Ghosts Girls Lax Fall to Concord-Carlisle on the Road

couldn't duplicate their opening day magic against Groton-Dunstable, falling to the Patriots of Concord-Carlisle, 10-9.

The Grey Ghosts proved to be a solid and well-prepared opponent, having just come off a season-opening win against Groton-Dunstable. Westford Academy took an early lead, and held on throughout the first half.  

However, Concord-Carlisle fought back with goals by Jessie Castelline, Jill Carlton, Allie Barrett and Becca Olsen, while Caroline Guild, Catie Standish, Marin Epstein and Annie Bannon buckled down defensively to help contain a highly skilled and mobile Westford Academy offense.  

“Westford had been battle-tested two days earlier in a one goal victory over Groton-Dunstable," said Patriot Coach Paul Morrison. "It was evident that they had energy spilling over from that game to this one. We didn’t have the intensity to match them in the first twenty-five minutes. We beat them in a close game last season so we knew that we would be facing a motivated squad in Westford Academy.”

Westford owned a 7-4 lead at the half, but the second half began and within minutes became evident that the Patriots were determined to win this game as the offense quickly found their rhythm.

Five of the next seven goals came from Patriot players including Josie Morrison, Jessie Castelline, Allie Barrett, Becca Olsen and Lexi Goodhue. Although the score was tied 9-9, the momentum was all Concord-Carlisle. Jennie Robinson’s solid field play coupled with an intensified defense helped keep Westford at bay.

Goalie Greta White (7 saves) had a superb game with several crucial stops. Allie Barrett helped secure the Patriot win with an unassisted goal. The big play came about with less than three minutes remaining as Barrett forced a major Westford turnover, handled the ball, then found the back of the net for her third goal of the game.

The defense became a stronghold during the final minutes not allowing an increasingly frustrated Westford offense the opportunity to take a final shot as time ran out.  

“I was impressed by the poise of our team," Morrison said. "At halftime we were down by four goals and not one of the players were panicked. We won this game because we made big play after big play in the second half. Greta White was the number one star of the game making save after save. When we were tied at nine, the save she made on their best player was as big a save as you can make. Allie Barrett was immense on both attack and defense, and Jessie Castelline was clutch all day winning several crucial draws.”

 

Editor's Note: The following was submitted to Concord Patch by John Carlton, with small changes by Westford Patch's Andrew Sylvia