The Wildcats Play Hard in their Final Home Game
Wildcats: 1
Exeter: 2 (OT)
The Wildcats stepped onto the field with confidence today. The 8 seniors have led a highly skilled team throughout the season with great leadership on and off the field. Captains Shannon Sebor (Haverhill, NH) and Becky Young (Plainfield, NH) both played a strong game today in the midfield. They channeled down the sidelines and recovered hard to the midfield. Forwards Amelie Petersen (Hamburg, Germany), Erin Mattila (Westford, MA), Leah Cole Durst (Cornish, NH) and Katey Spanos (Newport, NH) strategically played the ball to the wings and pushed through balls into the offensive zone. Katie Dessert (Plainfield, NH) commanded the defensive end on the right side, going to the ball and being smart with it and Kells Casey (Sandwich, MA) played a fantastic game in goal. The team has improved throughout the season due to these seniors’ leadership and work ethic.
The Wildcats were the first to score in the game today against Exeter. Seventeen minutes into the half, on their first corner of the game, Eibhilin Whittemore (Springfield, VT) took a shot from the top of the circle and Maura Doyle (Merrimack, MA) swept it into goal. Exeter answered back before the half ended.
Second half, the Wildcats worked the ball up the wings, both left and right. Katey Spanos crossed the ball well from the right side and Leah Cole Durst sprinted down the sideline to keep the ball in play. Maya Karosas (Stowe, VT) and Doyle played well in the midfield, pressuring the opponent. With a scoreless half, the game went into sudden victory overtime.
The overtime play was intense and the Wildcats had multiple scoring opportunities. Spanos crossed the ball to Doyle who shot wide, and Karosas carried the ball into the circle but was stymied by the Exeter goalie. Exeter scored the winning goal with 1:33 left in overtime.
The Wildcats earned 3 corners to Exeter’s 7. Kells Casey played a strong game in the net with crucial saves during overtime.
