In battle of unbeatens, Downingtown West edges Avon Grove – Daily Local

By Bill Rudick

DOWNINGTOWN — Tuesday evening, under the lights at Kottmeyer Stadium, came a highly anticipated showdown of two of the top field hockey teams in District 1: Downingtown West and Avon Grove. Both the Whippets and Red Devils still had yet to feel the sting of defeat, and, in all likelihood, the winner would reign supreme in the Ches-Mont National.

Avon Grove’s Gianna Lipstas looks to chip a ball past Downingtown West goalie Grace Goodman. (BILL RUDICK for MediaNews Group)

The game lived up to the hype, featuring a blistering pace for four periods, with just a single goal scored. In the end, a goal late in the second period was all West (9-0, 2-0 Ches-Mont National) would need in a 1-0 victory over the Red Devils (10-1, 4-1).

“We knew this was going to be a tough match-up just looking at the rankings,” said West coach Courtney MacPhearson. “(Avon Grove) obviously has that ranking for a reason. This was a really nice win for us. Everything just clicked in all aspects of the game for us.”

The Red Devils pushed the pace early forcing a pair of penalty corners within two minutes, but West answered right back with two corners of their own in the next two minutes. The offensive pressure inside the circle from both teams resulted in a whopping nine corners in the first period, but neither team was able to find the back of the cage.

Late in the first, the Whippets had the first big opportunity of the game, when West was awarded a penalty stroke, but Avon Grove goalie Kylee Milott turned it away, one of 14 saves she recorded in the game.

“Kylee has been great all year for us,” said Avon Grove coach Giuliana Antignani. “We know we can count on her to come up with the big saves when we need them, and she’s had five shutouts in our 10 wins.”

West finally broke the scoreless tie with just over two minutes to go in the second period, when Aimee Largoza broke free on a breakaway, then slipped a pass over to Regan Welsh, who tapped it in for the goal.

Downingtown West’s Regan Welsh, left, battles for a ball with Morgan O’Donnell of Avon Grove during Tuesday’s Ches-Mont League National Division field hockey game. Welsh scored the game’s only goal to give the Whippets a 1-0 victory. (BILL RUDICK for MediaNews Group)

“When Aimee passed to me, I knew I had to take advantage,” said Welsh. “I tapped it in, and it just rolled so slow, I was scared it wouldn’t go in. But once it crossed the line, I was excited. This was a great win.”

From there, the West defense, led by captain Scarlett Wood, took over and kept the Red Devils at bay.

“Our communication was amazing tonight,” said Wood. “We all connected, and did a great job transitioning to the offense.”

West’s Scarlett Wood with the steal as Avon Grove’s Bridget Keegan gives chase (BILL RUDICK for MediaNews Group)

The pace never slowed with both teams playing fast and aggressively for the full 60 minutes.

“We put a lot of effort into our fitness,” said MacPhearson. “We know there are teams that are going to push us all the way, especially in the Ches-Mont. I believe we have one of the best field hockey leagues in the state, and games like this will have us ready as we move on in the season.”

Even with the loss, Avon Grove still holds down the No. 3 slot in the District 1, 3A rankings, while West moves to No. 1.

“I am proud of our effort and the way we played tonight,” said Antignani. “We look forward to playing games like this. It was a great game between two very good teams. This is the kind of competition that only makes both teams better.”

Downingtown West 1, Avon Grove 0

Avon Grove 0 0 0 0 – 0

Downingtown West 0 1 0 0 – 1

Goal: Welsh.

Goalie Saves: Milott (AG) 14; Goodman (DW) 11.

Originally Published: September 24, 2024 at 10:57 pm