Kimball Union Drops Season's Opener to Pomfret 12-8

Wildcats Fall to Pomfret in Season’s Opener 12-8

Kimball Union Academy officially opened their 2007 season as they hosted Pomfret School this afternoon on Pope Field. The Wildcats came out flying with a flurry of shots on the Pomfret goal but unfortunately all were turned away as the black and orange could not find the back of the net. Cool under fire, Pomfret cleared effectively and scored in transition to take an early one goal lead. Several minutes later Midfielder David Robinson (Lexington, MA) found Ryan Hayes (Darien, CT) who tied the game at one all. Pomfret scored twice again with less than a minute to lead 3 – 1 after one period. The second period was much like the first as Ryan Hayes returned the favor to Robinson who scored once and then again unassisted to tie the game. Looking back, this was the high water mark for the Wildcats as the tide could have turned at this point. Unfortunately poor decisions, tactical errors and poor ball handling resulted in opportunities upon which Pomfret capitalized quickly to extend their lead to 4 -3 at the half. The Wildcats started the second half again with possession and opportunities but could not execute or finish. Pomfret on the other hand, capitalized on every opportunity and took a substantial 8 – 3 lead to the end of the third period. The Wildcat’s were able to generate five goals in the fourth and final quarter as Co-captain Evan Roberts (West Cornwall, VT), Cody Danforth (Milton, VT), and Ryan Hayes each scored once while attack man Scott Crawford (Mystic, CT) netted two. Danforth had two assists while Hayes had three to end the day’s scoring for the Wildcats. However Pomfret was quick to answer with four of their own goals and finished the day with a 12 - 8 win over Kimball Union. Playing in goal, Robert Bleakley (Lexington, MA) had 12 saves on the day. Kimball Union incurred eight penalties but allowed Pomfret only three man down goals, thus holding Pomfret to a success rate of under 40%. Pomfret enjoyed a slight edge in ground balls, picking up 33 to Kimball Union’s 29. Evan Roberts picked up nine ground balls and Justin Wright (Waccabuc, NY) six in the effort. Kimball Union enjoyed a substantial edge in face offs winning 62%. The Wildcats face off against the Big Green of Deerfield on next Wednesday, 4/11, in Deerfield at 3:30.