Patriots Squeeze Out Win Over Buccaneers

The Patriots (4-1) defeated the Bedford Buccaneers (2-3) 18-16 Thursday, April 12.

The game began with Bedford quickly winning the first two draw controls, finding  open attackers behind CC defenders resulting in two fast goals. The Patriots countered as Junior Kate Wyeth (three goals, one forced turnover) playing in her first game after a pre-season hand injury, made an immediate impact scoring two of the next three Patriot goals.

In the following minutes an unexpected freezing rain and hail storm developed making for slick field conditions.

As a result, Bedford playing on their home grass field, took control of the wet and slippery field conditions by aggressively winning the ground ball possessions. Their speed and quickness to get to the ball kept them in the game. The Patriots would repeatedly take a one goal lead only to be matched by a Bedford score on the following possession.

The game remained close until the final two minutes before half when the Patriots went on a small scoring run netting three of the next four goals.

At halftime CC held a 6 - 3 lead.

“Coach Meghan Harris has done a great job with the Bedford program over the past two seasons, and her team was fired up to play us," said Coach Morrison. "I thought we played inconsistent throughout the game and did not match Bedford’s intensity.”

The freezing rain continued into the second half and it became clear that Bedford would not go away easily, winning the first two draw controls, driving the field and scoring. The game was back to a one goal Patriot lead however Bedford had the momentum. Fortunately, Patriots Marin Epstein, Catie Standish and Caroline Guild each managed to force Bedford turnovers on some key Buccaneer drives while offensive midfielder Allie Barrett added significant defensive support with two forced turnovers and three ground balls. Patriot goalkeeper Maddy Holmes played well in the CC net making six important saves.

Bedford continued to frustrate the Patriots by the winning ground ball category while pressuring the defense with double teams that would halt CC from effectively transitioning the ball down the field. Offensively the Patriots appeared pressed as they turned the ball over several times trying to force passes into tight places rather than looking for the open player.

With 10 minutes remaining CC finally managed to break free gaining a five point lead. Goals and assists came from several Patriot players including Becca Olsen (five goals), Jill Carlton (three goals, two assists), Allie Barrett (three goals, one assist), Jessie Castelline (two goals) & Emma Brandhorst (two goals). Josie Morrison and Lexi Goodhue each provided two assists.

The final minutes proved tense as Bedford in need of four goals to tie the game, made their best effort to catch the Patriots scoring two goals as the clock ran out allowing the Patriots to hang on for the win.

Coach Morrison- “I was happy that Maddy Holmes got the win in her first varsity start, she made the necessary saves for us to win the game. Overall it was an ugly game for our team. The kids were frozen from the hail, wind and rain, but somehow they survived the elements and Bedford’s surge to pull out the win.”

The Patriots are now 3-0 in Dual County League play.  They face two tough opponents next week with an away game Wednesday at East Longmeadow (4-0) followed by a home game Thursday with Central Conference rival  Algonquin (4-0).