AV Girls LAX - Varsity

The Wildcats were able to pull off a well-earned upset in last year’s spring break matchup. This year they had been in some very tough matches with narrow losses. Amador had just finished a three-game win streak. Unfortunately, Amador’s starting goalie was out with illness. JV goalie Risa Gough was called up and given the start. It was cold, damp, and beginning to rain as the game kicked off. The usually beautiful view out of the North end of the stadium was nowhere to be seen.
The match started off with a fierce defensive battle on both sides of the pitch. Just as the Don’s were looking to setup some offense they lost possession on a brilliant check. The Wildcats were patient as they setup their play. An excellent crease roll and pass for assist opened the scoring in favor of St. Ignatius. SI broke out of the draw with possession. The Don defense would create a turnover but then accidentally step out of bounds during transition. St. Ignatius would turn around and immediately go straight to goal to score. Bella Mayo would put the Dons on the board with a sphere penalty and successful goal. Mady Sweeney would draw a push call during her attack and convert the penalty shot. Amador started to roll as Bella Mayo would connect with a cutting Mady Sweeney to give the Dons their first lead, 3-2. The Dons would again lose possession on a stick check. The Wildcats would pass forward from X and connect with a cutter for a quick shot. Maille Smith came away with the draw and connected with Catherine Murphy as she was cutting through. Unfortunately, Murphy’s shot was deflected but picked up by Mady Sweeney. Sweeney then passed over to Mayo as she attacked inside to tie the game 4-4. Maille Smith would again come away with the draw and pass over to Mady Sweeney who would receive a horizontal stick check. From the line she would toss the ball to Mayo who would shoot low for goal. St. Ignatius would earn a yellow card for head contact with Catherine Murphy. Murphy would skillfully convert the penalty, 7-4. Feeling the pressure St. Ignatius would signal for timeout. SI would win the draw and defense would apply incredible pressure. Despite the Wildcat stepping out of bounds they would be reawarded the ball. The Wildcats would use this opportunity to narrow the lead, 7-5. On the next cycle defense again stepped up and Kiki Sweeney would make the transition over to Anna Ford. Ford would draw a shooting space violation and convert a nice bounce shot for goal. Off the draw the Wildcats went straight to goal and shot wide. The inbound play saw them roll the crease and close the deal for an inside goal. Grace French successfully knocked down a shot and handed the transition to Kalena Johnson. Johnson was hounded on the sideline as she moved up to offense. Eventually SI was able to execute another stick check and turnover. The Wildcats capitalized with another crease roll for goal. The Wildcats had full momentum and connected another outside pass inside in front of the goalie for assist. With the score tied Amador was tense. The Dons benefited from a wide St. Ignatius pass that rolled out. Mady Sweeney connected with Kylie Racer in the low post for goal. Out of the next draw Racer connected with Bella Mayo, who then drew shooting space. Mayo’s patented cannon shot converted to give the Dons some breathing space. St. Ignatius would win the draw but Amador defense would hold tight to deny a goal. SI would also deny any last minute goals into the half. Amador entered the break with a 10-8 lead.
SI opened the second half strong and immediately went to goal. A push call placed them on the line to narrow the lead 10-9. The Wildcats were looking to attack once again, but the rookie goalie would earn her second save of the game. Amador Defense toughened up and earned a charge call against the Wildcats. Unfortunately, the game stagnated as multiple turnovers by both teams occurred. Mady Sweeney earned a push call but was unable to convert. SI earned a yellow card with a high cross check against Anna Ford but no goal was converted. Grace French drew the second charge call against SI for the game. But the Dons were unable to create a shot due to another turnover. SI went on the attack and had a great look at goal but piped the shot. The Dons drew a push penalty against them but the SI shot sailed wide. Marley Diligent picked up the loose ball and went on the attack. Coach Chelsea Randal called for timeout to execute a play. Instead of a shot attempt the Dons would be checked out for turnover for the fourth time in the match. St.Ignatius would run the field and score another tying goal. The Wildcats went into over drive and quickly put up two more goals to build a nice 10-12 lead for themselves. Disaster may have struck but Amador creates a turnover and Mady Sweeney gets to the line. Her shot attempt was denied and Amador went for a set play. Bella Mayo was able to shed her defender on the screen but her shot went wide. Kalena Johnson was patient and began probing the defense, eventually breaking through to make it 11-12. Time was starting to dwindle away and there was a very large sense of urgency building up. Amador won the draw and immediately went to goal. Bella Mayo would receive a sphere call that placed her on the line. Her long range shot was fast and true. The game was tied with only 50 seconds left on the clock. Amador won the goal and was threatening to shoot. You could feel the pressure set in as multiple passes were poorly handled. Lily Manos moved from the low post, to the top of the 8 meter, then curled inward. She attempted a long range shot that was saved by the Wildcat goalie. The goalie would find their best player open in the midfield. The St. Ignatius midfield would go the distance to score with only 15 seconds left on the clock. Amador would be unable to take the final draw win down for a shot. It was a tough battle for the Dons and a well earned victory for St. Ignatius. Lots of respect for the effort our JV goalie, Risa Gough, put in!