By: Cole Nowak
Videos by Cole Nowak & James Williamson
PHILADELPHIA- Coming into Tuesday’s game against Springside Chestnut Hill, Penn Charter had already made an early season statement, earning a No. 25 ranking in the country and a No. 2 ranking in the region. In conjunction, PC beat Episcopal Academy and Agnes Irwin so far in league play for the first time in coach Colleen Kelly’s six-year stint with the Quakers.
“I believe we have a lot of momentum built through the beginning of the season and we are really looking forward to keep pushing it through the rest of it,” said Quaker's junior defender Grace Turner.
At the outset, the game had a steady balance to it. PC jumped on the board quickly tallying two goals, but SCH responded swiftly bringing the score to 2-1. The next four goals were traded back and forth between the two sides bringing it to 4-3 Quakers with 14:08 left in the first half.
From there on, Penn Charter ignited its offensive attack. The Quakers scored three goals within the next minute aided by efficient passing, execution of face-off wins and fast break transition attempts that SCH was unable to stop. PC continued the run by scoring seven unanswered goals bringing the halftime score to 11-3.
“Our bond on defense is so strong, even after a slow start we were able to comeback after the first few goals and make a statement,” said Turner.
The other side of halftime did not look any different, as Penn Charter’s offense continued to be locked in. SCH scored early in the second half but that was all the momentum the Blue Devils could muster. PC shut down any comeback ideas by punching in eight straight goals in route to a 22-6 victory.
The Quakers were led by Michigan commit Kaylee Dyer who contributed six goals, two assists, two caused turnovers and a ground ball. USC commit Mia Ferraro also netted six goals and an assist in the victory.
Ferraro said that her team has been practicing extremely hard in the off-season in order to be both physically and mentally prepared for every opponent.
WPC senior Mia Ferraro talks about the key factors that have been aiding in the Quaker's success this season - Video by Cole Nowak
“Our conditioning, we are all in really good shape and that helps when hustling to the ball, as well as our team culture. Coach Kelly has put emphasis on it and it has really begun to fall into place,” said Ferraro.
Penn Charter's Grace Turner talks about the two elements that attributed to her team's victory:
Springside's Emma Bradbury talks about game takeaways and team goals moving forward:
This season, the Quakers have established a motto: “Win the Day,” said Ferraro, “winning every single day, day by day.”
While "winning the Inter-Ac" is the Quaker's ultimate goal this season, as noted by Dyer, it is still undetermined by the league whether or not an official champion will be crowned this spring due to Covid-19.
On March 24, the Quakers opened up league play defeating Episcopal Academy 14-8. Dyer notched five goals in the game followed by Maddie Shoup and Darcy Felter with four goals apiece. Their league dominance was once again noted on April 7, as Penn Charter defeated Agnes Irwin 11-10 in overtime. Felter led the Quakers with four goals and Dyer added the overtime winner.
The Quakers defense has been aided by the outstanding play of goalkeepers Kayla Joyce (soph.) and Jaime Kubach (sen.). Joyce tallied eight saves vs. EA and seven saves vs. AIS. Kubach notched seven saves in their most recent league victory against the Blue Devils.
Penn Charter vs. Agnes Irwin Highlights from 4/7 by James Williamson
“This was definitely a team effort. Especially the defense. We began to lose some of the draws in the second half and our “D” came up with a lot of amazing stops allowing us to put the ball in the back of the net,” said Dyer after defeating the Irwins.