Field Hockey: Palmyra Tops Boiling Springs in Battle of District Powerhouses

This article was written by a member of the Palmyra Field Hockey community.

If you like this type of coverage, please let us know by Following us on social media: Twitter/X – @lebcosports1 and Facebook.

For any questions, comments, or discrepancies, please reach out to dan@lebcosports.com.

The Palmyra Cougars field hockey team traveled to Boiling Springs on Friday night in a matchup of Mid-Penn and District 3 powerhouses. The 13-2 Bubblers entered the night as the top-ranked 1A team in District 3, while Palmyra came in as the top-ranked 2A team with a record of 12-1. Both clubs entered the night looking to solidify the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage for the District playoffs, and it was the Cougars who prevailed, 2-0, in a physical and tightly contested matchup.

The first half was an exciting but scoreless affair, as both teams’ defenses set the tone with physical play. Palmyra had several penalty corner opportunities and shots on goal that were turned away by Bubblers goalie Olivia Wickard. The Cougars’ best scoring opportunity of the half came on a redirect by AJ Walker that was headed for the top corner of the cage before Wickard reached back and brilliantly deflected it out of the air to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.

The chilly second half began with Palmyra exerting more offensive aggression, as super-sophomore Maddie Stahlcontinually split double teams and attacked the circle, drawing several penalty corners. The offensive energy finally paid off seven minutes into the quarter when freshman Allie Fink’s shot slipped into the corner of the cage off an assist from Leigha Kane, giving Palmyra a 1-0 lead. The Bubblers kept up the intensity, though, and had their best scoring opportunity of the game denied by defender AJ Walker, who made a gutsy diving save on a shot that was inches from rolling into the cage. That spirited effort by the senior co-captain energized the bench and the crowd, and was shortly followed by the Cougars’ second goal of the game — a gorgeous reverse drive from senior Jovie Weaver off an assist from Grace Frew. Her scorching blast gave Palmyra a little breathing room — a 2-0 cushion that ended the Bubblers’ hopes of a comeback.

Along with the offensive heroics from Stahl, Fink, and Weaver, the Cougars were paced by strong midfield play all game from Kane and sophomore Addy Barger. While they didn’t score any goals themselves, they nonetheless dictated the tempo by controlling the middle of the field and consistently jump-starting the offensive attack with strong stickwork and skillful passing.

With the win, the Cougars tightened their grip on the No. 1 seed in the District playoffs and look to take this momentum into what will likely be their toughest challenge of the season to date — a highly anticipated matchup with 3A powerhouse Lower Dauphin at home on Monday night. In recent years, the Palmyra–Lower Dauphin showdown has evolved into one of the premier rivalries in the state — a game that showcases the Mid-Penn’s two best teams, numerous Division I college recruits, and a packed-house intensity that is sure to make it another instant classic. Clear your calendars now and consider making it out to Palmyra’s OAL Complex on Monday at 7 p.m., as these two nationally ranked squads meet for the only time this season.

Scoring Summary

Goals / Assists:

• Allie Fink #1 (Palmyra) – 8:33, 3rd Quarter; Assist: Leigha Kane #17 – Corner kick

• Jovie Weaver #13 (Palmyra) – 12:11, 4th Quarter; Assist: Grace Frew #20 – Field goal

Shots on Goal:

• Palmyra: 10

• Boiling Springs: 1

Corners:

• Palmyra: 12

• Boiling Springs: 1

Defensive Saves:

• Palmyra: 1 (AJ Walker #25)

• Boiling Springs: 0

Goalkeeper Saves:

• Palmyra – Abby Bennett #80: 0

• Boiling Springs – Olivia Wickard #71: 8