Excellent game! The team really worked in sync and everyone contributed. Besides playing aggressively and as a unit, you also displayed a lot of poise and composure under the stress of a big game against a tough opponent. Let's ride this wave as far as it will take us.
PS: Heck of a save, Audrey!
The Sun Chronicle
Norton 4, Hopkinton 1
HOPKINTON - Meagan Elliott scored twice, once on a second half penalty shot, as the Lancers of Norton High stunned Tri-Valley League member in the Division 3-South preliminary-round match.
"We didn't do a whole lot different," said Norton coach Todd Kefor, whose Lancers had lost twice by one-goal margins to Hopkinton during the regular TVL season.
Hopkinton employs a flat-back defensive system "and we have difficulty scoring," added Kefor. But, No. 17 seeded Norton (7-5-7) stunned the Hillers by scoring twice within the first 15 minutes of the match and by halftime, the Lancers had created a 3-0 advantage.
Kim Schubert put Norton ahead at the three-minute mark, one-timing a volley of a shot off of a Kate Ledbetter corner kick. Nicolette Schuko scored what proved to be the match-winner for Norton in the 13th minute, finishing off a through ball from Stephanie Powers with a 10-yard shot.
"They rose to the occasion, they played with composure," added Kefor. Norton goalie Audrey Maia was a catalyst, by making nine saves, including one on a point-blank shot in the 10th minute to preserve the one-goal lead.
Elliott created a 3-0 lead for the Lancers in the 30th minute, finishing off a through ball from Kristen MacGray. Then after being tripped inside the penalty box in the 69th minute, Elliott converted the penalty kick. The victory sends Norton into a first round match Monday at Bourne.
