Panthers win Surf and Sands title in franchise record performance

The JVF Panthers on the victory stand in Tinton Falls New Jersey on June 14th, 2025 (JVF)

TINTON FALLS, N.J. — The U14 JVF Panthers recorded the most statistically dominant performance in program history over the weekend, going 4–0–0 at the 2025 Surf and Sands Tournament while outscoring opponents 14–0. The performance secured the Panthers' first-ever tournament championship and established multiple all-time records across all JVF age groups.

Held at the Capelli Sports Complex, the Surf and Sands Tournament featured over 60 teams across various age divisions, with representation from club programs in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. The Panthers competed in the U14 bracket, finishing first in their group after defeating Long Island Field Hockey Gray, Phoenix Elite Red, East End Field Hockey Black, and the Lions Field Hockey club.

The shutout sweep and total goal count set new franchise benchmarks. Tournament officials originally credited the Panthers with 13 goals, though internal stat verification confirmed a 14th, bringing the group’s total goal differential to +14—the highest by any JVF team at any event to date.

Mallory Lisy and Samantha Scheibel at the Panthers title ceremony on June 14th in Tinton Falls, NJ (JVF)

Tournament Results

Game1: JVF 3, Long Island Field Hockey Gray 0

Game 2: JVF 5, Phoenix Elite Red 0

Game 3: JVF 1, East End Field Hockey Black 0

Game 4: JVF 4, Lions Cub Club 0

The win over East End Field Hockey Black, one of the more structurally disciplined clubs in the field, was the Panthers' most contested match. The Panthers broke through in the first half with the biggest goal of the tournament, and held firm in the final minutes.

The Panthers’ defensive structure allowed zero goals across four games, marking the first time a JVF team has completed a national-level tournament without conceding. The back line was anchored by tournament Co-MVPs Rachel Healy of Guilford, and Mallory Lisy of Mansfield.

Kenzie Rooney, Samantha Scheibel, and Shay Perillo supported the effort with grit, big time minutes, and physical play down the stretch.

Offensively the Panthers were an avalanche, Lida Zinchuk, Zoe Bonanno, Parker Jesky, and Chloe Cavallaro scoring goals from all angles, and keeping up the pressure throughout the game.

The surprise of the event was the extraordinary Panther goalie Harlei McConnell, at only 10 years old, the Masschusetts native turned in one of the more profound performances in the history of the sport allowing zero goals during a championship run in the U/14 division.

Franchise Records Set

With this performance, the Panthers established the following JVF all-time records (all teams, all levels):

• Most goals scored in a single tournament (14)

• Largest cumulative goal differential (+14)

• Most shutouts recorded in a single tournament (4)

• First U14 team in program history to win a national level tournament championship

• First JVF team to complete a national-level tournament without allowing a goal

The Panthers’ tournament title follows the U19 Dragons’ recent appearance at the USA Field Hockey Regional Club Championships. With a one-year age gap separating core players across the two rosters, JVF Field Hockey now features multiple teams performing at a nationally competitive level.

The Panthers are scheduled to return to training in July ahead of fall competition and RCCS review for the 2025–26 season.