DOYLESTOWN – Lyndsey Lyons, biting back tears, used the word devastating to describe Pennridge’s 2-1 season-ending loss to Red Land in Tuesday night’s opening round PIAA Tournament contest at War Memorial Field.
“I wasn’t thinking so much that we lost – just that it’s our last game together,” said Lyons, a senior co-captain. “I’m sure we’ll be hanging out off the field, but it’s just sad in that aspect of it. This is the last time we’ll be playing together.”
On paper, Tuesday’s loss looked like a huge upset. After all, the Rams were the top-seeded team out of District One while Red Land was the seventh seed out of District Three, but don’t be fooled by the numbers.
Red Land boasted the deadly combination of talent and speed, and when it was suggested that his team had played its opponent even, Ram coach Jorge Rodriguez accepted that as a compliment.
“That was definitely one of the best teams I’ve seen all around,” the Rams’ coach said. “The one thing I want to make clear is that every team we played against that we were supposed to lose to and we beat – they always said that they didn’t have a good game.
“You know what – we did have a good game. It was just that they were better, and that’s what it came down to.”
The Rams struck first.
A minute after being stonewalled by Red Land goalie Jenna Cavrich on a one-on-one, Pennridge’s Olivia O’Neill hit paydirt in the 27th minute, scoring on the left post using a pass from teammate Megan Gurecki.
The Rams had a golden opportunity to add to their lead, but a shot by Tattie DePaolo missed just wide left.
“We had our opportunities to score,” Rodriguez said. “We could have put some balls away. We had back-to-back breakaways in the first half, and we had a couple of corner kicks.
“Luck wasn’t on our side today, but give all the credit to that team. I don’t know how they’re the seventh seed. That district has got to be stacked because they’re very talented.”
Then came a stretch that forever altered the outcome of the game.
In the 33rd minute, Katie Lippert scored on a classic one-on-one, and less than two minutes later, Lippert used the briefest of defensive lapses to find the open net with a goal that sent Red Land into the intermission with a 2-1 lead.
“We came out here, and we knew they were going to be tough,” Lyons said. “At the same time, we knew what we were capable of.
“It came down to a few mistakes we made. We had some good opportunities, some good through balls up top. The forwards worked well. I think we were just unlucky at times.”
The second half featured limited scoring opportunities for both teams, but the Rams battled until the final horn. On a corner kick with time winding down, Marissa Kunkle’s header sailed just over the crossbar, and the Rams never threatened again.
“I’m extremely pleased with the way my girls played, their effort to the very end,” Rodriguez said. “They played the entire season for each other.
“You look at them, and they look upset. I can guarantee that every single one of them is not upset because they lost, they’re upset because they feel they let each other down, and that’s all I can ask for as a coach.”
The Rams closed out the season with a record of 17-4-1 and their school’s first ever district title to their credit.
“It was unbelievable,” Lyons said. “I’m speechless about it. It was just a great feeling.
“At the beginning of the season, we weren’t too sure how far we would go, but as the season progressed, we just kept improving, and we knew we could do it. It’s tough to see it end.”
Central Bucks South 1, Cumberland Valley 0
The Lady Titans won their first state playoff game against a very good Cumberland Valley squad, which was the runner-up from District Three.
“I’m really happy and excited,” said Ashley McKenna, who scored the game winner. “It was nerve-racking. Everyone was excited and nervous, but we were really focused once the time came. It was unreal for us because it was new for us.”
South had to travel all the way to HersheyPark, but the long bus ride didn’t seem to affect the players, who had a chance to settle in, get something to eat and take in some of the Souderton-Manheim Township game.
Both teams had early chances to score. CV banged two shots off the crossbar, and South hit the post on a shot.
Finally in the 39th minute, Ashley Saylor headed an Eagles’ clear back into Ashley McKenna, who blasted it in from 20 yards out.
“It was a beautiful shot,” said coach Joe Bocklet.
“I was able to turn and stop it, and I took a left-footed shot that went over the keeper’s hands,” said McKenna. “It was shocking and everyone got so excited. I felt like our game picked up even more. We got so intense.”
South outshot the Eagles 6-2. Sam Wood made two saves in goal.
“They were very good,” said Bocklet. “They were very fast. They countered very well. As soon as they got into our defense, we were good about making sure the dribbler had pressure. They really couldn’t get in past the defense.”
The Titans will take on 11-1 Emmaus, a 2-1 overtime winner over 3-6 Penn Manor, on Friday at a site and time to be determined.
“I think we’re back,” said Bocklet. “After that loss to Pennridge (in the district semifinals), we’re playing very hard, very determined soccer.”
Neshaminy 3, Easton 1
The Redskins had very little trouble with the District 11 runner-up Red Rovers. Brianna Hires tallied the first goal on a laser from 35 yards out with just three minutes elapsed in the game.
“It was a screamer,” said coach Rich Reice. “On the turf, it skipped twice and gained speed and went into the corner.”
Midway through the first half, Michelle Battista made it 2-0 at the intermission, and Jen Hutchinson put the Redskins up 3-0 before Easton averted the shutout with five minutes left.
“It could have been five or six to one,” said Reice. “They weren’t real strong.”
Reice was particularly happy that his team came back after losing to Pennridge in the district finals.
Neshaminy outshot Easton 15-5, while Chelsea Rota and Samantha Rohn combined for five saves.
“It’s always good to get the first one under your belt,” said Reice.
Neshaminy will play 3-5 Lower Dauphin, a 4-1 winner over Central, on Friday at a time and place to be determined.
Manheim Township 3, Souderton 0
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--Compiled by Alex Frazier & Mary Jane Souder
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