Holt, defense tough as Knights blank Skins
Senior Maddie Waldspurger in her element at home on Tuesday as the Knights take another win.
Towamencin – Although the North Penn varsity field hockey team was feeling pressure from Neshaminy, it wasn’t enough to rattle the Knights as they carried themselves to victory in their non-conference matchup.
North Penn (4-3)picked up a 5-0 win over Neshaminy (5-3) Tuesday afternoon.
“I thought we had a great game today. It was a really great team effort. We moved the ball really well, we adjusted to our opponent. They tend to hit more, and we were working the ball around them very well and using our small passing game,” head coach Shannon McCracken said.
Only a couple of minutes into the first quarter, the Knights had already secured their first point of the game. Senior Maddie Waldspurger made the goal with an assist from sophomore Kerry O’Donnell. Scoring North Penn’s second point of the game about halfway through the first quarter was O’Donnell, and with how energetic the offense was, it’s no surprise that Waldspurger scored their third and final point of the first quarter with just thirty seconds left.
“That was huge, coming out from the start, setting the tone for the game, and making sure that we got the most of our opportunities and capitalizing on those opportunities. That’s just big, that puts a team back on their heels, and then we can continue to put the pressure on [Neshaminy], and that’s so important starting the game strong like that,” McCracken explained.
Neshaminy’s offense made a comeback in the beginning of the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough, as North Penn’s defense remained vigorous with a remarkable stop at the net from junior goalkeeper Kiera Holt. The Knights’ offense wasn’t holding back in the second quarter either as they fought to increase their lead on the scoreboard. Junior Catherine McGeehan knocked another point onto the board for North Penn with just four minutes left in the second quarter. As the final seconds of the first half ticked away, sophomore Grace McGeehan scored North Penn’s fifth and final point of the game.
The energy was really high because we were coming off of a couple losses, and we had some points to prove. We were really excited for the game, we were all hyped up, and we really wanted it today — Maddie Waldspurger
“The energy was really high because we were coming off of a couple losses, and we had some points to prove. We were really excited for the game, we were all hyped up, and we really wanted it today,” Waldspurger said.
Attempting to regroup during halftime, Neshaminy started the second half ready for North Penn. Opportunities for the Knights to score presented themselves, but Neshaminy had tightened its defense, and the third quarter was spent with the teams battling for possession of the ball.
“I think that Neshaminy just picked it up. When you go down 5-0 at half, you expect a team to put more pressure on. So, I credit them in the second half that they put a little more pressure on us and came at us a little bit more,” McCracken stated.
As the fourth and final quarter began, both teams focused on ball control. Neither team was able to hit one into the goal, though, so it was another scoreless quarter. The second half wrapped up with the Knights’ owning all five points scored in the game.
“I think this win will give us more confidence in upcoming games. We’re looking great, we’re passing the ball a lot more, and we’re looking for each other. We’re connecting really well, and I think the momentum is back,” Waldspurger said.
North Penn’s next game will be on the road against Council Rock South on Thursday at 3:30.
