Pennridge 8 - Spring-Ford 6

Q1 | 1-3
Q2 | 4-4
Q3 | 8-5
Q4 | 8-6

Notable Stats:
Madigon Posey - 2goals, 1 assist, 2 gbs, 5 draw controls
Leah Verespy - 3 goals, 3 draw controls, 3 ground balls
Harper Posey - 3 ground balls, 1 caused turnover
Norah Herbst - 3 caused turnovers, 1 ground ball
Abbey Keller - 2 ground balls, 2 caused turnovers

Another great game for the Pennridge Rams! We went into today knowing this was our toughest matchup we have seen yet this season, and we prepared for a battle the entire way through. Looking at the stat sheet from last season, they had a ton of strong returners and we knew what to expect, a lot of speed, strong offensive unit, and talented shooters. The first quarter the only player to score for Pennridge was Maddie Boyer, Freshman attacker who has been fantastic on our offensive unit so far this year. She just has a nose for the goal and drives with a ton of power, she is very hard to stop. Nothing short of typical for us to have a slower start on the scoring end, something I have been working with the unit to shake. It’s not the worst thing for this team to start slow, if the slow start is the key to our wins, I’ll take it!

The second Quarter, we finally got our groove offensively. We put three in the back of the net in the second, first of the three was a wide open look to Leah Verespy from an under pressure Cayla Wurz. Their connection in back to back games has been solid. Next was Madigan Posey with a powerful drive notching in her first of the game. Last goal of the quarter was Maddie Boyer again, using her speed and strength in transition for a goal after 5 minutes of back and forth pay. The Score was at 4-4 going in to halftime.

I felt comfortable at halftime, even though I would prefer a lead at the half, the only reason we were tied was because of mistakes we were making, not necessarily crazy defensive plays that they were coming up with. At that point we were holding ourselves back. I reminded everyone they needed to lock in and do their job. We talked about unacceptable turnovers or drops and I told the team to reel it in and stay clean. I could feel the fires burring on both ends and we were both going in to that half with a ton of heat. The game changer for us in the Second half was gaining more possession off the Draw controls. Spring ford has talented circle players and a draw specialist so I knew that was going to be a big focus this game.

Madigan Posey scored her second and final of the day on a free position shot, putting us in the lead. Spring-ford quickly responded off the next position tieing the game up at 5-5. Aubrey Bailey was finally able to spark some offensive productivity on a flash cut through the middle and an assist from Harper Posey to get the job done. We were able to gain more offensive possession and find more creativity. Leah Verespy scored the next goal posted up in the 8m off an assist from Madigan Posey. The fourth and final goal of the quarter was one of the most electric of the season. After an offensive miscommunication, SF got the ball and was pushing the fast break with about 20 seconds on the clock. A quick turnover on their end and a ground ball by Delaney Dodge, we were quickly pushing back and rushing to get the ball down the field. Maddie Boyer sent in a risky but necessary feed to a streaming down Leah Verespy, who turned to get a shot off, and quickly adjusted to turn and rip a twirler top left corner with seconds left on the clock. I am so Proud of Leah for taking this chance in the game today, and it absolutely paid off. This is something that we have been practicing and utilizing as options in practice and I’m so glad we were able to see that showcased today.

The fourth quarter was filled with turnovers and defensive stops. We went scoreless on the fourth, as we reminded focused on possession and control. Springford had a great defensive unit and I am very happy with the listening snd focus we executed. Spring Ford put up their 6th and final goal late in the 4th, but it was too little too late for the SF Rams because we could already feel the victory. An essential draw control reeled in by Leah Verespy took us to the final minutes in the game where we kept cool and ran out the clock for the Win.

Overall, another great win feels so good for this team. We have a huge game Monday vs Springfield Delco and this is what we needed to prepare for it. Defense has shown so much consistency for the start of this season I am so happy with how this unit is working, from the starters to the depth off the bench it has been more than I could ask for. Each of our defenders is an essential piece to this team and without them holding down the fort we wouldn’t find as much success. Lily Blair had an amazing showing today with 11 saves in cage. Excited for what’s next for this team, all eyes right now are on Monday night.