NP finds organization in its chaos

Close-knit Knights putting it together against Abington

North Penn was more organized than it was chaotic Friday, downing the visiting Ghosts 11-1 under the lights of Crawford Stadium with a tempo-setting performance.

“The best thing about this team is the way we’ve really come together as a family,” senior Emily Varilla said. “We’ve all known each other for a while, now we’re starting to come together, find the open girl and connect. It’s all a team effort now.”

“Family” is the word the Knights (3-2, 1-0 SOL) chose to adorn the back of their light blue warm-up shirts for the season and for good reason. North Penn coach Heather Mellow noted this is the smallest varsity roster she’s had in her time leading the program but not one lacking for talent.

If anything, the Knights almost have too many options offensively. Jordan Bailey led NP with four goals and an assist on Friday, but Kerry O’Donnell was right behind with three goals, her twin sister Erin had two goal while Varilla and Liv Caputo also scored.

“I like that there’s no one person we’re relying on offensively but we’re still trying to see who wants to be that one who directs it,” Mellow said. “They all can do it. Nobody wants to step on each other’s toes, they’re respecting each other but we’re getting there and they are working to figure it out.”

After giving up 13 goals last time out, Knights goalie Kiera Holt and her backs were determined to get their own chaos much better organized on the defensive end. In a way, Abington (2-3, 1-0 SOL) was the perfect opponent to follow up that wild Wednesday affair as the Ghosts had lit up North Penn’s defense in the opening round of last year’s

ANDREW ROBINSON — FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP North Penn huddles after its win over Abington on Friday night.