With close to 100 fans cheering from the stands on a bright, sunny Tuesday afternoon Oct. 27, the Delran High School field hockey team took the field against Rancocas Valley in a tuneup game for the upcoming South Jersey Group 2 playoffs.
After a hard-fought two quarters during which Rancocas Valley turned back many chances by the explosive Bears offense, Delran held a slim 1-0 lead.
However, after several adjustments by Coach Brittany Cairns, the team’s offense clicked incredibly and the Bears scored six goals in the third and fourth quarters for a 7-1 victory.
One of the best teams in South Jersey, Delran has now finished the regular season with an 17-1 record. The team hosted Neptune on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the first round of the NJSIAA Group 2 playoffs. (This story was sent to press before the game, but results can be found online).
The offense’s surge was led by junior Brynn Harper, who scored three goals for a hat trick and made a great pass for an assist.
Sophomore forward Molly Pona scored two goals and an assist for the Bears, while junior forward Emily Lewandowski scored a goal and dished out two assists to the delight of the fans in the stadium.
Scoring one goal each were senior forward Alyson Whitmeyer and freshman midfielder Natalie Knieb. Junior midfielder Kendal Kneib had two assists and sophomore midfielder Avery Hemphill recorded one assist.
Leading the Bears defense in shutting down Rancocas Valley was senior defender Lily Martinez, who battled relentlessly for loose balls, and the entire back line including seniors Olivia Spahr and Bella Kandel and juniors Ellery Hamlet, Lila Jaussi and Caitlin Moore. Goalie Adrianna Ashton made three saves and allowed just one goal.
The victory was an overall awesome team effort with precise passing and great communication between the players leading Delran to one of their best regular seasons ever. The Bears hope to continue their momentum into the upcoming South Jersey playoffs.
Junior forward Brynn Harper (#6) moves the ball upfield against Rancocas Valley and scored three goals for a hat trick during a 7-1 win for the Bears on Oct. 27.
With great concentration, excellent senior defender Lily Martinez goes after the ball.
Delran goalie Adrianna Ashton shades her eyes from the sun and made three saves during the game.
