FRANKLIN – In a matchup of Hockomock League titans with a knack for lighting up the scoreboard, it was protection that stole the present Monday night time.
Between No. 6 Canton (8-0-1) staving off 13 nook penalties, and No. 9 Franklin (9-0-2) limiting offensive possibilities towards two of the state’s most prolific scorers (Shannon Lane and Carolyn Schiavo), the groups averaging over 5 objectives per sport performed to a 0-0 tie.
The matchup was extremely anticipated for a mess of causes, together with the Panthers’ unbeaten streak in league play, which prolonged to 103 video games with the draw. It additionally stood out as each groups’ largest check but this 12 months.
For a Canton group with a wholly new protection from final 12 months’s Div. 2 state semifinal run, this was an awesome outcome.
“I’m thrilled with the result,” mentioned Bulldogs head coach Chrissy O’Connor. “I used to be tremendous joyful. For a few of these children, that is the primary actual problem that they’ve had. … I believed it was an awesome check for us.”
Possession contained in the defensive 25 was about even by the tip of the sport, with Frankin controlling a lot of the primary quarter and Canton controlling a lot of the third.
After scoring three objectives on corners towards an awesome Natick protection earlier this 12 months, Franklin head coach Michelle Hess felt that going 0-for-13 was the deciding think about a formidable exhibiting of protection from each teams.
That included 5 nook alternatives within the second quarter, and a barrage of nook and different scoring possibilities within the ultimate couple of minutes of the third. Franklin introduced the warmth in a number of pockets, however couldn’t put one dwelling for sufficient to win.
“It’s form of disappointing simply because we spend loads of time on (corners), engaged on them,” Hess mentioned. “However for some cause, we had been tight at this time. It was an enormous sport, and I believe our youth form of confirmed itself at this time somewhat bit. They undoubtedly stepped up in different areas, however so far as the nook execution … my expectation (after Natick) is that we must always have the ability to execute.”
“I give (Canton) credit score, although,” Hess continued. “Their defensive nook unit was spectacular. We had a tough time producing something towards them.”
On these defensive corners, junior Grace Martinek compelled fast choices as flyer. Lane completed the job on many as a affected person trailer.
“They’ve an awesome mixture there,” O’Connor mentioned. “Grace is tremendous quick, she will get to the ball. And Shannon does an awesome job form of cleansing up any pictures that get by.”
Hess was impressed along with her protection, considerably limiting the influence on the assault dynamic stars Schiavo (Bucknell commit) and Lane (Windfall commit) had. Clara Blongastainer and Jossie Camp did particularly effectively containing them.
Camp and Samantha Feigen additionally got here up clutch to cease a 3-on-1 quick break Canton produced off a damaged Franklin nook within the second quarter. Ava Lucenta additionally had a defensive save on the Bulldogs’ second offensive nook, stopping a rebound shot proper earlier than the objective line after goalie Devon Barry (three saves) needed to depart her toes.
In any other case, giving a half-step of area on the fringe of the circle did wonders for the Franklin protection to disclaim entry.
“Clara Blongastainer and Jossie Camp did a tremendous job at this time, shutting down two of the highest gamers within the state,” Hess mentioned. “We annoyed them, which was form of our level, and it was clear. They used their ability, they used their pace, they used their information, and I simply can’t say sufficient about these two and the way they performed. … The entire defensive unit as soon as once more was very robust at this time. Very proud of their play.”
Shealyn Murphy got here up clutch with six saves in internet for Canton, together with one on a breakaway bid. One among her teammates had a defensive save on the rebound, including to a stand-out job from Tabitha McCready, Ellie Younger, Cassidy Lyons and Michaela Dickie to restrict lots of Franklin’s finest possibilities to corners.
“They undoubtedly had some good alternatives, so I used to be very proud of my protection,” O’Connor mentioned. “We simply didn’t get sufficient alternatives up entrance, which has normally been our power. We now must put the 2 collectively, and we’ll be good to go.”
