The unusually competitive nature of its players could push the Upper Perkiomen field hockey team to lofty accomplishments. In practice, they sprint for 50/50 balls, take every drill seriously and argue about the validity of foul calls, according to head coach Meghan Griffin.

Emma Davidheiser, left, prepares to deliver a pass against Perkiomen Valley on Tuesday.

            "There's a real rivalry for playing time," she said. "Everyone wants to prove themselves all the time."

            Griffin described the rivalry as constructive. She claims they are all determined to help the Indians improve."

            "No one wants to let the team down," the coach said. "Everyone is on the same page."

            The Tribe opened its Pioneer Athletic Conference schedule Tuesday with a 3-0 victory over Perkiomen Valley.

            Griffin said she figured the game would provide a good gauge for where her team stands in the Liberty Division. It swept both games in last year's season series.

            Ava Senseny paced the team with a goal and an assist, while Ryann Sanfelice recorded her third shutout on six saves. Senseny's unassisted tally opened the scoring in the first quarter.

            Rowan DeLillo and Maya Pierce each scored during the fourth quarter. Senseny set up Pierce's goal.

           A trio of freshmen has earned significant playing time through the first five games of the season. Madyson Bolinsky, DeLillo and Brianna Godshall are pushing the upperclassmen for playing time daily, according to the coach.

            "I'm surprised how quickly they have figured out the game at this level," Griffin said. "The older girls have noticed."

The Indians (1-0 PAC, 3-2 overall) continue to work out their offensive kinks, according to the coach. She said the players must improve their movements within 40 feet of the opposing cage.

            "We've got to improve our numbers," Griffin said Monday. "However, I am seeing improvement. They need to learn to move together."

            Last week, Godshall led Upper Perkiomen to a 3-0 victory over Great Valley. The ninth grader finished with a goal and an assist on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

            Godshall opened the scoring in the second quarter off an assist from Rowan DeLillo. She set up Olivia Keyser's goal in the second quarter. Morgan O'Hara added an unassisted goal during the fourth quarter.

            Sanfelice posted her second shutout of the season in a non-league win over the visiting Patriots, stopping seven shots. Two days later, the standout junior stopped 17 shots in a 3-0 non-league loss to Avon Grove, which finished sixth in the District One Class 3A Tournament and lost to Emmaus in the opening round of the PIAA Championships last season.

           "Ryann is good at knowing when to challenge a shot and does a good job following rebounds," said Griffin, whose team resumes its schedule Thursday at home against Spring-Ford.

            "She is good at cutting down shooting angles and has quick reflexes. In practice, she throws herself across the goal crease."

            Seniors Carolin Boyle, Makayla Marshall and Landrey DeLillo have emerged as a solid defensive unit. The coach noted Boyle is having a stellar start to her season.

            "She's really quick," Griffin said. "The entire group communicates very well on the field."