Muth, Pennridge too much for Lansdale Catholic

LANSDALE >> Payton Muth doesn’t mind turning the tables on those that only see her somewhat smaller stature.

“It’s nice to be able to say that you can’t judge someone by their cover,” the she said.

There was nothing small about the Pennridge field hockey freshman’s performance Tuesday. Muth racked up a hat trick before halftime then scored the first two goals after the break, finishing with five goals on the afternoon as the Rams rolled past host Lansdale Catholic for a 12-0 non-league victory.

“We overheard from the middle schools that she was coming up so we were really trying to get her to come to everything,” said Pennridge senior Abby Ludlow of Muth. “And we wanted her to really join the team and well, we got her.”

Ludlow added a hat trick of her own while Hayley Borneman tallied twice in the second half as Pennridge (2-0-0) has begun its season by pouring in the goals — the team’s total stands already at 21 after the dozen on LC’s grass field and before that 9-0 win over Bensalem last Friday.

“We’re really proud of how we’re starting,” Ludlow said. “Every year we always start out a little bit slower but these past two games have been really good for us. It’ll probably boost our confidence.”

The Rams began last season 1-4 but recovered to win eight of its next 13 to earn the team’s first District 1 playoff berth since 2015. The two blowout wins to start this year has Pennridge 2-0-0 for the first time since 2013.

“Our team right now is going through a thing where we’re focusing on working together as a unit and we’re trying to treat each other as a family,” Ludlow said. “So as offense, we’re always trying to work together, not just an individual-type thing. We want to work as a unit towards the goal, not just like a 1-v-1 the goalie, trying to get together.”

Muth opened the Rams scoring on a penalty corner, tipping in a shot from Shannon Griffin. Ludlow struck for back-to-back goals to make it 3-0 before Griffin’s blast from the top of the circle on a corner put the visitors up four.

“I feel very excited that our team is getting together and finding those passes,” Muth said. “And I feel very happy that I also was able to help my other friends get goals too.”

Muth collected the final two goals before the half. She found open space right in front of the cage and knocked in a pass from Macy Price for her second tally. Muth posted her third in transition, cutting down the middle of the field before putting the ball in for a 6-0 Rams lead.

“I like popped it over one girl then I pulled and popped it again,” Muth said. “I didn’t think it was going to work because my pops weren’t working that well but then I was able to get to the corner. It was very exciting for me actually.”

Tuesday was a tough season opener for Lansdale Catholic (0-1-0), but second-year coach Lisa Polk saw it as a learning experience for a Crusaders side coming off qualifying for the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs in 2018.

“We know what we need to work on first game, so helps us out for the rest of the season,” Polk said. “So, just take it in stride, so it’s just a stepping stone.”

The Crusaders next play Monday on the road against Pope John Paul II then start PCL play two days later at home against Archbishop Ryan. Pennridge, meanwhile, starts its SOL Continental Conference schedule Thursday hosting Quakertown at 3:30 p.m.

“We feel nice we were able to start our season on a high note,” Muth said. “And it’s going to prepare us next week against the (Central Bucks) teams which are very big challenge for us. But I think if we have the confidence that we’re having right now we can maybe get a win with that.”

 

Muth made it a 4-0 personal run with the first two goals after halftime — first putting in a rebound following a Griffin shot then from the left post redirecting a hard shot from Ludlow for an 8-0 Rams lead.

“It’s nice that I can find the space and when they’re done exerting their energy I can finish their job,” Muth said.

Back-to-back goals from Borneman pushed the Rams into double digits while Ludlow and Price proceeded to add a goal each.