Riding high off a 3-0 win over Notre Dame Academy Hingham, the Girls Hockey team hoped to advance to the semi-finals of the Division 2 playoffs, but first they had to face the Clippers of Falmouth High. On Sunday, March 4, at Franklin Arena, the Rebels put up a valiant effort against the #7 seeded Clippers, but Falmouth came away from the game with a shootout victory.
In the first period, Falmouth showcased their speed against Walpole. Within minutes, the Rebels knew to be wary of Falmouth forwards because once they gained the red line, they could blow past defenders. With this in mind, the Rebels enacted an effective forecheck that basically kept the puck in Falmouth’s zone the whole period. With six minutes left, sophomore defenseman Brooke Matherson fired a shot from the point that resulted in Walpole’s first (and only) goal of the night.
In the second period, the two teams were evenly matched. Falmouth did tie the game up with three minutes left in the period when a Clipper forward scored a wrap around goal just in time to beat junior Captain and goalie Bethany Welch. The third period was exactly like the second in that both teams had their opportunities to score, but neither could capitalize on their chances.
The overtime period began and it was all Walpole. The Rebels completely dominated the overtime period and fired shot after shot on the Falmouth goaltender, who stopped them all cold. On the other end, Welch denied any shots Falmouth was able to attempt at her. Overtime ended and the score was still tied at 1-1 – a shootout would determine the winner.
Falmouth’s first attempt in the shootout resulted in a goal, whereas Walpole’s did not. With the early lead, Falmouth was then stoned by Welch – who made a spectacular save. Walpole’s next skater scored to even the game. Falmouth scored again, but could not clinch the win. Finally, Falmouth scored again to give them the 2-1 win.
Heartbroken, the Girls Hockey team still had a successful season. Finishing the season with a 16-3-3 record and Herget Champs is quite an accomplishment from a team that many believed would struggle. In addition, the team only loses two seniors to graduation, so expect the Rebels to be back in the playoffs next winter as well.
