutes into the second half for a 2-0 score. Changing to a 3-4-3 system was the only option to try to get back in the game. It wasn’t meant to be, we couldn’t find the first goal and the Garnet Valley GK made a few game saving saves. It was a season of ups and downs, but in the end, we accomplished some good things this year.”
Senior shoutouts: “I would like to thank all the seniors that made the season memorable. Olivia Daniele, Ella Kim, Brooke Rosica, Megan Schimdt, and captains Grace Keane and Olivia Wade. We had a special senior this year Haley Helsel that would have been a great back line player for us but due to a ACL tear could not compete this year. Instead, she offered to be a manager and what a great one she was. She stayed involved in the program and helped out wherever she could. It was a pleasure having her around the team this year, she was a great mentor. I would like to wish all the seniors the best of luck as they move towards another chapter in their life. They are great kids, and I am sure they will do great things.”
Central Bucks South closed out its season with a 13-7-1 record overall.
GARNET VALLEY 1 1 – 2
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 0 0 – 0
No. 10 Owen J Roberts 2, No. 7 Neshaminy 1
A classic tale of two halves saw a fantastic season come to an early end for Neshaminy.
The SOL Patriot champions took a lead into half thanks to a penalty kick by senior Taylor Maxwell, but didn’t have an answer when the Wildcats scored twice after halftime for their second straight playoff win over an SOL team.
Neshaminy coach Josh van Reed on the match: “We played very well in the first half and had a lot of good opportunities to score. Our goal came when Anna Axenroth was fouled in the box. Taylor Maxwell stepped up and finished. Owen J Roberts was working very hard and seemed to pick it up more in the second half and they were rewarded with two goals fairly close together. We didn’t have as many chances in the second half and they were defending well. And when we had chances, we couldn’t seem to get on the end of the ball. It happens. We had a great season, and the girls should be very proud of all the work and time they put in. Our seniors have been amazing all year. And I am so thankful for each of them. Abby Collins, Kylie and Taylor Maxwell, Allie Ortman, Keira Siwinski, Natalie Chimocowski, Emma Murphy and Mia Ocasio should be proud of the legacy they leave behind.”
Neshaminy closed out its season with a 17-3 record overall and the SOL Patriot Division title.
OWEN J ROBERTS 0 2 – 2
NESHAMINY 1 0 – 1
No. 6 Downingtown West 4, No. 11 Council Rock North 0
A talented Downingtown West roster had too much going offensively and ended CR North’s season.
The Whippets scored three in the first half and once after the break and now have a 10-2 aggregate in two playoff games, both against SOL Patriot foes.
CR North coach Gavin Flannigan on the match: “A tough ending to our season against a very well organized and talented DW team. Although we were down early and 3-0 at halftime, I thought our girls fought back in the second half and made adjustments to make it a more competitive game. We were unlucky to hit the crossbar and with a couple of other chances too. Tonight, I thought Isabella Lanza, Kinsley Smith and especially Amanda Gardner played particularly well.”
Props: “Our senior group leaves us with some incredible memories on and off the field, they have been very successful for our program in their play and the culture they have helped create in their time with us. More importantly they are a great group of girls, and we look forward to seeing what they all do next. I hope that the younger players have learnt from them and use their experiences to continue to help us grow the program and expand on that culture.”
Council Rock North closed out its season with a 14-6 record, 7-3 in the SOL.
DOWNINGTOWN WEST 3 1 – 4
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 0 – 0
Class 3A
No. 4 Radnor 2, No. 5 Lower Moreland 0
A terrific season for the Lions wrapped up in Wednesday’s District 1 3A second round against a talented Raptors team.
The Lions, who had great leadership from their senior class complemented by some skilled underclassmen, ran the table for an unbeaten SOL Freedom championship.
Lower Moreland coach Todd Hill on the game: “Radnor overpowered us tonight. Our girls fought really hard all night long, but in the end, we were unable to come up with a win against a really athletic Radnor team.”
Senior tribute: “I am really proud of our six seniors: Gabby Fogarty, Ruby Levin, Nikki Sahl, Keira Huber, Payge Lennon and Kenna Rozanski. I have loved coaching them for the past three years. They led our team to a really successful season this year. I am going to miss them a lot.”
Lower Moreland closed out its season with a 14-5 record.
Class 2A (Wednesday)
No. 1 Pope John Paul II 1, No. 4 Springfield Twp 0
The Spartans gave the top seeded Panthers plenty to think about before seeing their season end.
With plenty of younger players getting significant playing time, including several freshmen starters, there’s a nice foundation for Springfield Twp in the next few years.
Springfield Twp closed out its season with a 6-13 record.
POPE JOHN PAUL II – 1
SPRINGFIELD TWP – 0
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