When you set out to rebuild and redefine a program the way coaches, Traci Curtis, Aly Mallon, and Brittany Sheenan have been doing since taking over just last year, the term, 'victory', takes on a whole new meaning. In the books, Pennsbury lost a tough game to Neshaminy 2-1 in overtime, but in their hearts and minds, Pennsbury will count it as a win that will stand for much more than what is seen at face value. The Falcons took the field without key player and starting center mid, Jaclyn Gorgo, who was out nursing a knee injury, but the coaches spent no time being rattled. They filled the spot with fellow sophomores, Molly Murray and Olivia Graebner. After some more adjusting, Murray slid to the right for an added push down the strong side and Graebner took on the center role with authority by being, smart, strong, and consistently solid. The midfield is where Pennsbury struggles the most as they continue to search for the right formula for that layer. The first quarter went by with neither team scoring and it was evident that it would be an intense battle to the very end. Neshaminy notched the first goal in the second quarter capitalizing on a quick free hit and catching PHS players on their heels. The Skins went ahead 1-0, but the Falcons remained strong and the score was still 1-0 going into halftime. It was nowhere near over for PHS and they believed that wholeheartedly. During the third quarter, Pennsbury senior midfielder, Aditi Luitel, connected in the circle with a heads up play tying the game 1-1, adding a spark to the already fueled atmosphere. There were a lot of big ball hits from both teams as the game went back and forth, especially in the fourth when fatigue was a factor. Neshaminy has so much talent and skill and are trained by excellent coaches, so as the clock ticked down, Curtis & Company knew it was becoming a coaches battle just as much as a players battle. Every decision was vital.
The teams entered the fourth quarter still tied at 1-1. Neshaminy had many scoring opportunities including three penalty corners with the clock at zero in regulation. The Falcons' defense forced the game into overtime with outstanding stops when it mattered most. Jordan Vradenburgh, Hannah Aker, Reilly Monach, Helena Sosa, Sophia Curtis, Sophia Hitchingham, and Kayli Williams (on defensive corners) worked together as an incredible unit in the backfield. Unfortunately for the Falcons overtime 7v7 came and went quickly. Neshaminy earned corners and scored on one early into overtime play. Coach Traci Curtis takes full responsibility for not preparing her team appropriately for overtime. Just as the players are learning and growing, the coaches are as well. Pennsbury was no match in 7v7 with the Skins and knows that the only thing to do moving forward is to take what you learn from every situation and use it to improve. There was nothing but pride as the Falcons walked off the field having given everything they had in them. Curtis told the girls that she could look into their eyes and know that they genuinely gave their very best and that's all that can be asked of them. We made Neshaminy work really hard for that 2-1 win and that means something. Last season the Falcons fell to Neshaminy 5-1 and 4-0 in the two times they met, so taking the Skins to overtime was truly a win for them at this point. Curtis has a lot of admiration for a program like Neshaminy (her alma mater as well as her head JV coach) and knows that success like they have attained does not come over night, but the game today was another building block being stacked for them to stand upon as they climb. The Falcons face Council Rock South on Tuesday at home.