Pennridge & CB South advanced to the District 1 4A semifinals with wins on Saturday. CB South/CB East photos provided courtesy of Tracy Valko. Check back for a gallery of photos. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports’ GIRLS’ SOCCER GALLERIES.
No.1 Pennridge 1, No. 8 Neshaminy 0
The Rams are back in familiar territory.
Thanks to their second win over Neshaminy this fall, by no means an easy task, Pennridge is going back to states after missing out on the PIAA playoffs last fall. Unlike their first meeting, a 3-1 win in September, Pennridge had to dig in and grind things out Saturday afternoon.
It seemed fitting that it would be senior Emily Hensler, a hard-working central midfielder, who got the game’s only goal near the midpoint of the first half.
“Very proud of the girls for today’s performance. Playoff soccer is a lot of hard work with more distances covered, hard contact in duels, lots of contested balls, etc,” Pennridge coach Lucas Kriner said. “The intensity has definitely ratcheted up. I’m proud to see the girls responding to the style of this year’s playoffs.”
The Rams’ defensive unit also stood strong again in the team’s fourth 1-0 victory this season.
Scoring Summary
1st Half
P – Emily Hensler (G Howley)
2nd Half
No Scoring
Pennridge coach Lucas Kriner on the win: “Our effort and energy have been really good. When we see legs looking a little heavy, we feel we can turn to a lot of players to bring their best effort and execute certain roles, as the moment requires. The team has been receptive about the messaging we’re presenting as a coaching staff as well as game plans and adjustments. There’s just a really good vibe in the camp right now.”
The goal: “Emily’s goal was an important moment in this game. She did a nice job of getting off a quality shot in a tight area on the feed from G. I think the little five-yard poke from G to Emily changed the angle and set up Em to be successful with her shot. Nice to see that outcome on the end of a string of one and two-touch passing.”
Defense locks down: “Cece (DeMoss) was steadfast again this afternoon. I’ve said it before, she brings a level of calm when the opponent puts us under pressure. She had some great catches today that helped us reset and reorganize. The back line was solid, too. Addy Mills, Avery Runk, Peyton Rabinowitz and Nat Walter were outstanding.”
Up Next: Pennridge hosts No. 5 Lower Merion in the semifinals at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Neshaminy visits No. 4 Spring-Ford at 7 p.m. Tuesday in a must-win playback game.
PENNRIDGE 1 0 – 1
NESHAMINY 0 0 – 0
No. 7 Central Bucks South 1, No. 2 Central Bucks East 0
While Central Bucks East has been a regular in the state tournament the last five years, it had been quite some time since Central Bucks South had qualified for a PIAA bracket.
Thanks to their second one-goal win over their sister school this season, the Titans snapped a nine-year drought and 
qualified for their first state playoffs since 2016. All three games between CB South and CB East this season were decided by a single goal, CB East taking the first matchup 2-1 at CB South on August 28 with the Titans returning the favor 3-2 in overtime at CB East on September 30.
It was senior Alana Peev’s first half goal, the St. Joe’s recruit putting in a pinpoint direct free kick to the upper 90 that provided the difference in another highly contested match.
“I’m so proud of these girls for their hard work and determination. They play hard every day and do the little things on and off the field that keep a team together,” Titans coach Dana Cole said. “I’m so happy they are getting the results they deserve and will push to carry this positive vibe into states.”
CB East’s loss means there will be a new District 1 champion in 4A this season but the Patriots are not done. They will have to win two more games to emerge from the playback bracket, but a sixth straight PIAA bid is still in play.
Scoring Summary
1st half
CBS – Alana Peev
2nd Half
No scoring
CB South coach Dana Cole on Peev’s impact: “Alana was determined to win today and a big presence in the back. Her shot heard round the world was perfectly placed and tough for any keeper to defend.”
Defense digs in: “Alana, along with our back line, Delaney Rowe, Peyton Peyton Karpinski, Peyton Mumm, and Brooke Carrigan never let up on defense and worked until the clock wound down. They
gave the opponent zero space to get free and held the 1-0 lead for most of the game. Morgan Sowash had some great saves in net to maintain a shutout.”
Team shares effort: “Our offense and midfield kept us afloat on the 50/50 balls because although we were not scoring more goals, Riley Karpinski, Khloe Montini and Charlotte Manley were getting back and had the defensive mentality to check back and stop the opponent from putting it back on our defensive end.
“Midfielders Tessa and Morgan Hughes, Delaney Roe, and Kelly Donnelly played with grit and heart winning the ball in the air and fighting to keep it in our offensive third despite not having Monika Daly today who is always a force in our midfield.”
Up Next: CB South visits No.3 Downingtown West at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the semifinals. CB East hosts No. 11 Conestoga in a must-win playback game Tuesday at 6 p.m.
PENNRIDGE 1 0 – 1
NESHAMINY 0 0 – 0
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