Freshman Camryn Zavacky and sophomore Kiele Riefenstahl closing in on their prey.
At the conclusion of Monday evening’s lax game between Saucon Valley and Allentown Central Catholic the scoreboard read 19-1 in favor of the Lady Panthers. The knee-jerk reaction by most people with any interest in the outcome is usually to ask, “Who scored?”, “How many goals did so-and-so have?” But the big story line here is with the Panther defenders. The Lady Panther defense held the Allentown Central Catholic Vikettes, who had been averaging 10 points per game, to only one goal. It was an impressive defensive display.
There was much good happening for the Lady Panthers on Monday including the midfield draws.
Sophomore Brooke Riefenstahl gaining ground and pushing the pace for the Panthers.
The obvious credit then goes to Panther goal keepers Annie Rothacker and Mackenzee Warnke. The two each played a half in yesterday’s contest. The dependable duo stood tall when any Vikette shots managed to make their way through the suffocating Panther defense. In fifty minutes, Central Catholic could only muster one score.
Sophomore Kat Naiburg making another slick pass.
Senior 100+ goal scorer Maddie Stump looking for more.
Further credit must be given to the Panther defenders. They are often the unsung heroes who rarely find their place in the limelight, but worthy of recognition nonetheless. Sarah Duffy, Kim Polefka, Salome Carr, Marissa Craemer, Allie Royse, Shannon Williams, Hannah Housenick, and Katie French impressively did the grunt work playing “in-your-face” defense from start to finish.
Junior Helen Kreschollek taking another shot on goal.
Following a score, the Panthers Kat Naiburg is congratulated by her teammates.
Even though Saucon Valley would have only needed two goals to secure their first victory of the season thanks to their stingy defense, the Lady Panther offense struck pay-dirt an impressive 19 times.
Lady Panther Goal Scorers v. Central Catholic:
- Helen Kreschollek (3)
- Brooke Riefenstahl (3)
- Maddie Zych (3)
- Katherine Naiburg (2)
- Kiele Riefenstahl (2)
- Maddie Stump (2)
- Camryn Zavacky (2)
- Meghan Bredbenner (1)
- Siobhan Coakley (1)
Sophomore Siobhan Coakley getting her knuckles dirty trying to field a ground ball.
Freshman defender Salome Carr denies another Central Catholic attack.
Saucon Valley seems to have bounced back from a heartbreaking overtime loss at Emmaus last week. Central Catholic is supposed to be a much improved team that had some heads turning their way taking notice. The Vikettes had a 4-1 record prior to facing the Lady Panthers. Saucon Valley Girls’ lax is in a good place and they are only going to get better.
Up Next: The Lady Panthers are scheduled to play their home opener today (Tuesday) against the Freedom Patriots. Like Saucon, Freedom holds a 1-1 record. The Patriots claim an 11-7 win over Pleasant Valley. More interesting, however, is that the Patriots took the powerful Easton Red Rovers to the wire dropping a tight 9-8 decision. If the field is playable, Freedom should be a great test for the Lady Panthers.
Panther Coach Jane Hoff strategizing with her troops.
Good Luck Panthers, the Source is with you!
