The Pennsbury Falcons hosted Council Rock South for their first night game of the season at Falcon Field. After watching the JV team continue their streak of shut outs, beating CRS 2-0, the varsity PHS players prepared for battle. With the sun setting behind the stands you could hear a pin drop in the stadium during a moment of silence in honor of those lost on September 11th so long ago. Some members of the Pennsbury Marching Band performed the National Anthem creating a beautiful moment for us to focus on that day we will never forget and to remind us of the gratitude we have to be playing the sport we love. Both teams came out with a matched energy and determination forcing the first two quarters to end in a scoreless tie. Going into halftime at 0-0 is both exciting and exhausting - you watch them battle so hard for 30 minutes and come away in the same place they started," Curtis said. "We were so proud of how our girls were moving the ball, applying things we talked about at practice, and really coming together," said Coach, Traci Curtis. "We didn't change too much at that point of the game, but simply encouraged them to continue fighting and playing patient hockey," Curtis added. "Our forwards were moving well, our mids were holding their space, and our defense was strong working the ball in transfers and being smart about placement. The passing in all parts of the field was great today, but it was just not enough, " said Curtis. South busted the 0-0 score halfway through the 3rd quarter when M.Freeman connected during a scuffle in front of the cage on a penalty corner play putting the Hawks ahead 1-0. The Falcons did not let down, but found themselves in another defensive corner situation four minutes later and once again, CRS found a way to take advantage of the set piece with a goal by S.Freeman. "South passed the ball really well on their corner plays and they worked our defense inside the circle in a way that put us on our heels in those moments," explained Curtis. "They went up 2-0 with four minutes left in the 3rd quarter and we knew we had to dig deeper and work even harder. It was a great game on both sides of the ball and just an entertaining contest all around. The 4th quarter began with the Falcons down 2-0, but they did not give up. "We are most proud of our team for staying strong, encouraging each other all around, and being in a very energetic, hyped mindset the whole time. They truly were playing with gratitude and it was coming from their hearts," said Curtis. The excitement went up a notch in the first two minutes of the 4th quarter when Pennsbury's, Ryan Burdette, found the back of the cage during an offensive penalty corner play putting the orange and black within a goal. There was tons of time left to play. The Falcons fought hard and got extremely close to tying the game, but the clock ran out before they could make it happen. "We managed the clock so much better this game and had solid scoring opportunities in the final 2 minutes, which was great to see from our unit. I am happy with their performance and will take the loss and all the lessons it gives us," stated Curtis. "Just like the Neshaminy game, South only scored on two of ten penalty corners and those earned set pieces were where they scored. They did not finish from the regular field play and that speaks volumes about how we are handling our shifting and movement in all of that space during the game. South is a talented team who I think we are really well matched with. Do we need to work on defensive penalty corner situations? Absolutely, but I have no doubt our girls will learn and make the adjustments necessary to be successful moving forward," Curtis stated. "We are not finished and are growing and changing with each game," said Curtis. On a day like today it helps to realize that there are things much bigger than ourselves and reflecting on the game with a grateful, positive mindset will allow us to move forward with strength and joy," Curtis said. "All of our girls had outstanding performances tonight, but senior, Jacqueline Sullivan, earned our Power Of ONE award for her determination and stepping up to the challenge in the back for the entire game," Curtis explained. Pennsbury will host Tennent on Friday to finish out the three game week.