TOWAMENCIN- “We’re winning the battle just not the war” Knights head coach Steve Whitby said after a hard-fought game that saw the girls’ soccer team (4-5-2) go against the Souderton Indians in a matchup that ended in a tie.

The first half was an evenly matched game throughout, with possession and scoring chances balanced.  It was in the second half where the action picked up.  North Penn’s attack seemed to be clicking as junior Grace Sacchetti and senior Zoei Baines almost found the back of the net but just barely missed.  Just before the half, Souderton gained momentum on the attack but also came away with no goals.

North Penn carried their second half attack strategy into the first overtime period and as more shots got off, the rain started to pick up from a drizzle to a steady rain.  Souderton however, did get quite a few good shots off, but senior goalie and captain Ashley Schmidt was there to save the day multiple times.  Easily the most impressive save came when Souderton got their rebound on a hard shot off Schmidt.  Schmidt then recovered and chased down the ball to save an almost clear goal.

With the most crucial role in overtime where one goal ends the game, Schmidt did not fold under pressure.

“It’s really nerve wracking, I just know every thought that when it’s in our end of the field I just have to know that I can’t let this one in and I have to do everything I can to just prevent it from going in the back of the net” Schmidt explained.

The North Penn senior’s performance also drew praise from head coach Whitby.

“It was her best game of the year, no question about it, she wasn’t under a lot of pressure but when the couple times she was, she came through for us, and that’s what we want our captain to do and expect to do,”. Whitby said.

In the second overtime period both teams knew they would have to do something quick.  Souderton had a free kick at the end of the game from a little past mid field.  They however could not do anything with it as time ran out.  Neither team will be enjoying a rivalry win after a close well played match.

It will be awhile until the girls are back in action as they play the CB East Patriots next Thursday on the turf field at 7:00.