Girls’ soccer swept the floor with South 2-1 Monday, Nov. 4 at home in the first round of the MIAA state tournament. Tensions were high as the Tigers and Lions faced off in the playoff tournament for the first time in history, reinforcing the age-old rivalry between the two schools.
The bleachers on either side were packed with fans from the opposing schools, creating an atmosphere full of anticipation and excitement.
“When I saw everyone on the bleachers I think it added to how nervous we all were, but honestly I think we all play better when we are nervous and know what we would be missing out on if we lost,” said sophomore Josie Wordell.
As the first half began, both teams struggled to kick into gear. The Tigers found offensive opportunities, but as the missed shots piled up, the stakes started to climb, according to sophomore Skye Larson. By the 30-minute mark, the score remained 0-0, leading to increasingly frequent huddles as each team tried to adjust strategy.
“It was grueling honestly, every 2 seconds it felt like someone was about to make a goal but then would end up not making it,” said Larson.“I felt my stomach drop like three times. We really couldn’t lose this game.”
With fifteen minutes left on the clock in the first half and the game still up for grabs, the pace intensified. The Tigers’ efforts finally paid off when, with 13 minutes left, junior Grace Marchand scored the first goal of the game, bringing the score to 1-0.
The Tigers rode the high of their goal as the first half continued, according to senior Vivi Kritzer, a captain along with seniors Eden Cha and Alissa Kraus. But just as they started to find their stride, South surprised with a last-minute goal to tie up the first half 1-1.
When the second half started, the intensity of the game was through the roof as both teams battled to claim the win. Halfway through, senior Michaela George swooped in, scoring the game-changing goal that put the Tigers up by one. With that, North held onto its lead, sealing the game with a hard-fought victory.
“I think the tension between the teams was really the catalyst for how we played in general. The girls knew that they couldn’t lose this game so they were playing with such determination that it showed,” said head coach Brian Leighton.
The Tigers won their second-round matchup against Hopkinton Friday, Nov. 4. They fell to Wellesley in the third round of the tournament Tuesday, Nov. 12, concluding their season.
