The WA Girls’ Hockey team lost to Malden Catholic by a final score of 3-0 on Saturday, March 3 away at the Malden Valley Forum. This eliminated WA from the MIAA State Tournament in the Sweet 16.
Coming into the game, WA was an underdog, as they were the #20 seed facing off against the #4 seed. However, they were able to keep it close throughout the majority of the game.
Malden took control of the puck off of the opening face-off and fired off three shots at sophomore goalie Kiera Tucker, but she saved all three shots on goal.
WA was then able to gain control of the puck and while pushing into their offensive zone, they got their first opportunity. Malden was given a penalty for roughing, giving WA the 5-on-4 player advantage. However, WA was unable to convert on the power play.
WA got another power play chance just a minute after the first penalty was killed, but again was unable to convert despite strong offense from senior captains Lauren Alonardo and Emily Lux, and sophomore Delilah Cioffi. The first period came to an end with no score.
Malden came out strong in the second period, firing seven consecutive shots on goal, each saved by Tucker. Then, with 11 minutes remaining in the period, WA was faced with a tough task. They were already at a 5-on-4 disadvantage, but then were handed another penalty and were put in a 5-on-3 situation. With some strong defense and a few tough saves by Tucker, WA killed both penalties.
Coming out of the penalties, WA pushed the pace on offense, but despite on-target shots by freshman Kiley Carmichael and junior captain Kailey Hannon, Malden’s defense held strong and was able to get a breakaway opportunity. Soon after, just as Malden crossed into WA’s defensive zone, junior captain Dorothy Galvin, rushing back to play defense, was able to stop the breakaway with a poke of her stick.
With 1:40 left in the second period, Malden was called for a penalty, putting WA on the power play. However, Malden was able to stay on offense and snuck the puck by Tucker for a shorthanded goal, earning Malden a 1-0 lead. The second period ended with that score.
Like the start of the first two periods, Malden’s offense came out strong when the third period started. Tucker made save after save, keeping WA in the game. However, WA was unable to get many scoring opportunities in the third period. Being on defense for so long eventually led a mistake from WA, and Malden was able to score their second goal of the game with 5:41 remaining.
Down 2-0, WA called a timeout, hoping that the break would allow the team to gain some spark. It never came. With 1:00 left, WA pulled Tucker to get an extra player on offense, but Malden stole the puck and scored again. The empty-net goal gave Malden a 3-0 lead, and the game ended with that score.
“We have had such a strong season. Honestly, no one expected us to make it this far so it was a great feeling to make it to the Sweet 16,” Lux said. “We played really strong and didn’t give up. I really don’t think there was anything I wish we did different. I am glad that we went out with a strong finish.”
