SOL Girls’ Soccer PIAA Preview (11-6-18)

Souderton, Pennridge & Pennsbury will be in action in the opening round of the PIAA 4A Tournament. Check out the preview capsules. (Photo provided courtesy of Sharin Harbeck)

#1-2 SOUDERTON vs #11-2 EASTON (at Upper Perk High School, Tuesday, 7 p.m.)
Souderton

13-3-6 overall
5-2-5 SOL Continental Conference (tied for third place)
Defense has been the Indians’ calling card. Their back line is led by seniors Sam and Kailee Harwick, senior Miranda Kullman and junior Darby Kramer plus senior keeper Lindsey Pazdziorkio has allowed just nine goals all season.
Midfield paced by senior duo Campbell Power and Sara Readinger. Both are skilled in winning the ball but also providing attacking threats and goals.
Forward unit anchored by sophomore Averie Doughty, sophomore Taylor Yoder, senior Erin O'Keefe and sophomore Hannah Alderfer.

How they got here: In Saturday’s district final, Souderton fell to second-seeded Conestoga 2-1 in overtime. Senior Sara Readinger headed home a Campbell Power cross to give the Indians an early 1-0 lead
In a district semifinal contest, Souderton defeated #20 Penncrest 1-0. Sophomore Taylor Yoder turned a cross by sophomore Hannah Alderfer into a goal with 21 minutes remaining.
In a quarterfinal game, Souderton defeated #17 Haverford 1-0. Erin O’Keefe’s first-half goal was the game-winner.
In a second round contest, Souderton edged #24 Harriton 1-0. Campbell Power scored the game-winner.
Opening round bye.

Easton

16-6 overall
13-3 EPC Steel Division champion
Third-seeded team entering the District XI Tournament
Attack led by Caroline Finelli and Ashley Lucas

How they got here: In the district title game, Easton fell to top-seeded Parkland 5-1. Leslie Echevarria scored the Red Rovers’ only goal.
In a district semifinal, Easton defeated second-seeded Whitehall 1-0 in double overtime. Allie Drake (Ashley Lucas assist) scored the game-winner with 9:39 left in the second overtime.
In a quarterfinal game, Easton defeated sixth-seeded Stroudsburg 1-0.

#1-3 PENNRIDGE vs. #12-1 CENTRAL (at Northeast High School, Tuesday, 5 p.m.)

Pennridge

18-3-1 overall
9-2-1 SOL Continental Conference champion (third straight)
Third seed entering the District 1 4A Tournament
Returned nine of 11 starters from last year’s successful squad.
Strong and deep midfield unit led by seniors Ashley Groeber and Nicolette Harrison and juniors Chance Hendricks and Maddie Anderson can control flow of game in both directions. Defensively sound and offensively capable group.
Senior keeper Mary Kate Levush directs speedy back line featuring Sarah Williams, Molly Groff, Maddie Angelo, Holly Harbeck and Lauren McIntyre.
Forward unit led by Abby Groff and Lindsey DeHaven with Leah Malone and McIntyre filling in as needed.

How they got here: In the third place playback game, Pennridge defeated 20^th-seeded Penncrest 3-0. Lindsey DeHaven, Chance Hendricks and Kat Estep each scored a goal.
In a semifinal contest, Pennridge fell to second-seeded Conestoga 2-1. Abby Groff scored a late goal for the Rams.
In a quarterfinal game, Pennridge defeated #6 Abington 2-1 in overtime. Freshman Leah Malone came off the bench to score the equalizer late in regulation and also scored the game-winner in overtime.
In a second round game, Abington upended #14 North Penn 3-1, thanks to goals from Lindsey DeHaven, Ashley Groeber and Abby Groff.
Opening round bye

Central

Program’s second District XII title in three years
Public League champion for third straight year

How they got here: In the District XII title game, Central defeated Cardinal O’Hara 2-1 in overtime. Zoe Moosbrugger scored the game-winner in overtime. Ola Owodunni also scored a goal.
In the Public League title game, Central defeated Franklin Towne Charter 4-2. Ola Owodunni and Mabel Moosbrugger each scored a pair of goals.

#1-6 PENNSBURY vs. #3-1 CUMBERLAND VALLEY (at Hersheypark Stadium, Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.)

Pennsbury

17-4-1 overall
10-1-1 SOL National Conference champion (fifth straight)
Defending District 1 4A champion
Christine Cataldo-Smith (22 goals) has been extremely effective in front of goal, leading the Falcons in scoring since the first game of the season. Evie Ciaccia has played a strong supporting role at the forward position.
Keeper Alyssa O'Driscoll backs up a solid defensive unit – led by Ella Palmieri, Gianna Durle, Taylor Muller and Ashley Conlow – that has posted nine shutouts this season.
Midfield has plenty of contributors including Rosie Bostian, Darrien Furiness and Gabby Zalot that work both offensively and defensively in a number of supporting roles.

How they got here: In the playback game for fifth place, Pennsbury fell to fifth-seeded Downingtown East 2-1. Gabby Zalot’s penalty kick accounted for the Falcons’ only goal.
In a playback game for a state berth, Pennsbury defeated sixth-seeded Abington 4-1. Evie Ciaccia had a hat trick, and Christine Cataldo-Smith added a single goal.
In a quarterfinal game, Pennsbury fell to #2 Conestoga 3-1. The Pioneers opened up a 3-0 halftime before Christine Cataldo-Smith broke up their shutout big with a goal in the second half.
In a second round contest, Pennsbury edged #10 Neshaminy 2-1 in overtime. Evie Ciaccia scored the game-winner, and Rosie Bostian scored in regulation.
Opening round bye

Cumberland Valley

17-2-1 overall
11-0-1 Mid-Penn Commonwealth champion
Attack led by High Point commit Emily Mashinski
Seeded second entering the District III Tournament
Program has won 14 district titles and two state championships
Nationally ranked as high as third in USA Today Super 25 until back-to-back losses late in the season.
Only losses of the season came at the hands of Neshaminy (2-1) and McDonogh from Maryland (2-0).

How they got here: In Saturday’s title game, Cumberland Valley – thanks to a Taylor Jede goal in the sixth minute – edged top-seeded Central Dauphin 1-0.
In a district semifinal, Cumberland Valley defeated third-seeded Wilson 2-1. Emily Mashinski and Jaxton Gerhart each scored a goal for CV, which fell behind 1-0 early.
In a second round contest, Cumberland Valley defeated 10^th-seeded Exeter 3-0, using goals by Leah Frazier, Savannah Tiday and Katie Brown.
In an opening round game, Cumberland Valley defeated 15^th-seeded Manheim Township 3-0. Kyra Place, Emily Mashinski and Alexa Baker each scored a goal.