NORTH SUTTON – Any time two teams in the upper portion of the Division III standings have a late-season match, there are bound to be some back-and-forth moments.
Three total goals in the first five minutes between Hopkinton and Kearsarge certainly had set the stage for a potential match of the season in the regular season’s finale. While it was a briefly reflected on the scoreboard, despite the 8-1 Hopkinton win, the game was closer than the final differential reflects.
Kearsarge (10-6) kept the pressure on the Hawks throughout the game by pressing defensively and clogging up their usual passing lanes. Forced to strategize on the go, Hopkinton’s alternative was just as dangerous.
Relying on the speed of senior Ashlee Brehio, the Hawks (16-0) kicked the ball over top the pressing defense and had Brehio catch up to the ball, leaving her in several one-on-one situations. Fortunately for Hopkinton, the high-risk, high-reward approach worked out as Brehio tallied five goals Thursday night, including two in the second half that were just minutes apart.
“It was a fun atmosphere against a tough Kearsarge team,” coach Mike Zahn said. “There were lots of nerves leading into the game, but the girls did what they do so well on the field.”
Hopkinton undoubtedly closed out the season as the No. 1 team in the Division III standings and will be the team to beat in the tournament. As three-time reigning state champions, the figurative target on its back only grows bigger with each win.
Kearsarge sits at No. 7 at the conclusion of the season and will more likely than not have to play in the preliminary round, which for Division III begins on Wednesday. The Cougars lost in the quarterfinals last season but have a strong senior class and will look to make a serious run this season.
In regards to their match against Hopkinton, Kearsarge coach Dave Smith saw plenty of positives despite a lopsided final.
“We took their game to a different level, keeping pressure on Hopkinton for most of the game,” he said. “Couldn’t be more proud of the play and fight the girls showed tonight.”
With the tournament on the horizon, the anticipated brackets are expected to be released early next week.