Twelve SOL teams have earned berths in the district tournament. Check back for a recap of all of Monday’s action.
Dreams do come true - just ask Eliana Gilette.
The Norristown senior lived with the singular goal of one day playing in the District One Tournament. She and her Eagle teammates will have that opportunity when they take the field for Monday’s opening round game against Mount St. Joseph Academy.
“It’s very exciting,” Gilette said. “All four years, I just wanted to make districts. It was wonderful when I found out about it on Thursday night.
“It’s a big step for Norristown. We haven’t been in districts in a long time, and this is a very positive step for us.”
So while many teams take an invitation to districts for granted, Gilette and her teammates are not in that number.
“I was really excited when I found out – I couldn’t believe it,” the Norristown senior said. “I was waiting for my coach to text or call me. I was actually jumping all over my house when I found out. I woke up my mom because I was screaming and yelling.
“This is our first time, and that was our goal this year – to make districts. We beat Upper Dublin, so I thought we had a chance this year, but I didn’t know if we could make it for sure.”
No one at Norristown - including coach Stacie Staufenberg and athletic director Chuck Knowles – can remember the hockey program ever earning a district berth before this year, so whether this is a first for the program or not, there’s no mistaking the significance of this accomplishment.
“We’re very pleased,” said Staufenberg, who has been at the helm for seven years. “We set districts as a goal – it was a definite goal this year. It’s on every e-mail, it’s on our hockey web site. It’s been our goal all season – let’s make districts. This is the first time we’ve set that goal and made it.”
The Eagles missed out on three non-league games this season and lost two of the three they played.
“We didn’t really prove ourselves in non-league play,” Staufenberg said. “If you look at the way my team has played – under pressure they’ve done a nice job.
“The Wissahickon thing (a 10-2 loss) was a freak of nature because we had just beaten Upper Dublin. My team was not going to rally, there was no way. It was on their turf, and they just laid into us.”
On Monday, the Eagles – seeded 26th out of 28 teams - have the daunting task of taking on defending district runner-up Mount St. Joseph, the tournament’s seventh seed.
“If my team plays with all the heart and all the talent they have, we could give them a good game or win, just like we did against Upper Dublin and tried to do against PW, but at the same time, they have more talent than we do,” Staufenberg said. “They start playing hockey so much sooner than we do. I think it will raise the level of our play in the years to come, especially with our turf field coming in. That’s where we took our losses. We won most of our grass games.”
Whatever the outcome, Gilette and her teammates know they have played a part in taking their hockey program to the next level.
“Truthfully, I’m nervous for Monday’s game, but at the same time, I know if I just go out there and do my best, I’ll be happy with myself,” Gilette said. “This is such a big thing for us.
“The whole year - even before conditioning, our goal was to make districts, so when we made it, we were very excited.”
#1 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH (Bye)
- 15-1-2 overall
- 12-1-1 SOL, repeated as Continental Conference champions under first-year co-coaches Jeff Harding & Marie Schmucker despite the graduation of 12 seniors from last year’s title
- Only loss of season to Souderton (1-0) on Oct. 3
- Winners of five in a row heading into tournament
Coach Jeff Harding says: “I am very pleased with how far they have come. They have overachieved as a team and really have bought into the ‘team first’ mentality.”
#3 COUNCIL ROCK NORTH (Bye)
- 14-2-1 overall
- 13-1 SOL, captured sole possession of third consecutive National Conference crown
- Only losses of the year were to Central Bucks South on Sept. 12 (3-2) and Council Rock South on Oct. 17 (1-0)
- Eight-game winning streak midway through season
#4 WISSAHICKON (Bye)
- 16-2 overall
- 12-0 SOL, third consecutive undefeated season en route to American Conference titles. Outscored conference opponents 63-12
- 15-game winning streak halted with a 2-1 OT loss to Central Bucks South on Oct. 17. Only other loss came in season opener in OT to Council Rock North (4-3)
- Scored 85 goals over the course of 18 games, averaging 4.7 goals per game
Players to watch: Jackie Hibbs (Midfield), Lauren Becker (Forward), Melanie Fry (Forward), Emily Gallagher (Forward), Zoe Kale (Defense), Liz McKenna (Defense)
Coach Lauren Luft says: “I have it in the back of my mind that last year they did win (districts), so I would like to win again. Seeing them play in our CB South game, they did everything that was expected of them and that they needed to do. Seeing that game, I know they have it in them to perform up to expectations.”
#25 RADNOR at #8 SOUDERTON
Radnor
- 7-7-1 overall
- Fourth place team in Central League
- Winners of four straight entering districts
Souderton
- 14-4 overall
- 11-3 SOL, second place in Continental Conference
- 10-game winning streak that culminated with 1-0 win over CB South
- Final season in the 25-year career at the helm of coach Mary Ann Harris
Players to watch: Taylor Yoder (Midfield), Alayna Brown (Forward), Rachel Valentine (Forward), Courtney Bradshaw (Midfield), Cait Wetzler (Midfield), Bekah Hershey (Defense), Morgan Brozena (Goalie)
Coach Mary Ann Harris says: “I have always thought for the past couple of years we went in with a strong enough team do something in districts, but we always came up short. One of our goals this year was to finish high in district play and get to states. I would like to see them put forth the energy we need to do that.”
#24 CENTRAL BUCKS EAST at #9 UPPER DUBLIN
Upper Dublin
- 12-5-1 overall
- 9-3 SOL, second place in American Conference
- Tied top-seeded CB South 2-2 on Oct. 6 but then dropped next three games
- Won final two games of season
Players to watch: Emily Hitchings (Forward), Jennifer Harchut (Defense), Sydney Lang (Sweeper), Dana Russell (Goalie)
Coach Heather Boyer says: “In my opinion, Upper Dublin is in the most difficult bracket in the playoffs with six out of the seven teams from the SOL. I know that CB East is well coached and has a lot of talent and also has played in a number of competitive, high-level games in the regular season. However, if we start off the game aggressive from the first whistle and put the pressure on CB East’s defense and goalkeeper, I’m confident that we will be able to win. Look for Kelly Cross, Stephanie Speese and Megan Rock in the midfield to control the tempo and distribute the ball up field to our forwards (Emily Hitchings, Marie Wheatley and Sam Boyd – all of whom has shown they have the ability to score). Defensively, with the experience and confidence of a backfield that trusts one another, Jen Harchut, Brooke Callahan, Sydney Lang and Taylor Morgan should be able to minimize offensive pressure from East’s forwards. What may get into the circle, GK Dana Russell will work diligently to turn away. A balanced, aggressive approach for all 60 minutes of the game is the key to UD’s success tomorrow and as well as for advancing throughout the tournament.”
Central Bucks East
- 8-9 overall
- 7-7 SOL, fourth place in Continental Conference
- Highlight of season was a 0-0 tie with third-seeded CR North
Players to watch: Emily Vasey (Sr., Playmaker/Scorer), Emily Guthier (Sr., Goalie), Shannon Devlin (Sr., Center Mid), Marissa Glatt (Jr., Scorer)
Coach Marie Meehan says: “CB East is pleased to participate in the District One playoffs. For postseason success, we need to take advantage of corner opportunities and maintain a team approach to the game plan.”
#20 METHACTON at #13 WILLIAM TENNENT
Methacton
- 10-5-1 overall
- 7-5-1 PAC-10, fourth place in Liberty Division
- Won four of five to close out the season, including a 2-1 win over ninth-seeded Upper Dublin
William Tennent
- 11-4-1 overall
- 10-3-1 SOL, second place in National Conference standings
- Opened season with a 5-0-1 record in first six games, closed season by winning five in a row
Players to watch: Brittany Mitchell (Inner), Taylor Prichett (Inner), Colleen McCabe (Right Wing), Sam Huttick (Right Mid), Allie Reed (Center Mid), Sam Huttick (Right Mid), Allie Reed (Center Mid), Sarah Horrox (Lef Mid), Mary McGinty (Center Back), Megan McCloskey (Right Back), Allie Adams (Left Back), Jamie Schuck (Left Wing), Tori Villiani (Goalie)
Coach Kaitlyn Rauchut says: “I don’t really know much about Methacton. I have never been one of those coaches or players who would scope out teams and get all the logistics. I just know if my girls show up and play 100 percent and they put the ball in the back of goal, we will have no problem. No matter what team we play or where we play, it just depends on who shows up and how well they work together. We’re optimistic. The girls are very excited. They were very happy they got the 13th seed. To be honest, I was apprehensive where we would be and even if we were going to make the playoffs. Two years going strong and making the playoffs is outstanding.”
#18 SPRING-FORD at #15 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Spring-Ford
- 13-7 overall
- 8-5 PAC-10, finished in third place in Liberty Division
- Closed regular season with a 2-1 win over 14th-seeded Perk Valley
Plymouth Whitemarsh
- 13-5 overall
- 8-4 SOL, third place in American Conference standings
- Won seven of eight games to close out season
Players to watch: Becky Stiteler (Sr., Goalie), Mollie Getzfread (Sr., Midfield), Meg McCullough (Sr., Midfield), Gab Fazio (Sr., Back), Rachel Konowal (Soph., Attack/Back), Courtney Konowal (Soph., Attack), Bryn Frankhouser (Sr., Attack)
Coach Marianne Paparone says: “We want to be playing our best at the most critical time. We need to capitalize on scoring opportunities and finish better on offense. On defense, we need to play with more composure and aggressiveness. We won our first round game last year and are looking to improve on that.”
#17 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH at #16 NORTH PENN
North Penn
- 11-5 overall
- 10-4 SOL, third place in Continental Conference
- Won seven of nine games to close out the season
Players to watch: Bobby Dougherty (Forward), Carly Pickford (Forward), Emilie Ikeda (Midfield), Shannon Talbot (Midfield), Michelle Holweger (Midfield)
Coach Carrie Jankowski says: “Council Rock South has had some big wins and lost some tough games, and really, my impression of them is much the same as my impression of us – it’s a good team that has had some great moments of momentum and also has had some setbacks. I’m confident if my team plays their best game we can play with anyone in the district, but we can’t afford to not play our best game.”
Council Rock South
- 12-6 overall
- 10-4 SOL, third place National Conference
- Won four straight to close out the season, including 1 -0 win over Council Rock North
Players to watch: Kiera McGovern, Alex Agasar, Lynda Nitka, Alexis Carroll, Kelly Schlupp
Coach Lisa Belz says: “I am looking for my senior leaders as well as the younger players to step up. Playing as a unit is going to be key. We also need to step up to the ball and be aggressive.”
#26 NORRISTOWN at #7 MOUNT ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY
Mount St. Joseph Academy
- 14-1 overall
- Only loss was to Villa Maria Academy on Oct. 15 (3-1)
- Boast 10 shutouts on the season
- Last year’s district runner-up
Norristown
- 7-7-1 overall
- 7-5 SOL, fourth place in American Conference
- Defeated #9 seed Upper Dublin 2-1 on Oct. 10
Players to watch: Ellie Gilette (Sr., Goalie), Sammi Kidd (Sr.), Gina Pellechio (Sr.), Monica Levins (Jr., Defensive Midfield), Emma Hagel (Fr., Sweeper), Natalie Mitchell (Fr., Forward/Wing),
Coach Stacie Staufenberg says: “Ellie Gilette has been the backbone of our team, but I think the difference is that we finally have a group of players that have the heart and want to do it. Some of them are very young. My sweeper, Emma Hagel, is a freshman, and I’ve been coaching her for six years in ENGAA. Natalie Mitchell is another freshman I’ve been coaching for six years, and she has a nose for the goal. She’s making a big difference. Sammi Kidd is a good player. Gina Pellechio came through for us as a senior. I wish I would have another four years with her. Beverly Pate added so much charisma to our team, and you can’t discount that. She is a steady player who works hard. Last but not least, we inherited Monica Levins from Pope John Paul. She’s played awesome – all heart. She goes hard every second.”
#27 PENNSBURY at #6 CONESTOGA
Conestoga
- 16-1-1 overall
- Central League champions (undefeated in league play)
- Only loss of the season came in the first game of the season on Sept. 2 to Episcopal Academy (4-2)
- Top scorer is Olivier ‘Oliver’ Everts, a 6-2 freshman from the Netherlands
Pennsbury
- 7-8-2 overall
- 7-5-2 SOL, finished fourth in National Conference, edging Neshaminy by one point in the standings
- Players to watch: Julia Vogel (Center Mid), Ashlyn Stevens (Right Forward), Allie Brady (Center Forward)
Coach Jamie Parell says: "In order for our team to be successful, we must work together as one and take it day by day. In addition, everyone needs to contribute offensively and defensively, no matter their position on the field. A full 60 minutes of hockey with 110 percent effort is essential in moving forward."
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