BOLTON – The subject hockey season and its seniors’ highschool careers got here to an official shut Sunday morning at Nashoba, however not with out one final reminder of what the game is shedding from the state’s prime graduating gamers.
The two Massachusetts State Field Hockey Coaches Association Best of 60 Senior All-Star Games confirmed loads of offensive firepower and defensive execution in a last hoorah, with Team Dark Green beating Team Neon Orange 5-2, and Team Neon Green enjoying Team Navy to a 1-1 tie.
The prime seniors from state title-winning packages, state finalists and a bevy of different contenders had been randomized to comprise all 4 rosters, and the talent degree was even throughout the sector in each video games.
Reading senior Natalie Wall’s coronary heart price didn’t precisely climb when her Navy teammate Norah Bargatti (Westfield) tied the rating late within the fourth quarter of their sport, however actually was happy to be among the many competitors.
“It’s low stakes, we just came out here to have fun,” she stated, the day after the Rockets received their first Div. 2 state title. “Sometimes it’s just fun to just play field hockey and not have to worry about making it into the tournament. It’s less stressful and more fun to just meet some new people and just play out there. It’s also fun because everyone has different playing styles, it’s really cool to see.”
Neon Green’s solely purpose in that tie got here within the first quarter on a slam on the far submit from North Attleboro’s Emily Burnham. Winchester goalie Molly Hillier practically preserved the lead with just a few spectacular kick saves, however couldn’t maintain off Bargatti within the last couple minutes.
The sport wasn’t a high-flying show of offensive probabilities and epic defensive stands, however nonetheless confirmed a wealth of expertise that left Danvers coach Kristen McCarthy impressed. She made her debut teaching within the all-star sport on the Neon Green sideline, which was a “full-circle” second for her after enjoying within the sport as a senior.
“It was exciting to have a group of 30 kids that are at the elite level, ready to play in college,” she stated. “It was definitely an honor.”
The first sport had just a little extra flare, with Watertown’s Molly Driscoll exhibiting off her signature scoring prowess in an early 1-0 lead for Neon Orange. Quabbin goalie Juliana Stanger and Walpole goalie Abby Johnson (Dark Green) traded noteworthy break up and kick saves to stave off high-danger offensive probabilities because the rating remained low by way of an exciting first 35 minutes.
Hopkinton’s Camille Perlov went on to blow up for 4 objectives, nevertheless, lighting up the scoreboard with a bevy of rocket pictures Stanger couldn’t get to – together with a top-shelf reverse chip.
“It was pretty good, I wasn’t expecting it going into it but I just decided to play my game and stick to it,” Perlov stated. “It was amazing (to play), the energy was great, everything was awesome. It was so good to play with girls that keep up the intensity and keep up the great work.”
Somerset Berkley’s Karissa Albin tipped in a Driscoll shot to chop the deficit to 4-2, earlier than Nashoba’s Kayla Flanagan assisted Wolves teammate Lauren DiTullio for the ultimate time on their house subject.
Source: www.bostonherald.com