Lady Panthers find net, claw Bethel 2-0

The Masuk field hockey team doubled its overall scoring output on Saturday in a 2-0 victory at Bethel. Masuk, who raised its record to 2-8-1, scored only two goals going into the game and was determined to score against Bethel (2-6-3-1).

"We really worked on scoring in practice and it paid off," said Lady Panthers coach Kelly Mac Kenzie. "I think the girls came in ready to win, that was their mindset. They came in wanting to win and didn't waver from that."

Senior quad-captain Simone Romano said, "We came in here ready to win and we're glad we were able to do it. We were ready, we wanted it and we gave it a go. We hope it's the beginning of a winning streak."

Masuk outplayed the Lady Wildcats and outshot the Lady Wildcats 13-11, 6-5 in the first half. The Lady Panthers had a 6-4 advantage in penalty corners, 4-2 at the half.

With 13:55 remaining in the first half, Masuk took a 1-0 lead when senior Taylor Johnston deflected home a shot from senior quad-captain Samantha Romano (Simone's twin). This was Johnston's first career goal.

"It was my goal all year to get a goal and I'm glad to finally get one," said Johnston. "We were strong in the circle, we executed the corners and got it in the back of the net."

Samantha Romano said, "It was a corner, it was hit to my side, I hit it back in and Taylor got in into the goal."

The Lady Panthers started the second half well with senior Katie Lindley firing a shot that Lady Wildcat senior goalie Olivia Mullen (eight saves) stopped. Following Lindley's shot, Masuk struggled on offense and Bethel started to attack.

Lady Panther senior quad-captain Kelly Chrisman is an offensive player by trade and excelled on defense as well. Chrisman ran hard to the backfield and broke up a few plays.

However, the Lady Wildcats continued to attack and with 24:55 left in the game, Mac Kenzie called a timeout. Mac Kenzie exhorted her players for letting Bethel dribble and told them to be more aggressive.

Evidently, Masuk responded as it went on a breakaway and Chrisman slammed home a shot with 22:09 to go off to make it 2-0 off a touch pass from Simone Romano, who received the ball from senior quad-captain Natalie Ciancetta.

"It went to Simone and Natalie and it tipped off Simone's stick," said Chrisman. "Luckily, they focused on them and I was open and I banged it into the corner of the net. I was focused when I got it."

The Lady Panthers felt secure after that. Their defense played well and day and helped keep the ball away from sophomore goalie Heather LoPiano. Ciancetta, Simone Romano, Lindley and senior Ashley Vogt along with juniors Kristen Santinmays, Jennifer Miller, Carly Wilson and Bianca Monaco, broke up plays and stymied Bethel's attackers.

Ciancetta, Simone Romano and Santimays were especially rock solid on defense and Miller had a few steals.

"Basically, we stayed low, talked in the circle and made sure we got back quickly because Bethel is a fast team," said Ciancetta.

Santinmays said, "Every body got a person to guard and blocked her and we stayed low, which was the key."

On the few occasions the Lady Wildcats slipped past Masuk's defenders, LoPiano (seven saves) shut them down and had some pad saves in which she looked like she's worthy of at least All-Colonial Division honors.

"Communication really helps and I feel no pressure when we work together," said LoPiano.

Also contributing for the Lady Panthers was junior Kelly Harrigan, who had a breakaway off a long pass from Lindley.

"This win is monumental, not because we tied them the first time but because we need to win all of our games in order to make states and we moved one step closer," said Chrisman.

Samantha Romano said, "It was a big win and hopefully, it will help us reach our goal of making states."

Masuk plays at Newtown on Monday, hosts Immaculate and Watertown on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, before closing out the week on Friday at Watertown. The Lady Panthers close out the regular season on Oct. 26 at Brookfield.

"It was a really big win [against Bethel] and hopefully it will get us pumped up for the next game," said Ciancetta. "It will be a great game against Newtown and I'm excited."

Mac Kenzie said, "We still have quite a few games to go and I'll have a better idea next week. I'd like to go to States."