Pennridge shines on Senior Night with win over Central Bucks East
EAST ROCKHILL >> Pennridge displayed that playoff touch on Wednesday night, answering every Central Bucks East run with one of its own while continuing its drive towards the postseason with an 11-8 victory on Senior Night.
Said senior Grace Rosica, who had a game-high four goals along with an assist: “We had our lulls but we came back fighting and we pulled through like we should.”
The Rams raised their record to 11-4 and moved up to No. 9 in the District 1-3A standings. They host Pleasant Valley on Friday in a non-league clash.
The Patriots are now 7-8 and will host Council Rock South on Monday.
The Rams opened up leads of 7-2 and 10-6, with the Patriots closing to within 7-6 and later 10-8.
But Pennridge gained control of crucial loose balls and 50-50 balls in the final moments and put the game away. Kendall Posey scored the second of her two goals with a minute left to make it 11-8 and provide some breathing room for the Rams in the Suburban One League National Conference clash.
“We fought to the end and that’s all that really matters,” said Rosica, who added five draws. “It feels good – it’s a big day for seniors…We worked hard throughout the game.”
Ava Fantaskey and senior Alexa Bailey each scored twice for the Rams, who came through on a wet, chilly night on the turf at Helman Field.
East rallies were fueled by Paige Dougherty, who led the way with a hat trick, and by Ava Delfini and Natalie Berndt, who each scored twice.
But Pennridge held firm.
“We’ve come a long way,” Rosica said. “We’re feeling good, enjoying the team unity, and I think we’re gonna make a big impact in the playoffs this year.”
Pennridge 11, Central Bucks East 8
Central Bucks East 4 4 – 8
Pennridge 7 4 – 11
Central Bucks East goals-assists: Ava Delfini 2-0, Natalie Berndt 2-0, Paige Dougherty 3-0, Paige Keller 1-0, Sammy Kishel 0-1, Megan Fahey 0-1.
Pennridge goals-assists: Grace Rosica 4-1, Ava Fantaskey 2-2, Kate Unzicker 1-2, Kendall Posey 2-0, Alexa Bailey 2-1, Cayla Wurz 0-1, Taylor Burkett 0-1, Madigan Posey 0-1.