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Not to Be Denied Again: Crusader Field Hockey Team Scores Game Tying Goal

Groton Dunstable (3-3-2) spotted visiting Algonquin (3-3-1) an early goal but a shot by junior Olivia Penney squared the game at 1-1 and that was all the goals that would be scored in this well-played Midland-A League game.

Last season, Number 2 seed Algonquin Regional defeated third seed Groton-Dunstable in the Central Mass. Division 1 field hockey semi-finals by a 3-0 score. So you can imagine there was a bit of angst before the game.

"Early on, our defense was over-committing and the forwards were not switching to cover for them. We were a little nervous but we made some adjustments and the girls made them work. I am so proud of the team," said varsity field hockey coach Mary Desmond.

Taylor O'Connor (Assist: Magee Wright) scored at 6:14 of the first half to give the Tomahawks a 1-0 lead and you had to wonder how GD would respond.

"These girls are special," said Desmond. Spot on, coach! Less than three minutes later, with the Crusaders on a penalty corner, Emily Riposa sent a pass to junior Olivia Penney who blasted a shot from just inside the 16 that beat Algonquin netminder Kate Sears. "I pulled the ball outside the circle, brought it back in and fired," said Penney who always plays full throttle.

Liz Gonzalez was her acrobatic best in goal stopping nine of ten shots she faced in the first half. There were outstanding defensive plays throughout, in particular Jamie Park breaking up several offensive rushes and Allie Baxter who broke up more than a few Algonquin corners.

Crusaders are away against Wachusett on Friday, Sept. 28. Next home game is against Shrewsbury Oct. 5.

Groton Herald

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