Girls’ hockey, despite putting up an impressive fight fell to Belmont in a 3-0 loss Monday, Jan. 27 at John A. Ryan Arena.
Prior to the game, the Newton Crush combated injury, leading to a change in the team’s lineup.
According to academic support teacher Rebecca Fleming, the head coach, “some girls had to step up that haven’t played as much, but the dynamic was still great.”
Fleming added that among the girls who stepped up were freshmen Malin Vardeh and Jill Fialkosky, the latter of whom played center for the first time in her career.
The Crush took possession of the puck at the beginning of the first period. Despite the bold start, the Crush’s offensive soon fell to Belmont’s speed. With 11 minutes and 28 seconds left on the clock, Belmont scored its first goal against the Crush. In short order, Belmont scored for a second time.
“When we are playing fast teams like this one,” said South senior Mady Daley, a captain with North senior Ellie Fahey, “we need to keep making sure that we’re keeping up with them the whole time.”
Going into the second quarter, the Crush stepped up its aggression and tenacity. According to Fahey, a highlight of the game was the team’s ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone throughout the period, which in turn gave the team more opportunities to score.
The team was further aided by penalties against Belmont for having too many players on the ice. With a Belmont defender in the penalty box, Newton was better able to shoot in rapid succession.
Daley said, “I think we did a really good job getting shots on net this game, and we were there for the rebounds of the good goalie.”
Unfortunately for the team, none of the shots went in the goal.
“We struggled a bit with scoring,” added Fleming.
In the final period, Belmont regained control of the puck. While the last minutes of the game were spent with the Crush on the defensive, the goalie, freshman Ellery Hansen, saved the team from various Belmont goals throughout the quarter. Even still, with a minute left of playing time, Belmont scored its third goal of the night, ensuring the team’s victory.
Regardless of the loss, according to Fleming, the defeat was not entirely devastating.
“We actually played very well, even though we lost,” Fleming said. “Belmont is a good team, and we were very competitive with them. We just struggled a little bit.”
Newton, 5-6-1, will face Auburn Friday, Jan. 31 away at the Reilly Rink in Cleveland Circle.
