Pennridge rallies past Council Rock North in 2nd half, advances to District 1-4A quarterfinals

EAST ROCKHILL >> Pennridge came out for the second half Thursday night more determined, more focused and intent on extending its season.

Ram pressure began to boil over. Pennridge’s offense generated many scoring opportunities and the Rams put away three of them, earning a 3-2 victory over Council Rock North in the District 1-4A Second Round at chilly Helman Field.

The game winner came off the foot of Liv Grenda. The junior midfielder saw an avenue and never wavered. She took the ball all the way in, outracing a pair of defenders and sneaking a shot into the left corner with 12 minutes to play.

“It feels amazing. We just really came together,” said Grenda, who helped Pennridge turn the tide in a decisive second half. “We all picked each other up.”

The win advances the No. 2 Rams to Saturday’s quarterfinals, at home against either Central Bucks West or Downingtown West. A tremendous season came to a close for No. 15 CR North.

The only score of the first half was a goal by the Indians’ Maya Raghunandanan, providing a 1-0 edge at the break.

But the Rams went on the attack as soon as the second-half whistle sounded.

Pennridge drives went deeper and began to connect. The Rams’ speed on the outside began to take control, and Tori Angelo raced in and knocked one into the far corner, deadlocking the contest at one apiece.

Ram momentum began to build and build.

Pennridge came close on multiple occasions, with a shot by Sophie Craig just inches from its target, banging off the crossbar.

But the Rams’ persistence paid off.

Midway through the second half, Joey Tomlinson beat defenders to a loose ball and knocked it past keeper Danielle Eden for a 2-1 edge.

But Rock North hung in.

The Indians had gotten to the second round by virtue of a 1-0 overtime win over Quakertown. Mia Cairone scored the game winner for the Indians, with Eden making several tough saves.

On Thursday night, Rock North tied things up with 20 minutes to go, as Kate Thomson hit a shot from about 50 yards out that took a high bounce and found its way in.

The Rams dug deep one last time.

Grenda drove in, scoring the go-ahead goal and helping Pennridge maintain possession for much of the remaining 12 minutes.

“We’re excited for the next one,” the junior said. “We just wanna keep this going.”

District 1-4A Second Round

Pennridge 3, Council Rock North 2

CR North 1 1 – 2

Pennridge 0 3 – 3

First Half

CRN – Maya Raghunandanan.

Second Half

P – Tori Angelo; P – Joey Tomlinson; CRN – Kate Thomson; P – Liv Grenda.