With its recent surge, the Coe-Brown girls’ soccer team is making a late run for a seat at the table in the Division II tournament.
The Bears, who started the year 1-5, have figured out different ways to win of late and Thursday against Kennett was no different.
Far from the offensive outbursts Coe-Brown enjoyed last week in wins over Manchester West (10-0) and Souhegan (3-1), this one required a bit more patience, and the Bears were up to the task, waiting until the 67th minute to strike for a goal to defeat Kennett, 1-0, in Northwood.
“The girls had to be patient and crack the packed defensive end of the field. They stuck to the game plan, and despite having multiple chances, we finally found the numbers advantage,” Coe-Brown coach Josh Hils said. “It was a great team effort tonight.”
The Bears (4-6) found the spark they needed when senior forward Sam Troy delivered a through ball to senior midfielder Mary Thoms, who promptly buried it into the net.
While the offense created the game-winning goal, it was the defense that made the opportunity possible.
Junior goalkeeper Mackenzie Quick was a major factor in the victory, turning back five shots to keep the Eagles off the scoreboard.
“Mackenzie was huge in goal, turning away legitimate scoring chances for Kennett,” Hils said.
The Bears also received a boost from midfielders Sophie Laird, Olivia Noni and Morgan Burnap to give the team three wins in its last four tries.
A home match against Plymouth is up next on Tuesday.
Belmont 7, Berlin 0
Key players: Belmont – Sierra Bourque (2G, 2A), Rebecca Fleming (G, 2A), Kailey Gerbig (G, 2A), Emma Winslow (1st varsity goal), Katie Gagnon (G), Jada Edgren (1st varsity goal)
Highlights: Belmont’s attack was clicking from the start. The Raiders scored three minutes into the contest before pouring in three more scores in the span of 15 minutes for a 4-0 halftime lead. Deanna Bourque (assist), Morgan Hall, Sana Syed and Courtney Burke all helped lead the defensive effort, while Maddie Lima finished with two saves to complete her first shutout.
Coach’s quote: “Any time you get six different players to score is awesome. We really were able to possess the ball very well today. Very proud of the team’s effort.” – Belmont’s Mark Dawalga
Records: Belmont 8-2-1; Berlin 1-10
Bedford 5, Concord 0
Key players: Concord – Abbas Abdulrahman, Riley Rollins, Brandon Comire, Pascal Zabayo
Highlights: The defending champion Bulldogs struck early and often, scoring in the second and 10th minute before adding another in the first half for a 3-0 lead. Bedford added two more scores in the second half to account for the final. Abdulrahman and Rollins combined for nine saves in goal.
Coach’s quote: “They’re the defending state champs and they definitely showed it. They were very dominant in their play, very skilled and well put together.” – Concord’s Scott Dunlop
Records: Concord 4-5-1; Bedford 9-0-1
Hinsdale 10, Franklin 1
Key players: Franklin – Drew Croteau (G), Danny Watts, Jadyn Lutz (midfield)
Coach’s quote: “Hinsdale played the better game. They wanted the win far more than we did.” – Franklin’s Kevin VanGorden
Records: Hinsdale 3-6; Franklin 0-8
Hollis-Brookline 108, Coe-Brown 70, Milford 58
Key players: Coe-Brown – Jacques Dubois (18 points), Dan Strum (17), Cole Perra (16), Alex Davidson (10), Evan Menard (9)
Records: Coe-Brown 3-22
Lebanon 59, Fall Mountain 56,
Laconia 46, John Stark 36
Key players: John Stark – Hunter Patterson (12 points), Nick Lundeen (10), Kolby Spiers (7), Jayden Lamothe (7), Colin Warecki (7)
Highlights: Both Lamothe and Lundeen chipped in for pars during their round.
Records: John Stark 5-25