Pennsville gets first field hockey win of season, celebrates with a batch of brownies; includes girls tennis results
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
PENNSVILLE – Sophia Marandola and Izzy Saulin were happily munching on a couple healthy-sized brownies that were secretly waiting for the players behind the Pennsville field hockey bench.
It was something the two captains could definitely get used to, and if the treats lead to the results they produced Monday it might just become an everyday thing.
With the brownies safely hidden under a cover of tin foil, the Eagles scored their first win of the season 7-1 over Paulsboro. It was a big turnaround from the lopsided loss they took in the season opener.
After posing for their traditional W picture after the win, they dug into the brownies, courtesy of team baker and manager Jacqui Kelly.
“I am a real brownie fan; I love brownies so I was real excited when they said they were going to make up a sweet treat,” Marandola said. “They didn’t tell us what they were, but they said there was a sweet treat.”
“I kind of forgot about them; they were nice after the game,” Saulin said. “I might have eaten them way too fast, my stomach kind of hurts.”
Saulin led the offense with her second career hat trick. Marandola had a goal and three assists. Kylie Harris scored twice. Kendal Hoyt’s first career goal at 10:48 of the first quarter was the Eagles’ first goal of the year and set off a feeding frenzy. The Eagles scored four goals in the second quarter to take a 5-0 halftime lead.
“Once they scored I felt they were a little more hungry and trying to get in there more, a little more aggressive,” Pennsville coach Lisa Doran said.
It’s the earliest they scored their first win of the season since 2021 when they beat Clayton in the second game of the season. They started last season 0-6.
The difference between their 8-0 loss to Audubon in the opener and Monday’s win was crisper passing and better communication.
“Today we were just working together more and had more opportunity to pass to each other,” Saulin said. “I’m glad we can start getting this to click in the second game, really early, so it can only go forward from here.”
If they’re going to produce these kinds of results knowing a sweet treat awaits, brownies on the bench might be a requirement every game.
“Did you tell them my manager that?” Doran asked projecting her voice towards the bench. “I like that.”
Hearing the conversation and the answer in the affirmative, Kelly said that was all right by her.
There it is. Brownies for everybody.
Pennsville 7, Paulsboro 1
| Paulsboro (0-3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1- | 1 |
| Pennsville (1-1) | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1- | 7 |
GOALS: PV-Kendal Hoyt, 10:48 1Q; PV-Sophia Marandola (Kendal Hoyt), 13:56 2Q; PV-Izzy Saulin (Gracie Mease), 12:14 2Q; PV-Izzy Saulin (Sophia Marandola), 9:56 2Q; PV-Kylie Harris (Sophia Marandola), 1:56 2Q; PV-Izzy Saulin (Sophia Marandola), 1:32 3Q; PB-Dasani Scott, 12:42 4Q; PV-Kylie Harris (Kendal Hoyt), 3:10 4Q
Cover photo: Pennsville field hockey captains Sophia Marandola (L) and Izzy Saulin enjoy a sweet treat after the Eagles beat Paulsboro 7-1 for their first win of the season.
Girls tennis
WOODSTOWN 5, WEST DEPTFORD 0
Gabby Kurds 
def. Gianna Concordia, 6-3, 6-0
Camille Osborn def. Carly Zanolle, 6-0, 6-0
Aubrie Rennie def. Hayley Dobbins, 6-0, 6-0
Julianna Lindenmuth-Alyssa Berry def. Lily Avila-Anastasia Besar, 6-1, 6-0
Nathalie Neron-Noelle Neron def. Sophie Powell-Junanna Abdelhamid, 6-0, 6-1
Records: Woodstown 2-1, West Deptford 0-5.
Riverview Sports News 