The girls’ varsity hockey team gave fans a reason to be excited for the 2011-2012 season as they defeated Kents Hill 6-1 Friday evening at their home arena in Concord, MA. Although the Zebras struggled to find their passing game in the first period, they rallied together in the second and third to show the crowd what Middlesex hockey is all about.
Kents Hill was the first to get on the score board when their captain lifted a shot in the 6th minute over Katie’s (12) right shoulder. Seven seconds later however, senior captain Jordan responded by charging the net from center ice and gracefully tucking a shot behind the Kent's Hill goaltender to tie the game at 1-1. For the remainder of the period, the Zebras continued to get shots on net but were unable to capitalize on their efforts. Middlesex entered the locker room determined to make the necessary adjustments for the second and third periods.
The Zebras came out fired up in the second period and were able to put the pieces of their game together. Strong passing, aggressive forechecking and smart defensive play enabled MX to put three more pucks in the net. Four minutes into the period, senior captain Eliza got the momentum going by tallying a beautiful goal assisted by line-mates Jordan and sophomore Maddie to lift the Zebras 2-1. Three minutes later, Cici (14) skated the puck from the neutral zone deep into the defensive end of Kents Hill and made a perfectly timed pass to teammate Ashley (13) who fired her shot past the keeper to the lower left corner of the net. Just 40 seconds later, Jordan notched her second goal of the game, assisted by Maddie and Eliza to give the Zebras a three goal lead.
Middlesex continued their strong play in the final period. With 14: 53 left on the clock, Jordan took a shot from what looked like an impossible angle from the right side and rifled the puck into the lower left corner for her third goal of the game. Six minutes later, Maddie scored what would be the final goal of the night to give Middlesex the definitive 6-1 victory.
The defensive unit of Jeanie (13), Arushi (14) Ashley (13), Leah (15), Brooke (14) and goaltenders Katie (12) and Christina (14) helped support the forward line and prevented what could have potentially been a much closer score.
The Zebras will take the ice again next Wednesday, Dec 7 when they face Proctor Academy at 4:30pm at home.
