DREXEL HILL, PA--The 2018 fall sports’ season is well underway. Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) action opened up Thursday, September 6, with the Bonner & Prendergast Pandas hosting the Archbishop Wood Vikings in girls’ soccer.
Mother Nature was not merciful on that afternoon. Temperatures in the 90s combined with high humidity and blistering sunshine made conditions rather grim. Wood previously faced tough competition during both preseason and against non-league teams for the very beginning of the regular season. That experience helped the Vikings dominate Prendie in a 12-0 shutout.
“We played a tough preseason,” said Archbishop Wood head coach Tom DeGeorge. “Girls were ready for the first league game.”
With this outcome, Wood improved its overall record to 1-2. In addition to the heat, injuries have been difficult on Prendie so far this year.
“Some people are hurt,” said sophomore goalkeeper Jackie Engler. “The heat was getting to everyone.”
(Photos by Dan McCarty for PSD)
Archbishop Wood vs. Bonner-Prendergast
Sophomore Paige Hoeger got the Vikings moving on the right track immediately as she completed a first quarter hat trick that gave her team a quick 3-0 advantage.
Several other Vikings contributed in the second quarter including senior Elizabeth Eisele, freshman Emily Beck (two goals), junior Maggie Cliggett and sophomore Leighann Kafel. Hoeger scored again for a total of four on the day.
“They were shooting,” said Engler. “The team has great passing.”
Kafel tallied her fourth goal of the action during the third quarter and that turned out to be the game.
“Scoring early on was key,” said DeGeorge. “Taking on tough teams in the first couple of games set the tone for being organized, especially on defense.”
Engler and senior goalkeeper Brianna Bernhard-Kyle led the way for the Panda defense with the help and support of their teammates.
“They kept their heads up and kept fighting,” said Bernhard-Kyle. “That helped me a lot.”
Archbishop Wood sophomore Paige Hoeger scores 1 of 4 goals vs. Bonner-Prendergast (video-Dan McCarty)
PCL action resumes Tuesday, September 11th. Bonner & Prendie travels to the home of Little Flower as it looks to find its place in the win column.
Wood also hits the road on September 11, taking on Neumann-Goretti.
“We’re excited to get it underway,” said DeGeorge.