Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Friday. CB West/Pennsbury photos provided courtesy of Wesley Rule.
SOL Nonleague crossover
Central Bucks West 5, Pennsbury 4
(Submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
The Pennsbury field hockey team kicked off its regular season, dropping a thrilling 5-4 decision in the home opener against SOL crossover opponent Central Bucks West.
West came into the game off a stellar 2025 season as the PIAA Class 3A state runner-up with an overall record of 20-5-1. They advanced to the PIAA Class 3A State Final, narrowly losing to 
Emmaus, 3-2. The Falcons were well aware of the level of challenge this opening game would present, and they were more than ready.
Coach Traci Curtis and assistant coach Lori Riley purposefully placed additional high-level games on the schedule for 2026 in order to continue to push the Falcons to their limits. The team mantra is “RELENTLESS - Won’t Back Down” and that’s exactly how they are approaching everything they do. Opening the season with this game was the perfect way to illustrate the mindset.
The Falcons lived out their RELENTESS mentality in this game that ended up being decided on a penalty stroke in the final 3 seconds of regulation. The Bucks walked away with the win, but the full game story is packed with victories for the orange and black.
West came out strong offensively, keeping Pennsbury’s defense very busy for most of the first quarter. The Falcons barely crossed the 50-yard line in the first 15 minutes, unable to generate any solid attacking opportunities. Despite the constant pressure, the Falcons’ defense held West scoreless for 11 minutes until the Bucks got on the board first with 4 minutes left in the first quarter. Ellie Tweddale scored with a nice deflection on a penalty corner shot from the top of the circle. West connected again three minutes later on another corner shot from the top by Lucy Smith.
The start of the second quarter sparked new life into the Falcons as Ryan Burdette forced a penalty stroke on a breakaway in the first 2 minutes. Abby Iacona took the stroke and got Pennsbury on the board. It was a 2-1 game and, just like that, things started to change. West answered the stroke by scoring a goal 3 minutes later to make it 3-1 and the rest of the quarter was scoreless, but there was something different about the way the Falcons were making things happen.
“Despite going into halftime down 3-1, we were pumped and making all the right adjustments to stay strong all over the field,” Curtis said. “They were finding ways to break through offensively and the defense continued to work as a solid unit and stop the Bucks from gaining much ground.”
The third quarter was a victory for the orange and black as they kept the Bucks off the board and scored the only goal of the quarter with 1 minute left, making it a 3-2 game. Nandi Ntshalintshali tipped the goal in off a great corner shot from Iacona.
Senior Amelia Fernandes protected the cage with strength and with the help of her stellar defensive unit. Great field hockey was being played by both teams and the final 15 minutes was full of huge anticipation. With stats in the book neck-and-neck (corners, shots, saves) the fans were in for a treat.
The Bucks’ Claire Demmer scored her second goal of the game at the 11:47 mark of the final quarter to increase the lead to 4-2. The next 7 minutes ticked by quickly and the pressure was on for the Falcons to come up with a response before the final buzzer. The final 4 minutes of the game had everyone on the edge of their seats. Burdette brought the Falcons within one when she scored unassisted with 4 minutes left to make it a 4-3 game. Two minutes later, Iacona doubled down for the Falcons and weaved her way through traffic unassisted to tie the game 4-4.
West gained possession on a breakaway with about 10 seconds left and met up with the PHS defense on the approach to the circle. The defensive stop was ruled egregious, and a penalty stroke was awarded to the Bucks. With 2.9 seconds on the clock, Smith connected on the stroke for her second goal of the game, sealing the 5-4 win for the Bucks.
“We walked away from this one with our heads held high,” Curtis said. “We are so proud of how we showed up, never gave up, and just got stronger and stronger as the game went on to prove what we have to put out there.
“Losing on a stroke like that is disappointing because we would have loved to play it out in overtime and be able to compete on the field for the win, but despite that ending, we are so happy with this beginning.”
Up next: Pennsbury will host Neshaminy on Tuesday for a night game on Falcon Field. Central Bucks West will host Central Bucks South in its SOL opener Monday (7pm).
Central Bucks West 2 1 0 2 -5
Pennsbury 0 1 1 2 – 4
Central Bucks East 3, Wissahickon 2
Lily Okolichany scored a pair of first-quarter goals to power a young Central Bucks East team to a 3-2 victory over Wissahickon in Friday’s season-opening crossover matchup.
Nora Kanyok recorded 10 saves to notch the shutout win, with Sam Lafferty earning a defensive save for the Patriots.
Annabel Roark and Sam Farno each scored unassisted second-half goals to power the Trojans’ offense.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Lily Okolichany (CBE) 8:26
Lily Okolichany (CBE) from Emerson McFeely, 6:06
Second quarter
No score
Third quarter
Annabel Roark (W) 12:14
Brynn Bonargo (CBE) from Sam Lafferty, 10:29
Fourth quarter
Sam Farno (W) 10:00
By the numbers: Shots: CBE 12, W 12; Penalty corners: CBE 12, W 12; Goalie saves: CBE Nora Kanyok 10, W 9; CBE Sam Lafferty (1) defensive save.
Central Bucks East coach Emma Rosenthal:
“We’re really happy to open up the season with solid team win. We were able to come together as a team to accomplish some of goals – setting the tone for our season and scoring first.”
--Props: “Lily Okolichany had great circle play today and was able to find the back of the cage twice. Brynn Bonargo and Emerson McFeely did a great job being a catalyst for the attack and drawing a lot of those corner opportunities. We really only have 5 returning varsity starters, so getting that win while also gaining experience as a group was a great way to kick off the season.”
Wissahickon coach Hannah Havrilla:
--The game: “We got off to a slow start today and found ourselves facing a two-goal deficit. However, the girls responded well in the second half and showed great determination to battle their way back into the game. Our third quarter was our strongest quarter, as we controlled possession and played with confidence.
“In the fourth quarter, we struggled to stay composed under pressure and became a bit rushed with the ball, which limited our ability to create quality scoring opportunities. Despite our efforts, we were unable to find the back of the net for the equalizer.
“I am proud of the girls' effort and grit throughout the game. They never stopped competing and fighting back. Moving forward, we need to focus on starting games on our front foot and putting together a complete 60 minutes of hockey. If we can do that, we will put ourselves in a much stronger position for success.”
--Props: “I would like to recognize senior captain Samantha Farno for her outstanding performance today. Sam showed great composure in the midfield and played aggressively both on and off the ball. She found the back of the net for us and stepped up wherever we needed her on the field. We are fortunate to have her leadership this season, alongside fellow captains Layla Keller and Carly Lehman, who continue to set a strong example for our team.
“I would also like to recognize senior captain Carly Lehman. Carly was aggressive in the attacking circle and finished the game with two assists. She provides strong leadership for our forward line and has a great presence on the ball. Her ability to maintain possession and control the pace of play allows our team to get organized and move up the field effectively.
“Lastly, I would like to recognize Emmie Keller. Emmie has come a long way since her freshman year, and I am excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for her. She made several key defensive stops in the midfield and played an important role in distributing the ball and helping us maintain possession throughout the game. Her growth and confidence continue to make a positive impact on our team.”
Up next: Central Bucks East will host Quakertown in a non-league crossover game Saturday (10am), and Wissahickon will travel to Harry S Truman for a non-league crossover game Monday (5pm).
Central Bucks East 2 0 1 0 – 3
Wissahickon 0 0 1 1 – 2
Hatboro-Horsham 7, William Tennent 1
Hatboro-Horsham made a statement from the opening whistle. The Hatters poured in four first-quarter goals and rolled to a 7-1 victory over William Tennent in Friday’s season-opening SOL crossover matchup.
Senior Briana Soto got the Hatters on the scoreboard first in the opening quarter, with an assist from sophomore Reagan Gawthorp. Senior captain Mackenzie Harmon followed with the team's second goal off a corner. Senior captain Norah Haber added the third goal of the quarter unassisted, before Harmon found the back of the net again, this time assisted by senior captain Annabelle Deacon, to give the Hatters four goals in the opening quarter.
The Hatters continued their offensive momentum in the second quarter. Senior Sadie Worley assisted on Haber’s second goal of the game, then Worley joined the scoring effort herself, putting one in off an assist from freshman Lilyanna DuMar.
The final goal of the game came from junior Aliana D’Angelo, who capitalized on a breakaway before finishing the play in a 1v1 against the goalkeeper.
The Panthers averted a shutout with a goal in the fourth quarter.
Hatboro-Horsham coach Lauren Holliday: “From start to finish, this was a true team effort, with strong contributions from players across the field.”
—Props: “Congratulations to Aliana D’Angelo – today she showed heart, hustle, and determination, awarding her Stick of the Show!”
Up next: Hatboro-Horsham will travel to Plymouth Whitemarsh for its SOL opener Tuesday, and William Tennent will host Springfield Twp Tuesday.
William Tennent 0 0 0 1 – 1
Hatboro-Horsham 4 2 1 0 – 7
Nonleague
Central Bucks South 4, Haverford 2
Ava Merschbach opened the scoring late in the first quarter to give Central Bucks South a lead it would never relinquish en route to a 4-2 season-opening nonleague victory over Haverford on Friday.
Emily Aldrich assisted on Merschbach’s goal, then added one of her own in the second quarter to give the Titans a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Ava Merschbach (CBS) from Emily Aldrich (1:32)
Second quarter
Aldrich (CBS) from Amanda Zakrzewski (8:07)
Third quarter
Gretchen Confora (H) (8:25)
Dana McGinniss (CBS) from Peyton Lendzinski (7:50)
Fourth quarter
Jenna Butler (CBS) from Ella Marchesi (3:31)
G. Confora (H) (1:22)
By the numbers: SOG: H 16, CBS 16; PC: H 2, CBS 8; Goalie saves: H 12, CBS Nora McQueen/Sophia Hurley 14
Central Bucks South coach Stephanie Bardell:
--The game: “This was a great way to kick off the field hockey season! Seven different players registered points, and we dug deep into our bench for strength to keep the fresh legs in the heat. Two mild weather playdays to prepare for the heat of Friday, thankfully with our depth we were able to continue to work our connections and our speed around the field.”
—Veterans and newcomers contribute: “Three goals off fresh, new varsity players as well as the determination from our returners led us today. We relied on our experienced players and expected big things from our newer players and everyone on the field delivered today. This is the new era we are building and we are only getting started!”
Up next: Central Bucks South will travel to Central Bucks West for its SOL opener Monday (7pm).
Central Bucks South 1-1-1-1 4
Haverford 0-0-1-1 2
Upper Moreland 6, Jenkintown 0
(Submitted by Upper Moreland field hockey)
Upper Moreland opened up the new season in fine fashion – and showed off a wealth of young talent – in a 6-0 win over nonleague opponent Jenkintown on Friday.
Olivia Torres started off the scoring with a shot from the top. Torres also dominated the stats sheet with elimination dodges, takeaways, and shots that rebounded to teammates who scored goals. MJ Reilly also played well in her new position, creating scoring opportunities by forcing the Drakes to make defensive mistakes which led to corners or goals.
Sophomore Giana Morrison scored her first varsity goal off an assist from Taylor Pagano to put the Bears up 2-0. Morrison added another goal in the second half unassisted. Fellow sophomore Kourtney Malone has been playing well in preseason, is very athletic and is expected to be a valuable contributor.
The defensive unit of Hannah Gardner, Charlotte Russo and Reese Purcell were strong in the shutout win. Goalie Izzy Fisher had four saves but also took control in the circle with several clears. Gianna Jones was steady at forward and mid. Bridget Hess was dominant at defensive mid, limiting the Drakes getting in the circle.
In the second half, Pagano continued to put pressure on in the circle, scoring to make it 3-0. The Bears were relentless in the circle, with Julianna Gablein and Mia Hood capping off the scoring with their first varsity goals.
Up next: Upper Moreland will travel to Cheltenham for its SOL opener Tuesday.
Upper Moreland 2 4 – 6
Jenkintown 0 0 – 0
Boyertown 3, Plymouth Whitemarsh 2
Plymouth Whitemarsh battled back from a two-goal halftime deficit and put pressure on Boyertown until the closing minutes before falling 3-2 in its season opener.
Boyertown scored twice in the second quarter to take a 2-0 lead into halftime, but the Colonials cut the deficit in half early in the fourth quarter when Kayleigh Boland finished in front of the goalkeeper off an assist from Sophie Kerns. After Boyertown restored its two-goal advantage, Gracie Kerns scored with 3:46 remaining to pull PW within one.
“Overall, we have a lot to build on and a lot to learn from after game one,” PW coach Charise Halteman said.
Scoring summary
Second quarter
Boyertown (8:57)
Boyertown (6:04)
Fourth quarter
Kayleigh Boland (PW) from Sophie Kerns (12:24)
Boyertown (7:29)
Gracie Kerns (PW) (3:46)
By the numbers: Goals: PW Kayleigh Boland 1, Gracie Kerns 1; Assists: PW Sophie Kerns 1; Goalie saves: PW Bree Molony 2, Lily Barclay 2
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach.Charise Halteman:
—The game: “We played an exciting game against Boyertown to open our season. We had some early scoring opportunities that we couldn't convert, and Boyertown was able to score two goals in the second quarter to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.”
—Fourth-quarter rally: “PW got on the board in the fourth quarter after Kayleigh Boland was able to finish a play in front of the goalkeeper with an assist from Sophie Kerns. Boyertown added their third goal at the 7:29 mark and PW responded at the 3:46 mark when Gracie Kerns was able to send a reverse shot past the goalkeeper. PW continued to put pressure on Boyertown in the closing minutes of the game.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 0-0-0-2 2
Boyertown 0-2-0-1 3
Mount St. Joseph 11, Abington 1
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