Marc Narducci: Paul VI defeats Timber Creek, 4-1

Paul VI and Timber Creek have two of the best girls' soccer programs in South Jersey, but for some reason Mother Nature hasn't been very kind to either team when they meet.

Their first meeting on Sept. 16 was halted after 70 minutes because of lightning, with Paul VI earning a 3-2 win.

And while the outcome was the same for Monday's matchup in a cold, dreary, and rainy setting on artificial turf, the level of play changed dramatically.

Paul VI took control from the beginning in earning a 4-1 win over the visiting Chargers in an Olympic Conference National Division matchup.

A few conclusions can be drawn about Paul VI and Timber Creek, who are ranked No. 4 and No. 5 respectively in South Jersey by The Inquirer.

Both teams figure to give opponents plenty of trouble in the postseason, Paul VI in Non-Public A and Timber Creek in Group 3.

Timber Creek is an excellent team, one that has beaten Shawnee, which has defeated South Jersey's No. 1 team, Lenape.

It's just that on this night, Paul VI played for an entire 90 minutes, possibly making up for the 20 that were missed the previous game.

"There were some comments last time that if the entire game was played, we might not have won," said Paul VI senior Jenna Pedrick, who had two goals. "I think we wanted to show that we deserved it last time."

They certainly did this time.

Paul VI is 7-1-1 overall and 7-0 in the National Division, while Timber Creek is 7-3-1, 3-3.

What is striking about Paul VI is its balance. For instance, forward Chelsea Phillips didn't score but may have been the most dangerous player for the Eagles, constantly putting pressure on the defense.

The Eagles also got goals from Carla Chmielewski, another player who kept the Chargers defense on edge, and Erica Graziosi. In addition, sophomore Sarah Harris has become a marking back whom opposing forwards don't take comfort in seeing.

Timber Creek never stopped hustling and averted a shutout with a late goal by Elise Pratt that cut the lead to 3-1.

"I think this may have been our best effort of the season," said Paul VI coach Keith Walters, whose team could have pushed the score higher if it hadn't hit a few crossbars.

As for Timber Creek, it was simply one of those days, something that is bound to happen in the Olympic Conference, where breathers are virtually nonexistent.

"We've had a really strong season, but tonight they came out strong and really took it to us," said Timber Creek's senior midfielder-defender Melissa Arnold, who has earned a scholarship to Division I Florida Gulf Coast.

There is a chance these two teams could meet one more time since both appear headed for the South Jersey Coaches Tournament.

Maybe next time there will be no precipitation problems.

"It wasn't that bad," Pedrick said of the weather.

Left unsaid is that playing Paul VI is never an easy proposition, regardless of the elements.

Timber Creek 0 1 - 1

Paul VI 2 2 - 4

Goals: P-Jenna Pedrick 2, Carla Chmielewski, Erica Graziosi; T-Elise Pratt. Saves: P-Erin Baker 2, T-Kate DeCaro 8.