Non-league
Pennridge 16, Gwynedd Mercy 6
(Submitted by Pennridge lacrosse)
Pennridge ends regular season with dominant win over Gwynedd Mercy Academy. Heading to playoffs in the 10th seed and excited for our bracket play outlook!
There were a lot of amazing moments in tonight’s game. Gianna Leuthe’s career day, Meg Moylan’s standout performance on the draw, and Madigan Posey hits another milestone with her 200th career draw control.
Gwynedd is a solid team with great players. They have played a few SOL teams this season, so we were very prepared watching film heading into this one. We were really locked in tonight. I wanted this game to be our first test before heading into playoffs. Starting the week ranked 16 and ending at 10 is exactly what I asked my team to work towards. I’m really proud of their success tonight and ready now more than ever for what’s next.
--The game: The first half there was a lot of strong moments, but we were finding our footing at times. The Rams had five goals by none other than Madigan Posey, Gianna Leuthe, and Megan Moylan, the Rams’ three leading point scorers on the season. Madigan opened up the scoring for the Rams just one minute into the game, Leuthe put up the second 30 seconds later. Less than a minute behind that, Meg dropped her first on the night. After a quick 3-0 opening, scoring slowed down, and we missed opportunities. We ended the first quarter up 3-1. Right into the second quarter we were very much in control of the game but not putting the ball away as much as we needed. We actually went 19 minutes scoreless, but it really didn’t feel like that. Moylan and Leuthe both put up an individual effort goal, taking the score to 5-3 at half.
The Rams opened up in the second half, doubling their first half production. Gianna Leuthe scored her third, securing her hattrick very early in the quarter. Moylan was next with an 8m goal with about seven minutes remaining in the quarter. Thirty seconds later, it was Giana Leuthe again with a backside assist from Kayla Verespy. Leuthe kept her hand in the next play, finding a cutting Emma Gall for her first. Emma stayed hot and scored again off a fast break less than a minute later. Leuthe and Posey closed out the quarter each putting up another goal each.
In the fourth quarter, it was a lot of the same with Leuthe once again staying involved in the action. She found Kayla Verespy in the middle for her first and only goal on the night. Posey and Moylan both put up one more each before Leuthe capped the night with her sixth and final, taking the final score to 16-6
Pennridge coach Maddie Dachowski:
--Props: “Gianna Leuthe’s performance tonight was nothing less than excellent. From her speed and pure athleticism to her timing and shot selection, she executed on all points. Even after missing six games this season, Gi is one of my top producers on the season. She had a career high six goals and two assists tonight and I’m thrilled to ride this wave into post season play.”
--Recognizing a milestone: “Madigan Posey collects her 200 career draw control. We actually just flat out missed celebrating her 100th last year so I’m glad we could take the time to honor and celebrate our senior captain. Madigan has a very special set of skills and winning the draw is one of many. Her true two way midfielder presence is essential to our success.”
--Freshmen on fire: “Megan Moylan and Nina Rotella look nothing like freshmen on our field. Moylan had eight draw controls and four goals tonight, and Nina Rotella had eight saves in cage. Although the dynamic duo play on opposite ends of the field, they bring so much to this group on and off the field. Megan is a top producer in this group, and she never lets it affect her. She stays away from the outside noise and continues to impress and improve. She also leads the team in draw controls this season. Nina Rotella has had back-to-back games boasting an over 50% save percentage in each. She looked great tonight and locked it down with our defensive unit.”
By the numbers: Pennridge: Madigan Posey (3g, 1gb, 1cto, 2dc), Gianna Leuthe (6g, 2a, 3gb, 1dc), Megan Moylan(4g, 1gb, 9dc), Emma Gall (2g, 1gb, 1ct, 1dc), Paige Cowper (4g, 3ctos, 6gbs), Kayla Verespy (1g, 1a, 2gb), Jenna Verespy (2cto, 2gb), Nina Rotella (8 saves)
Up next: Pennridge (9-1 SOL) awaits its final seed in the upcoming District 1 3A Tournament.
Gwynedd Mercy 1-2-1-2 6
Pennridge 3-2-7-4 16
Dock Mennonite Academy 8, Hatboro-Horsham 6
The Hatters dropped their regular season finale – a non-league game at Dock, but according to coach Lauren Holliday, the score does not tell the story of what these athletes accomplished this season.
Hatboro-Horsham coach Lauren Holliday.
“What a season it's been. From day one, this team showed me what heart looks like. They came to practice ready to work, pushed each other to be better, and played with a level of intensity and passion that made every single day a privilege to coach. In a game that came down to the final moments, they fought until the very last whistle.
“This was my first year as a head coach, and I'm honored. These girls taught me as much as I taught them. They showed me what it means to be resilient, to support one another, and to leave everything on the field, regardless of the outcome.
“I will never forget this year. Not the wins, not the losses, but the growth, the laughter, the determination, and the bond we built together. This team is special, and I'm grateful to have been a part of their journey. Thank you for an unforgettable season. You made me a better coach.”
--Props: “Congratulations to our captain Ava Maus for earning the ‘Stick of the Show’ Coaches Award! She has been a leader on and off the field and is our leader in assists. Today she was critical on offense against Dock.”
By the Numbers: Ava Maus (1 Goal, 1 assist) Bailey Fleig (1 Goal), Shealee Killoran (1GB), Allison Neumann (1 Goal, 2GB, 2DC), Izzy Bellano (1 Goal, 1 Assist, 1GB, 3DC), Leah Johnson (2 Goals, 3GB, 5DC), Emma Tercha (1GB), Amy Quinonez (2GB), Taryn O’Donnell (1GB), Cora Saxer (1GB), Natalie Stasio (1GB), Olivia Figueroa (10 Saves)
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