Lady Wildcats Advance to Quarterfinals With Win [VIDEO]

During their North Division 2 postseason game on Sunday, the Wilmington girls soccer team mounted countless chances throughout the game but found the back of the net just once. The good news for the Lady Wildcats is that was all the scoring they would need.

Senior Holly Niemiec powered home a rebound on a shot from Rachael Mara with 28:49 to play in the second half against Marblehead. The visiting Magicians never mounted enough established pressure to tie the game, and Wilmington went on to a 1-0 victory.

Head coach Sue Hendee said Sunday’s victory was particularly special given that her team was eliminated in penalty kicks last season in their first playoff game in several years.

“One of our big goals this year was not only to qualify, but to qualify and then advance in the tournament,” said Hendee. “This is a big step in the right direction.”

Among the scoring chances for the Wildcats was a penalty kick by Niemiec with just under 10 minutes to play after she was taken down in the box. The senior got a solid boot on the shot, but was stoned by Marblehead’s goalie, who made a long list of key saves throughout.

Like her coach, Niemiec said the victory served as redemption after a tough ending to last year.

“It was a really good feeling. We needed this,” said Niemiec. “My freshman and sophomore year we weren’t even able to qualify for the tournament. Then last year we qualified but got an unlucky draw and weren’t able to finish it. But we’re really excited this year.”

Mara played well offensively for Wilmington along with forward Alex Bischoff, both who set up multiple scoring chances throughout.

No. 14 Wayland shocked No. 3 Danvers in overtime on Sunday, meaning the sixth-seeded Wildcats earned one more home tilt. Wayland will visit Alumni Stadium on Tuesday, with kick off at 6 p.m.

“I don’t think confidence is an issue,” said Hendee. “I think we’re ready to play. We’re focused and really want to prove a point that we’re ready to contend.”

Editor's Note: Check back at 4 p.m. for coverage of the boys soccer team's 4-0 victory over Marblehead.