Millbrook Ties Northfield Mt. Herman
Our first (of many, I suspect!) nailbiter for the season as the Lady Mustangs tied a persistent Northfield Mt. Herman 2-2 overtime, on the turf in the fog at Williams College. The Mustangs dominated play in the first half as junior Ascencio-- in her glory because the slick turf was as close to ice as she is going to get this season! was able to keep the ball in our offensive end for much of the first half. Our first goal came at 22:06, on a blister from Ascencio just outside the circle tipped in by senior Erin Schroth, her first goal for the year; Ascencio with an assist. The second goal came at 12:33 as captain Ferrari shot at the top of the circle and sophomore Zublin tipped it in; Ferrari with the assist. Captain Anthony and senior Villeneuve played valiant games at right striker and right mid respectively, coming back to help out on defense when needed, then managing somehow to beat the play upfield on offense. The first half wasn't all offense, however, as defender Kelly made an amazing, waist-high goal line save at 18:28, a sure goal denied and senior Roxborough also squelched a shot in the circle. Also playing an amazing game was sophomore goalie Morrison with seven saves in the first half. NMH scored their first goal at 5:49 off a penalty corner.
We came out a little flat in the second half which I attribute to fatique and pressure exerted by NMH who refused to give up. We gave up alot of penalty corners as NMH did a good job pinning us down in our defensive end. The highlight of the second half had to be the spectacular save made by goalie Morrison on a penalty stroke. Morrison would finish the day with 14 saves.
We played one 10-minute overtime period -- the team of Ferrari, Anthony, Roxborough, Kelly, Blundon, Ascencio and Morrison in goal, played their hearts out and definitely dominated the OT period. Blundon hustled all over the field as if running on fresh legs, keeping the ball in our offensive end. We could have clinched it with a series of penalty corners as time expired, but our shots went wide. I was very proud of the team: they hung together, worked as a unit even when things weren't flowing our way. The game was followed by some excellent Chinese food in Williamstown!
