UM went to CB East for their senior recognition day. It is always an interesting game because it is our SOL “crossover game”, based on how each team finishes in their division the previous season. But our division is the “smaller schools.” and CB East is in with the “bigger schools”. But we enjoy playing CB East to take the challenge! Several more connections as all of Coach Remmey’s kids played multiple sports for East and with Coach Emma Rosenthal and I coached Emma in about 4th or 5th grade - she was a firecracker! So we have a friendly camaraderie off the field, but on the field - it is all out competition!
East started out very psyched up for their senior day and played very aggressively. Then as the game went on, we got more used to the level of play and became more competitive.
Addi Gans led our defense and won our game ball for her excellent defensive play. Her tackles were on, her free hits were strong and she stepped up into space well to cut off passes. The defensive unit including Gans, Abby Kelly, Reese Purcell and Lyla Soleau played strong under East’s pressure. East’s drives were very hard and fast, but we hung in there and Purcell had an amazing defensive save on a hard shot by East in the 2nd half. UM's athletic goalie Tierney Hogan put in another strong performance with 13 saves in the first half when East was pressuring and adding another 6 saves in the 2nd half for a total of 19 saves.
After a productive half time talk where players gained confidence, UM came out strong for the 2nd half. The attack with Soph Riehle, MJ Reilly, Olivia Torres and Melissa Torpey started connecting on passing and solid redefending.
Utilizing the offensive pressure, UM forced a corner in the 3rd quarter. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ella Gould inserted the ball to Olivia Torres who ripped a shot that was tipped up and in by Taylor Pagano.
As the game continued, midfielders Bridget Hess, Hannah Gardner and Mia Hood played solidly as connectors to the attack.