BY ROSS BILLIG
FORT WASHINGTON, PA--The 138th Germantown Academy/William Penn Charter Day (GA/PC) did not disappoint. The day filled with historic traditions of athletic competitions took place on Nov. 9th on the campus of Germantown Academy. The Quakers continued to hold on to the Competition cup for another year winning the day, 8-2.
Penn Charter dominated the girls' soccer match, securing a commanding win that capped off a memorable rivalry showdown.
It was a slow start for both teams offensively, but Penn Charter quickly turned the tide, dominating the second half to secure a decisive victory in the first competition of the day with a final score of 3-0.
“My senior year PC/GA day and my last high school soccer game it's essential I immediately started crying after the buzzer went off," said Penn Charter senior forward Julia Toomey.
GA/PC DAY. GIrls' Soccer game. (Video/ ROss Billig)
The rivalry atmosphere was electric, with the stands packed to capacity and the air buzzing with anticipation. Players on both sides could be heard shouting instructions and rallying their teammates, while the roar of the fans added to the intensity. Every pass, every tackle, was met with cheers or groans from the crowd, as the fierce competition between Germantown Academy and Penn Charter took center stage. The energy was palpable, a reminder of the long-standing tradition and passion that defines this annual showdown.
The deadlock was finally broken midway through the first half, as Penn Charter capitalized on a well-placed cross into the box. The ball sailed through the air, finding the foot of sophomore Ally Bradby, a Quakers striker who put it right past the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.
As the first half ended, the significance of this game was clear. GA/PC Day is not just another soccer match—it's a landmark event in Philadelphia high school sports. With every whistle, every cheer, and every pass, the rich tradition of this rivalry was on full display. Dating back over a century, this rivalry has brought together generations of players, alumni, and fans in fierce competition, each year adding a new chapter to its storied legacy.
Penn Charter Senior Jules Toomey talks about being a part of this historic tradition. (Video/ Ross Billig for PSD)
Despite their best efforts, the Patriots couldn’t get their offense clicking, often forced into turnovers, or rushed shots. The Quakers' defense stood firm, stifling any opportunities before they could fully materialize.
As the second half wore on, Penn Charter struck quickly and decisively, scoring two goals in the same minute to take a commanding 3-0 lead. The first came from a well-placed cross into the box, where Toomey calmly finished past the goalkeeper. And just 30 seconds after that freshman midfielder Alexis Regan found the back of the net putting this game out of reach for Germantown Academy.
After Penn Charter’s explosive second-half offensive surge—scoring two quick goals to take a 3-0 lead—Germantown Academy refused to back down, intensifying their attack in search of a goal.
However, the Quakers' sophomore gatekeeper Mia DiBenedetto was determined to keep a clean sheet, and she delivered when her team needed her most and made some key saves at the end of the game to maintain her shutout.
As the final whistle blew, Penn Charter’s players stormed the field, their jubilant celebration marking not just a victory, but the continuation of a century-old tradition.
GA/PC Day. Girls' Soccer game day photos by Zamani Feelings
Penn Charter Holds Off Germantown Academy in a Fierce Rivalry to Secure Narrow 1-0 Win in 138th GA/PC Field Hockey Clash.
This game got off to an explosive start when Penn Charter struck late in the first quarter. A well-executed offensive push led junior Evie Hassler to score on a penalty stroke putting the Quakers on the board with a crucial early goal. The goal sparked an immediate surge of energy, and the Penn Charter fans erupted in excitement, feeding their team’s momentum.
With the 1-0 lead, the Quakers seemed to have seized control, but Germantown Academy wasn’t ready to back down. Despite the early setback, the Patriots tightened their defense and dug in, setting the stage for a fierce, back-and-forth battle that would unfold over the rest of the game.
After Penn Charter’s early goal, the game quickly turned into a defensive showdown, with both teams locking down on the back end. Germantown Academy responded to the early setback by tightening up their defense, forcing Penn Charter to work tirelessly for every scoring opportunity. The Patriots’ defenders stepped up, throwing themselves in front of shots and making crucial clearances to keep the game within reach.
GA/PC Day Field Hockey (Video/ Ross Billig for PSD)
As the game progressed, the intensity on the field was matched by the energy in the stands. The fans were fully immersed in the action, their passion palpable in every cheer, chant, and clap. The rivalry between Germantown Academy and William Penn Charter is about more than just the contest—it’s a celebration of history, tradition, and school spirit, and that was on full display throughout the match.
GA Senior and Game MVP Sydney Wanner Lauds her team's efforts on this Historic Day. (Video/ ROss Billig)
PC's Evie Hassler scored game winner comments on the competitiveness of the Day. (Video/ Ross Billig)
In the second half, Germantown Academy came out with renewed energy, increasing their offensive pressure as they looked for an equalizer. The Patriots pushed forward, creating several dangerous chances, and testing the Quakers' defense. Their attack was relentless, with quick passes and aggressive runs into the attacking zone, putting Penn Charter on the back foot for long stretches.
Despite the sustained pressure, Penn Charter's defense refused to buckle. Led by their defense and goalie, the Quakers held firm, closing down passing lanes and contesting every ball. As Germantown Academy ramped up their intensity, the Quakers’ defenders were sharp in their positioning, preventing any clear opportunities for the Patriots to get a shot on goal.
This rivalry, forged over more than 100 years, remains a testament to the passion, history, and fierce competition that define it—ensuring that every game is more than just a match, but a piece of living history.
GA/PC Day Field hockey game day photos by GA Athletics)
With the 138th GA/PC now in the books, the Quakers raised and retained the Competition Cup, a symbol of pride and achievement in one of the most storied rivalries in high school sports.
Pictured from L to R: PC Head Coach Tom Coyle, MVP Eian Kilpatrick and Head of School Karen Warren Coleman. (Photo Zamani Feelings)
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