Check out the recaps for SOL field hockey teams in action Thursday. Wissahickon/Hatboro-Horsham photos provided courtesy of Jon Sklut, and Neshaminy/Bensalem photos courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for galleries of both games. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports' FIELD HOCKEY GALLERIES.
Patriot Division
Pennsbury 6, Council Rock South 1
After battling through a scoreless first quarter, Pennsbury exploded for four goals in the second quarter to pull away from Council Rock South on the way to a 6-1 win in Thursday’s Patriot Division game.
Abby Iacona scored two goals to lead a spread-out Falcons’ offense. Courtney Allahand scored South’s lone goal off an assist from Mia Schink.
Council Rock South coach Kate Cocco: “Pennsbury is a very talented team. Unfortunately, we did not get the outcome we wanted, but we have a positive outlook on the season ahead. Emily Hamnett and Kylee Ward were some of our standout players today. Emily held us in the defensive end and did a great job on corners. Kylee had some awesome step-ups and connections today. We are proud of this group and will continue to work hard.”
Up next: Pennsbury will host Notre Dame on Saturday. South visits Neshaminy on Wednesday.
Pennsbury 0 4 1 1 – 6
Council Rock South 0 1 0 0 – 0
(The following was submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
Less than 24 hours after an emotional victory over Neshaminy, the Falcons were on a bus headed to Council Rock South for another league contest. Fatigue was definitely setting in both mentally and physically with the caliber and emotion of the first two games in conjunction with the first week of school. The coaches could not help but think of the familiar sports story they’ve heard a million times - huge victory followed by a big letdown and disappointing loss. Curtis & Co. could not let that happen today.
The first quarter of the game put a pit in the coaches’ stomachs as they watched a completely different version of their team from the previous night. The Falcons were slow, flat, sloppy, and unable to connect on cage despite dominating possession for most of the 15 minutes and headed into the second quarter scoreless.
Both teams woke up in the second quarter. Pennsbury finally got into their rhythm and settled in. At the 10-minute mark, Joley Hohman assisted Cailyn Reilly, who sent a bullet shot into the net for the first goal. One minute later, Pennsbury’s defensive unit executed a textbook transfer play that moved the ball from the left to the right seamlessly. The ball made its way up the right sideline where Ryan Burdette sent it across to junior forward Lily Fanini. Fanini got a tip and scored the team’s second goal. Another minute ticked by and the Falcons connected again when Allie Fouss sent the ball on cage and it was deflected into the goal by a Hawk defender during a goal line scrum. South found its way onto the scoreboard 30 seconds later with a breakaway run. The Hawks put some pressure on, threatening to make it a one-goal game, but PHS did not allow them to generate consistently. With less than 30 seconds to go before the half, Abby Iacona weaved her way through a handful of Hawks and passed it off to Nandi Ntshalintshali, who was waiting low and strong at the post for a solid deflection slammed against the board to allow Pennsbury to enter halftime up 4-1.
Pennsbury topped off the scoring in the second half with a pair of goals by senior forward Abby Iacona. Regan Rodriguez assisted Iacona’s first goal in the third quarter to put PHS ahead 5-1 and then Iacona went alone for her second score in the fourth quarter, picking up scraps in the circle and connecting to make it a 6-1 final.
“Despite the slow start, it was a good showing for our girls as they found a way to light a fire in each other and get the job done,” said Pennsbury coach Traci Curtis. “It was especially great to see five different players scoring today and recognize our depth across the field. The trust we have in each other is a game changer and it is really great to watch that play out on and off the field.”
Neshaminy 2, Bensalem 1
Neshminy got the win, but Bensalem made them work for it.
After years of frustrating losses and overmatched teams, Bensalem played Neshaminy close last season, and on Thursday, the Owls made them work to pull out a one-goal victory a
s Neshaminy earned a 2-1 win in the Patriot Division clash.
Presley Tochterman put Neshaminy on the board in the first quarter, and Ella Waitkevich scored what would end up as the game-winning goal in the second quarter.
Leah Vorgity scored her first goal of the season, set up by Molly Reilly and Kylie Blank, to put Bensalem on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Presley Tochterman (N), 1:21
Second quarter
Ella Waitkevich (N), 3:21
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
Leah Vorgity assisted by Molly Reilly and Kylie Blank (B), 12:05.
Bensalem coach Gery Kubik: “It's been a while since Bensalem has really competed with
the likes of Neshaminy. They've been dominating this division for so long and completely dominating Bensalem for at least the last 20-25 years. Just two years back, they were still beating us by double digits whenever they wanted to. Last year, at home, we were able to hold them to just a 2-0 victory. Today, we managed to even get a goal, and lost a 2-1 game, in which we never felt out of it. Loved that feeling, loved the pressure, and the girls seemed to have loved it, too.
“Neshaminy got on the board first with just 1:21left in the first quarter with a goal by Presley Tochterman. That lead held until the end of the second quarter, with just 3:21 left when Ella Waitkevich flicked a ball short side high to beat Bensalem Goalie Hailey Fricke. Bensalem answered back early in the fourth quarter. With 12:05 left, forward Mollie Reilly one timed a deflected Kylie Blank shot over to waiting sophomore, Leah Vorgity, who found the back of the cage. Vorgity's first goal of the season was also Bensalem's first goal. We had some late chances while Neshaminy was shorthand because of a yellow card but were not able to find the net. Bensalem finished with four corners to Neshaminy's three.”
Neshaminy 1 1 0 0 – 2
Bensalem 0 0 0 1 – 1
Colonial Division
Central Bucks East 3, North Penn 2
North Penn struck first, but Brynn Bonargo responded with all three Central Bucks East goals as the Patriots rallied for a 3-2 victory over North Penn in Thursday’s Colonial Division matchup.
Cecilia Lewis assisted on Cara Albano’s first-quarter goal for the Knights, then added a goal of her own in the third quarter that tied the game at 2-2 until Bonargo broke the deadlock two minutes later.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Cara Albano assisted by Cecilia Lewis (NP), 7:10
Brynn Bonargo assisted by Sophia DePrizio (CBE), 0:24
Second quarter
Bonargo (CBE), 11:09
Third quarter
Lewis (NP), 10:36
Bonargo (CBE), 8:18
Fourth quarter
No scoring
By the numbers: Penalty corners: NP 3, CBE 4; Shots: NP 10, CBE 12; Goalkeeper saves: Liz McClarren (NP) 6, Nora Kanyok (CBE) 7; Defensive saves: Sam Lafferty (CBE) 2, Kate McCauley (CBE) 1.
Central Bucks East coach Emma Rosenthal: “Today was definitely the best we’ve played this season. We’re finally starting to connect passes and really operate well as a unit. This game was really evenly played – the fourth quarter had the ball ping-ponging back and forth between our offensive circles. There’s a lot of games left to be played, but it feels like we’re finally working in the right direction.”
—Props: “Brynn Bonargo had an absolutely amazing game with the hat trick, and the midfield work by Thea Martinez, Nell Zietsman, Sophia DePrizio, and Lily Okolichany allowed the support for the breakaway goals to happen. Nora Kanyok had a standout day in goal and the defense of Kate McCauley, Sam Lafferty, and Jules Zipperlen really held it down.”
North Penn coach Shannon McCracken: “Statistically, it was an evenly matched game, however, CB East had more time of possession in their offensive end and did a better job of converting opportunities into shots and goals. We will get back to work and continue to grow and improve as a team.”
Up next: North Penn (0-2, 0-1 Colonial) host Central Bucks West at 7 pm Wednesday.
Central Bucks East 1 1 1 0 – 3
North Penn 1 0 1 0 – 2
Central Bucks South 3, Souderton 1
Central Bucks South scored two first-quarter goals and led 3-0 early in the second quarter in holding off Souderton and earning a 3-1 win in Thursday’s Colonial Division game.
Amy Hazell put the Titans on the board midway through the first quarter, and Ryann VanDerSluis made it 2-0 just 26 seconds before the end of the opening period.
Gianna Bocchino scored Souderton’s lone goal. Samantha Morales made 15 saves for the Indians.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Amy Hazell (CBS), 6:31
Ryann VanDerSluis (CBS), 0:26
Second quarter
Emily Aldrich (CBS), 10:03
Gianna Bocchino (S), 2:42
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
No scoring
By the numbers: Shots: CBS 18, S 7; Penalty corners: CBS 12, S 4; Goalie saves: Sophia Hurley (CBS) 6, Samantha Morales (S) 15; CBS Sophia Kraft - 1 defensive save
Central Bucks South coach Stephanie Bardell: “We came out tonight with speed and a purpose. We knew we needed to play team hockey all over the field and we knew we needed to be fast. We took the lessons from our Monday game and applied them to this afternoon's game.
“Our team’s efforts through preseason to work on their conditioning in the heat allowed our bench dept to be used throughout the 60 minutes of hockey.
“Overall, a team effort with double teams and quick thoughts led our team today. We look forward to our break after the first week of games and getting back to it next week!”
—Props: “Huge props to our midfield and our forward line to ensure fast transitions to the circle. Ryann VanDerSluis had herself a game today all over the field in whatever position we played her in. Amy Hazell's rocket from the top of the circle got us on the board and her work in our press allowed for our team to keep up the speed and relentless pursuit.”
Central Bucks South 2 1 0 0 – 3
Souderton 0 1 0 0 – 1
Central Bucks West 5, Pennridge 0
Pennridge officially opened both its season and conference schedule Thursday evening at War Memorial Field against PIAA State Runner-Up Central Bucks West, dropping a 5-0 decision to the Bucks.
The Bucks applied pressure from the opening whistle, finding the back of the cage just over 2 minutes into the contest. Mixing their attack effectively through the air and on the ground, West controlled possession and built a 4-0 advantage by halftime.
Pennridge showed resilience after the break, generating several quality scoring opportunities and putting pressure on the Bucks' defense. The Rams came close to getting on the scoreboard on multiple occasions, with shots narrowly missing the target or striking the post. The Bucks added a fifth goal in the third quarter.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Lucy Demmer assisted by Zola Morelli (CBW), 12:45
Claire Demmer penalty stroke (CBW), 8:25
Second quarter
Claire Demmer (CBW), 10:35
Evelyn Knight assisted by Lucy Smith (CBW), 4:26
Third quarter
Lucy Smith corner (CBW), 11:00
Fourth quarter
No scoring
By the numbers: Saves: Ella Ricci (P) 5; Bella Craig (CBW) 4. Penalty corners: Pennridge 3, CBW 5.
Central Bucks West coach Lori Ierubino: “Great play by the entire team. We are still working out some wrinkles in the formation and lineup but the team is versatile and fluid and eager to do well. Kudos to Pennridge – they had great energy and really nice speed especially in their transition.”
—Props: “Lucy Smith played a fantastic game creating some exciting scoring opportunities with her exceptional field vision. Margot Trask played a great defensive game, seemingly involved in thwarting every Pennridge opportunity.”
Pennridge coach Chris Chookagian: "Our team has had an interesting start to the fall with only one scrimmage under our belt, so we're still figuring things out. The coaching staff is proud of the way the group responded to the level of play that a PIAA State Runner-Up brings. We look forward to this matchup’s second leg in October, as well as the rest of our conference schedule, as we continue to grow and settle into the season."
Up next: Pennridge will visit Souderton at 5 pm Wednesday, and Central Bucks West will be on the road at North Penn Wednesday..
Pennridge 0 0 0 0 – 0
Central Bucks West 2 2 1 0 – 5
Liberty Division
Quakertown 6, Abington 0
Thursday turned out to be quite the Sunny day for Quakertown.
The Panthers’ Sunny Draper scored the first three goals of the game on direct shots as part of a four-goal, one-assist effort as Quakertown rolled past Abington 6-0 in the Liberty Division opener. Draper – who has scored a dozen goals in the first four games of the season – netted her first two goals of the game within a minute of each other early in the first quarter and completed the natural hat trick less than five minutes into the second quarter.
Kelley Gallagher recorded 35 saves for the Ghosts.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Sunny Draper direct shot (Q), 13:30
Sunny Draper direct shot (Q), 12:06
Second quarter
Sunny Draper direct shot (Q), 10:43
Mya Pallone assisted by Sunny Draper (Q), 2:29
Third quarter
Sunny Draper (Q), 12:29
Paige Longacre direct shot (Q), 5:10
Fourth quarter
No scoring
By the numbers: Goalie saves: A: Kelley Gallagher 35; Q: Darci Baxter 1.
Quakertown coach Peach Draper: “Our midfielders – Cassidy Landis, Penny Longacre, and Cadence Jozefowski – set the tone early with brilliant ball movement. Sunny Draper was locked in, with four quick, direct shot goals, while Mya Pallone and Paige Longacre each added one to the tally.
“Defense was a brick wall thanks to rock-solid play from Cameron Landis, Blair Mora, Emily Reece, and goalie Darci Baxter. The win was a complete team effort, bolstered by high-energy shifts from Taylor Wehr, Taylor Mason, Karly Formica, Ella Metz, Suleima Honorato, Kylie Davis, Airiana Oliveres, and Amelia Bodner.”
Abington 0 0 0 0 – 0
Quakertown 2 2 2 0 – 6
Wissahickon 8, Hatboro-Horsham 2
Senior Carly Lehman scored three goals and added one assist, while Sam Farno and Layla Keller each added a goal and an assist as Wissahickon jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back in downing Hatboro-Horsham 8-2 in Thursday’s Liberty Division game.
Mackenzie Harmon scored both Hatter goals, with one coming in the second quarter and one in the third.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Layla Keller assisted by Samantha Farno (W), 13:33
Carly Lehman unassisted (W), 12:56
Carly Lehman unassisted (W), 0:21
Second quarter
Mackenzie Harmon (H-H)
Carly Lehman assisted by Layla Keller (W), 0:08
Third quarter
Mackenzie Harmon (H-H)
Addison Arnott assisted by Layla Keller (W), 9:42
Samantha Farno unassisted (W), 1:05
Fourth quarter
Annabel Roark assisted by Carly Lehman (W), 4:40
Wissahickon coach Hannah Havrilla: “Our team definitely started off fast, scoring early again just like we have been practicing. We started off 3-0 by the end of the first quarter, which was a great start compared to our most recent game. The second and third quarters were not our best, as Hatboro-Horsham was able to execute and put away two goals. We stressed to the girls the importance of utilizing each other to make our way up the field, using give-and-go’s and going together as a unit. We finished strong by putting another goal in the back of the net, which came from multiple
passes and knowing when to see the pass and make it. We are always thinking two passes ahead and looking to play together. I am proud of how the girls finished off the week.
“Looking forward to improving more next week and continuing to build off this winning momentum.”
—Props: “I would like to recognize Carly Lehman, our senior captain, as she had another fantastic game offensively. She had another hat trick and really is willing to put her body on the line for a goal. She is hungry, competitive, and always looking for the next opportunity to make a play.
“Another two players I would like to recognize are Samantha Farno and Layla Keller, our two other senior captains. They were huge assets in our midfield, recovering on defense and setting up plays on our attacking end of the 25. They both tallied one goal and one assist today and continue to be great leaders on and off the field.
“Finally, I would like to recognize Addison Arnott. Addy is one of the hardest workers on our team. She has great skill and was able to score another goal today off one of our corners, which is an area we have continued to improve. She is not afraid to step to the ball, slow the play down, and make the right decision. She is also a great distributor and does a great job connecting with our midfield and forward lines.”
Hatboro-Horsham coach Lauren Holliday: “The Hatters never gave up during today’s game. While it wasn’t the outcome we were hoping for, these girls played with heart, determination, and fight until the final whistle. I’m proud of this team for continuing to fight, believe, and play for each other! Keep your heads up, Hatters!”
—Props: “Mackenzie Harmon came up big with two incredible goals, one in the second quarter and another in the third.”
—Stick of the Show: “Congratulations to senior Sadie Worley! Her unstoppable speed and incredible block tackles made a huge impact on the field today. Way to battle, Sadie!”
Hatboro-Horsham 0 1 1 0 – 2
Wissahickon 3 1 2 1 – 8
Plymouth Whitemarsh 6, Upper Dublin 1
Gracie Kerns led all scorers with four points on two goals and two assists as Plymouth Whitemarsh topped Upper Dublin in Thursday’s Liberty Division matchup.
The Colonials led 3-0 after one quarter. Sammy Callan had two goals and an assist and Julz Scherzer registered one goal and one assist.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Sammy Callan (PW), 8:49
Julz Scherzer (PW), 5:59
Gracie Kerns (PW), 2:30
Second quarter
Upper Dublin scores, 6:29
Reese Smith (PW), 0:23
Third quarter
Gracie Kerns assisted by Sammy Callan (PW)
Fourth quarter
Sammy Callan (PW), 12:04
PW coach Charise Halteman: "PW played a solid team game in a 6-1 win over Upper Dublin. Senior forwards Gracie Kerns and Sammy Callan provided great leadership and experience on the field, each scoring two goals, and assisting on others.”
—On the scoring: “Senior forward Sammy Callan scored the first goal of the game on a corner play with a shot from the top at the 8:49 minute mark of the first quarter. Defender Julz Scherzer scored a few minutes later, finishing right in front of the cage. Kerns would score her first of the game with 2:30 left in the first quarter by scoring off a rebound. Upper Dublin tallied their goal at 6:29 in the second quarter. Sophomore forward Reese Smith responded when she scored with 23 seconds remaining in the quarter. Kerns scored on a well-executed corner play in the third quarter with an assist by Callan. Callan rounded out the scoring in the fourth quarter at the 12:04 mark. Bree Molony (3 saves) and Lily Barclay combined in the cage to help secure the win."
Plymouth Whitemarsh 3 1 1 1 – 6
Upper Dublin 0 1 0 0 – 1
Freedom Division
Lower Moreland 5, Upper Moreland 4 (OT)
Cara Torgan came up with what might be the biggest goal of her career on Thursday. Then less than three minutes later, she scored an even bigger one.
Torgan – who also scored Lower Moreland’s first goal of the game – scored an unassisted goal with 52 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, then capped off the hat trick with an overtime goal 1:26 into the extra frame to give the Lions a thrilling 5-4 victory over rival Upper Moreland in Thursday’s Freedom Division game. Maci London had a goal and an assist for the Lions.
Soph Riehle scored a pair for the Golden Bears, while MJ Reilly had two assists.
Scoring summary
First quarter
No scoring
Second quarter
Cara Torgan assisted by Maci London (LM), 14:00
Soph Riehle assisted by MJ Reilly (UM), 9:55
Maci London unassisted (LM), 8:17
Third quarter
Alyssa Ayling unassisted (LM), 11:39
Olivia Torres unassisted (UM), 8:18
Fourth quarter
Soph Riehle assisted by Gianna Jones (UM), 3:22
Taylor Pagano assisted by MJ Reilly (UM), 1:42
Cara Torgan unassisted (LM), 0:52
Overtime
Cara Torgan unassisted (LM), 1:26
Lower Moreland coach Deb Lawlor: “The fitness testing game was a back-and-forth battle from the start. Lower Moreland took an early lead, only to have it overturned, before answering back to tie the game.”
—On the overtime: “The team had promised each other they would finish with a win in the first 30 seconds. It took about a minute longer than planned, but LM continued to battle and finally Cara Torgan found the back of the goal with game-winning goal. Defense also played a huge part with Annika Swanson and Lilly Seiner coming up big with defensive saves.”
Upper Moreland coach Pam Remmey: “We definitely started off the game a little slow. The game was back-and-forth with a lot of running, which didn't help in the heat. We are so proud of how we came back every time we were down and scored to make it 4-3 with 1:40 left in the game.
“This ability to come back when we are down will certainly help us throughout the season. The coaches and players emphasize learning in every game. And we are excited for our next practice to figure out how we can do better in the next game. When we scored what we thought would be the winning goal, our strategy was to play defensively, but Lower Moreland scored right away to tie it up. We will learn from this.”
—Props: “Soph Riehle started the scoring off a corner with an assist from MJ Reilly. Midfielder Olivia Torres played well throughout the game, scoring our next goal. Olivia is the heart and soul of our team. When we are down, she picks us back up, on the field and off the field! She is always ‘coaching everyone UP’!
“Reese Purcell played well at back and midfield. Bridget Hess was strong on free hits and excellent pushing the ball up in the middle. Giana Morrison, Kourtney Malone, and Harper Richmond were asked to play multiple positions and played well throughout the game. Goalie Izzy Fisher had 12 saves.”
Lower Moreland 0 2 1 1 1 – 5
Upper Moreland 0 112 0 – 4
New Hope-Solebury 8, William Tennent 0
Rebecca Valliyil scored three goals while Gabi Solis and Elizabeth Varghese each added two goals and an assist as New Hope-Solebury dominated William Tennent 8-0 in Thursday’s Freedom Division matchup.
Solis scored a pair of first-quarter goals to lift NHS to a 2-0 lead after one quarter.
Scoring summary
First quarter
Gabi Solis (NHS), 6:01
Gabi Solis (NHS), 1:05
Second quarter
Elizabeth Varghese (NHS), 12:22
Third quarter
Rebecca Valliyil assisted by Harper Brindley (NHS), 12:50
Rebecca Valliyil assisted by Elizabeth Varghese (NHS), 6:00
Elizabeth Varghese (NHS), 6:56
Josie Taggi from Gabi Solis (NHS), 3:48
Fourth quarter
Rebecca Valliyil (NHS), 3:04
New Hope-Solebury 2 1 4 1 – 8
William Tennent 0 0 0 0 – 0
Springfield Twp 9, Cheltenham 1
Springfield Twp secured a 9-1 victory over Cheltenham in a game that featured strong efforts from both teams.
Ella Minetti and Mercie Horvay each scored twice to lead the Spartans’ offense. Springfield took advantage of its opportunities in the circle, while Cheltenham continued to compete hard throughout the game. Their persistence was rewarded in the final quarter when they broke through Springfield’s defense to score their lone goal.
By the numbers: PC: Spr 2. SOG: Spr 14. Saves: Spr 4.
Cheltenham 0 0 0 1 – 1
Springfield Twp 5 4 0 0 – 9
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