North Penn sweeps doubleheader with rival Souderton

FRANCONIA >> Facing its biggest test of the season thus far, North Penn responded like champions.

“So far, that’s the best game we’ve played all season long,” coach Jason Grubb said. “Souderton put up seven goals on us and that’s by far the most goals any team has scored on us. So they came out firing.

“Souderton’s got some talent right now and their girls looked hungry. They played really well.”

The Knights battled through a back-and-forth first half Tuesday night and overcame a 5-4 halftime deficit to earn a 13-7 victory and stay unbeaten at a perfect 9-0.

“They started playing a little calmer,” Grubb said of the second half, “moving the ball cleanly. Our shooters finally started getting in better position, following through better, and balls go in the nets when that happens.”

The North Penn boys followed with a 16-11 victory, completing a sweep of the doubleheader at Souderton.

Grace McLaughlin scored a hat trick and also added a pair of assists and three steals to pace the North Penn girls, who come into the season as five-time defending state champs. The Knights overcame a terrific first half by Big Red (3-3).

“We’re competing for that second or third spot (in the conference) so we’re looking up, definitely better than expected when we ended last season,” coach Ann Fadden said.

On a Mission

The North Penn boys, two-time defending state champs, continued their surge, bolting out to a 10-1 lead over Big Red.

“The boys had a loss to Wilson earlier in the season and that was a little bit of a surprise for them,” Grubb said. “That kind of woke them up a little bit. This past weekend, we had a really good tournament against the Western Conference at Cumberland Valley.

“So they kind of had a little bit of a wake-up call. They started playing a little bit more of a cleaner game and are quick and aggressive. They have decent size this year as well.”

Led by Sean Faikish and Chris Killion, who each scored four goals, NP raised its record to 8-1.

“The difference in the game was North Penn’s counter-attack defense and counter-attack offense were better than ours,” Big Red coach Joe Hay said. “That’s where we need to improve if we’re gonna play with teams like that.”

Senior Will Leyland led the charge for Souderton (3-3), with a game-high five goals.

“That’s pretty good against a good team like that,” Hay said.