Manheim Township responds to pressure in key L-L Section 1 field hockey victory

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. At least, that's what the adage says.

Manheim Township did not earn any literal crowns last year, but the Blue Streaks field hockey team did win the championships of the Lancaster-Lebanon League and District Three Class 3A, to go along with an appearance in the state finals.

So does the neck that wears two gold medals and one silver medal lie uneasy?

Maybe a little. But according to head coach Jess Shellenberger and senior midfielder Brooke Weaver, not much.

"It's a learning curve for them," Shellenberger said of her team's progress this season. "Sometimes they're surprised by the intensity other teams come out with. They are finding a way to come out and respond to that pressure and score."

This is exactly what Manheim Township did on Thursday night, defeating Penn Manor 4-3 in L-L Section One play.

Julia Weaver scored the deciding goal with 5:02 left in the game. Her sister, Brooke, had the first two tallies for the Blue Streaks (4-1 L-L, 9-1 overall).

"It's a different kind of pressure, like going through uncharted territory for us," Brooke Weaver said of being everyone's target in 2024. "We've decided to focus on the present, and what's to come, instead of looking back at the past."

That approach has worked so far. Manheim Township is averaging 4.9 goals per game, and their only hiccup so far was a 2-1 loss at undefeated Warwick.

That loss Sept. 9 made Thursday's victory at Comet Field all the more important to keep the Blue Streaks in the L-L Section One mix. After the game, Shellenberger emphasized that point and played down the rivalry between the two schools.

"We're trying to win every section match. I don't think any one game is more important than another," Shellenberger said. "But this was our sixth away game and fifth night game. I think we're getting used to playing under the lights and under pressure."

Sarah Ebersole had the other goal for Manheim Township. It was a successful penalty stroke with no time left in the second period, putting the Blue Streaks ahead 3-2 at intermission.

Chloe Hook evened the score for Penn Manor (3-2, 7-3) with a high shot on a corner with 1:36 left in the third period. Sophia Geiter and Joelle Kroesen had the other goals for the Comets in the first half.

"It was a very meaningful game, especially for Section One play," Brooke Weaver said. "The seniors talked about this as the last time we would play Penn Manor here, and that we weren't leaving with a loss."

Penn Manor had 13 corners and nine shots on goal. Comet goalie Marissa Harnish made 12 saves, and Molly Hufford added a defensive stop. Though it was a disappointing loss, Penn Manor head coach Rachel Suter knows her team will have a chance to even the score with its Section One rivals.

"I think we are in a great place," Suter said. "Although we came up short against Manheim Township and Warwick, we will be the second time around."

Manheim Township finished with 17 shots on goal and 16 corners. Emma Drolet made five saves, with a defensive save by Grace Clawson.