GIRL’S SOCCER
Downingtown West Shuts Out Avon Grove 4-0 for Fourth Straight Victory
Downingtown West executed a perfect game plan in Tuesday’s Ches-Mont League National Division matchup, scoring twice in the first five minutes en route to a dominant 4-0 victory over Avon Grove. The win marks the Whippets’ fourth straight, powered by strong defense and a fast-paced attack.
Sophomore Amyah Alston set the tone early, racing down the wing and delivering a pinpoint cross to senior Teagan Harkins, who slipped the ball through the legs of Avon Grove goalie Gabby Morell for the opening goal. Just minutes later, Alston whipped in another dangerous cross, which Morell mishandled, allowing freshman Macie Osunde to pounce and double the lead.
Hayden Barry made it 3-0 before halftime with a shot from the top of the box that hit Morell and was cleared off the line, but the referee ruled the ball had crossed, adding to the Whippets’ cushion.
Despite a few flashes of possession and a long-range shot from Maddi Preston, which was tipped over the bar by Whippets goalkeeper Keirsten Deamer, Avon Grove struggled to break through Downingtown West’s solid defense. The Whippets’ backline, led by Deamer and senior Kali Reddy, earned their fourth straight shutout, and the team hasn’t allowed a goal since September 12.
In the second half, Downingtown West sealed the win with a fourth goal, as a cross found a wide-open Ava Reddy, who tapped it into the net. The Whippets outshot Avon Grove 20-6 and earned nine corners to Avon Grove’s two, controlling the game from start to finish.
With the victory, Downingtown West improves to 7-2 overall and remains unbeaten in league play at 5-0. Avon Grove, now 2-10 and on an eight-game losing streak, will look to bounce back in their next match.
FIELD HOCKEY
Downingtown West Edges Avon Grove, 1-0, in Thrilling Battle of Unbeatens
Under the lights at Kottmeyer Stadium, two of District 1’s top field hockey teams, Downingtown West and Avon Grove, clashed in a high-stakes showdown. Both teams entered the game undefeated, and the outcome was expected to determine the front-runner in the Ches-Mont National.
In a fast-paced, hard-fought battle, Downingtown West (9-0, 2-0 Ches-Mont National) brought home the dub with a narrow 1-0 win over Avon Grove (10-1, 4-1), thanks to a single goal late in the second period.
“We knew this would be a tough match-up,” said West coach Courtney MacPhearson. “Avon Grove is ranked high for a reason, but everything clicked for us tonight.”
The first period set the tone with relentless offensive pressure from both sides, resulting in nine penalty corners. Despite these chances, neither team could find the back of the cage, with Avon Grove goalie Kylee Milott making a critical penalty stroke save among her 14 stops.
West finally broke through with just over two minutes left in the second period when Aimee Largoza’s breakaway pass found Regan Welsh, who calmly tapped the ball in for the game’s only goal.
“I was nervous when it rolled in slow, but once it crossed the line, I was thrilled,” Welsh said.
From there, West’s defense, led by captain Scarlett Wood, shut down Avon Grove’s attack, securing the shutout in a game that kept fans on edge with its speed and intensity. “Both teams played their hearts out, and this competition will make us better as the season progresses,” said Avon Grove coach Giuliana Antignani, whose team remains ranked third in District 1, while West claims the top spot.
BOYS GOLF
Feeney Shines as Rustin Defeats Kennett
In a thrilling Ches-Mont boys’ golf match, West Chester Rustin edged out Kennett with a score of 195-199 at Penn Oaks Golf Club. Senior Sam Feeney led the Knights (7-1, 8-1) as the medalist, shooting an impressive 35.
The Blue Demons put up a strong fight, with senior Juan Garzaron and freshman Ian Rotto each carding 37s.
Oxford Beats Coatesville in Thrilling Finish
In an exhilarating showdown at Wyncote Golf Club, the Oxford boys’ golf team narrowly defeated Coatesville, securing a hard-fought 161-168 victory. Jaxon McKinney and Sean Patrick both shone brightly, earning medalist honors with outstanding scores of 31 for the Hornets.
Meanwhile, Cash Evans led the Raiders with a strong performance, carding a 34. The match was a nail-biter, showcasing the fierce competition and skill on both sides!
VOLLEYBALL
Downingtown West edged Avon Grove in 3-1 Match
Downingtown West edged Avon Grove in a thrilling 3-1 match in Ches-Mont League girls’ volleyball on Monday night. The Whippets lost the first set 25-22, but bounced back to win the next three sets 25-19, 25-22, and 25-23 in a tightly contested match between two top-20 teams in PIAA District 1 4A.
Avon Grove took the opening set with a late 7-2 run, but Downingtown West responded with standout performances from junior outside hitters Leah Hampson and Maya Sanders, senior middle hitter Riley Burke, and freshman Amiah Ross, who led with 14 kills. Hampson contributed across the board with 26 digs, three blocks, and three aces.
The Red Devils’ defense, led by libero Brooke Bellaver (18 digs), kept the match close, while hitters Viviana Hollars and Niah Breslin combined for key points. Despite a 5-0 Whippets run in the fourth set, Avon Grove rallied to cut the deficit, but Burke’s final tap secured the win for Downingtown West.
Head coach Dave Parrish praised his team’s resilience, saying, “It was a battle all the way, but we found a way to get the win.” Downingtown West moves forward, while Avon Grove eyes a district tournament berth.
GIRLS GOLF
Downingtown West Girls’ Golf Dominates Again
In a stunning display of talent, the Downingtown West girls’ golf team solidified its status as the top contender in the Ches-Mont with a decisive 185-211 victory over Great Valley.
This win marks their 10th consecutive league triumph, leaving them undefeated at 10-0 in the Ches-Mont and 11-1 overall. “Unionville used to be the team to beat, but our roster is loaded with talent,” said head coach Andrew Braun. “We’re excited to keep competing.”
Leading the Whippets was senior Rachel Schuda, who earned medalist honors with an impressive 43. Junior Malaina Druffner contributed a solid 44, showcasing the team’s depth.
Despite Great Valley’s struggle, with a record of 0-8, head coach Owen Brown is optimistic about the future, noting a roster filled with eager freshmen. “Getting girls interested in golf is challenging, but we’ve got a motivated group now,” he stated.
The Whippets’ consistency shines as they aim for even greater goals this season, fueled by a strong leadership core and a determination to improve upon last year’s experiences. With their sights set beyond the Ches-Mont title, Downingtown West is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead!
