Middlesex traveled to Pomfret, CT to take on a strong and talented Greenwich Academy in what would prove to be one of the most exciting games of the 2011-2012 season. Although the Zebras were able to gain an early two goal lead in the first period, the Gators fought their way back in the second to close the gap.
The Zebras came out of the gates ready to play. Just 2:58 into the period, Maddie ’14 found Jeanie ’13 at the point who fired a shot on net where Jordan ’12 was able to tip the puck in past the goaltender. Nearly three minutes later as the Zebras were struggling to get the puck out of their defensive zone, Jordan executed a beautiful pass to Maddie neutral ice who raced towards the net on breakaway. After committing the goalie to her backhand, she transferred the puck to her right and slipped it into the net for the two goal lead. The remaining five minutes of the period belonged to Greenwich, as they fought furiously to close the gap.
Greenwich carried the same momentum that they had had in the final minutes of the first into the second. 2:41 into the period, #13 was able to get her team on the scoreboard when she fired the puck from the slot to bring the score to 2-1. For the next 12:00 minutes, Katie ’12 kept Middlesex in the game, making several outstanding saves to maintain the lead entering the third.
Knowing that the future of their season was on the line, the Zebras took the ice in the third ready to battle. At the 11:44 mark, Jordan tallied her second goal of the night (assisted by Maddie) to give Middlesex the insurance they so desperately needed. Greenwich responded 7:00 later however when their #19 picked up a loose puck in front of the net to once again make it a one goal game. The last four minutes of the period were by far the most dramatic and exciting of the entire afternoon. With 1:18 left on the clock, a penalty was called on Middlesex, giving Greenwich the player-up advantage. With the puck deep in the Zebras defensive zone, the Gators pulled their goalie to play six on four for the remaining seconds of the game. Despite their best efforts however, Greenwich could not get the puck past Katie ’12 or the penalty kill team of Eliza ’12, Jordan, Ashley ’13 and Brooke ’14.
The Zebras will return to action in the semifinals on Saturday, March 3 at 12:00pm at the Berkshire School against the winner of the Gunnery and Kingswood Oxford game.
