NA Winning Streak Stopped By Pine-Richland, 2-0

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The playoff-bound North Allegheny Tigers dropped a 2-0 decision to the Pine-Richland Rams on Wednesday night in Gibsonia. The outcome locks up a spot for the Rams in the WPIAL playoffs and snaps a four-game winning streak for North Allegheny.

Pine-Richland used the speed of sophomore Ella Rottinghaus to help tilt the field in its direction in the early going. The PR pressure set up a goal by junior Heidi Van Dyk, who scored on a direct shot near the left post for a 1-0 lead. Despite a more back-and-forth remainder of the half, the Rams still outshot the Tigers 10-1 and maintained their one-goal lead by intermission.

The Rams extended their lead with 24:20 to play in the second half when Van Dyk scored her second of the night for a 2-0 advantage.

The North Allegheny defense and goalie Kali Kugler did an outstanding job of keeping the team in the game in the second half. Kugler made 13 saves in the contest and was aided by the defensive efforts of senior Kayley Cooper. Cooper made several key tackles on Rottinghaus throughout the night and was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game by the North Allegheny Sports Network.

Trailing by two goals, the NA offense sprang to life in the final 15 minutes of the game and forced the action in Pine-Richland’s territory. The Tigers’ best chance to score came with 6:19 to play on a shot by junior Izzy Ingram that was stopped on a kick save by Pine-Richland goalie Abby Baratka. Unfortunately for the Tigers, that was their only shot on goal in the second half as the Rams held on for a 2-0 victory.

With Wednesday’s result, North Allegheny slides to 10-6-1 overall and 6-3 in WPIAL Division I. Pine-Richland secures a playoff berth and the No. 2 spot in the standings, while improving to 6-1-2 in division play. Both teams will prepare for the WPIAL semifinals next week.

Field Hockey Summary vs. Pine-Richland, 10-17-18

GAME SUMMARY
SCORE BY HALVES12FINAL
North Allegheny000
Pine-Richland112