When it mattered most, Upper Perkiomen's field hockey team converted on a penalty corner as Julia Traynor's goal midway through overtime lifted the team to a 4-3 victory over Pennridge last weekend.
            "The girls showed me they can do what needs to be done," first-year head coach

Julie Traynor works the ball against a Pennridge defender.

Meghan Griffin said.
            Three games into the season, the Indians have played with determination and enthusiasm, according to Griffin. However, she said it's too early to offer any declarations or predictions.
"Things are looking pretty good," the coach said. "I would like us to score first more often."
            Griffin has implemented a style that features aggressive play, according to Traynor. She said the new coach has pushed the players to be their best on the field.
            "She wants to win," Traynor said.
            On Tuesday, the team suffered a 6-2 non-league loss to Great Valley. Traynor scored both goals.
            Against the visiting Rams, the Tribe (2-2) allowed the initial goal for the second time in three games on Friday, Sept. 1. The teams traded goals before converting on a penalty corner midway through a 10-minute overtime period.
            Traynor delivered the decisive goal on a one-timer from the left wing after two passes on a set play in front of the Pennridge cage. She described the overtime victory as an accomplishment.
            "This was a big win," Traynor said. "We've got the skills. We've got to execute better in regulation."
            The team scored all of its goals on penalty corners. Julia and Jade Traynor each registered a goal and two assists. Ava Senseny and Burgundy Gahman also scored.
            Senseny tipped in a shot to open the scoring for the Indians late in the first quarter. Gahman's goal midway through the second quarter staked them to a 2-1 advantage, their only lead during regulation. The tally came on the third of three consecutive penalty corners. Jade Traynor's goal with 6:43 left in the third quarter forged a 3-3 tie.
            "We're supposed to have the advantage in that situation," Julia Traynor said.
            To prep for Pennridge, the Indians installed at least 10 set options – approximately twice as many as last season, said Griffin.

            The coach identified both Traynor sisters, as well as Landrey DeLillo, as key performers on the set play. According to Julia Traynor, her sister has the passing option on most corners.  "The girls seem to have the right offensive mindset," Griffin said.

            Against Pennridge, the Tribe used just three players off the bench. However, Griffin said the subs include six who could play both varsity and junior varsity.

            Griffin said Upper Perkiomen's four initial games – a stretch that included non-league opponents Radnor, Twin Valley, which won the PIAA Class 2A title two years ago and reached the quarterfinal round in the tournament last season, and Great Valley, which reached the quarterfinal round of the PIAA Class 3A championships last season – should prepare her team for the Pioneer Athletic Conference season, which was scheduled to commence on Wednesday against Phoenixville.

            Griffin said the early level of competition might even be tougher than the conference.