California beat New England, 4-2 at 2011 Women National Championship: Hockey News
In the second match of the third day of the 2011 National Women Championship, California faced New England at the American University in Washington on May 23, with California coming out victorious by two goals, 4-2.
From the very start of the match, it seemed that the California-based players stepped on the field for a win. The two teams opened the game quite professionally, but it was California that drew the first blood in the very first minute of the match. Torrie Albini managed to get the ball at the top of the circle and struck a powerful flicking hit which hit hard into the goal-post.
The first minute goal sparked all the players from the two teams, who started playing more offensive game. In the later time period, New England earned their first short corner and tested Lauren Pfeiffer, who did not disappoint her team. She executed a well-coordinated shot that past Californian goalie and had it all even at 1-1.
However, the tie could not last for long and California once again took the lead in the game. The Californian players with to-and-fro attacks established their dominance onto the field. Kelly Dostal played a shot that was redirected by Rebecca Spengler who succeeded to past the opposite goalie to double the tally.
The battle continued with zest and zeal from both the two teams. Each exchanged one goal in the remaining time period of the first half of play. Corrine Mcconville while facing one-on-one dribbled the Californian goalie and scored a goal to tie the score at 2-2. However, Maren Ford chipped in another goal to regain their lead. The first half of play was concluded with California sitting on top by a single goal, 3-2.
The speed of the game slowed down in the second half and only a single goal was scored throughout the period. Rachelle Comeau managed a goal in the second period and further expanded the lead up to two goals, 4-2. The resilient defence did not allow the New England players to return into the game. With the commanding victory, the Californians got better ranking in the event.
In the meantime, the match between Mid Atlantic and South Atlantic concluded at 1-1. With five second in the first half, Melanie Brill converted a short corner to put South Atlantic ahead onto the score-board.
The two teams demonstrated brilliant defence in the second half of play and blocked numerous strikes from the other side. However, Katie O'Donnell of Mid Atlantics managed to get at the top of the circle and had it all even through a drag flick. As the horn sounded, the game ended at 1-1.
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