South Portland, ME - The Panthers traveled to Maine to take on the SMCC Seawolves in the YSCC Play-In game on Sunday in harsh weather conditions.
The Seawolves came out of the gate firing, getting 6 shots off before the Panthers got their first. Goalie Mykala Brodzinski (Toms River, NJ) saved all 6 of those first shots, eventually finishing the game with 12 total. After that, it was back and forth between the two teams for a scoreless first half.
Ka'ena Kehano (Wailuku, HI) led the way with 6 shots for the team, but could not get any of them past the Seawolves' goalkeeper. The second half was essentially a repeat of the first with the Seawolves starting off aggressive by taking 5 shots followed by the Panthers out-shooting them the rest of the half. However, not a single shot from either team found the back of the net, so the game went into overtime still scoreless.
By the time overtime started, both sides were exhausted. The cold and the wind didn't help as the pace of the game slowed down frantically. Neither side could hold onto the ball for long and overtime went by in the blink of an eye, still scoreless. The second overtime was the exact same thing: exhaustion dominated the game and soon enough the game ended still scoreless. After a scoreless 2OT game, it was time for a penalty shootout to determine a winner.
Julia Roemer (Latham, NY) started the shootout by drilling her kick followed by a beautiful diving save from Brodzinski on the Seawolves' first attempt. Raegan Wendel (Clifton Park, NY) then made hers, but the Seawolves answered by making their second. Mya Wright (Liverpool, NY) was next with a 2-1 lead, but she missed and the Seawolves made theirs to tie the game. Isabella Mancini (Galway, NY) was fourth, but she also missed and the Seawolves made theirs to take a 3-2 lead. Desperate for a goal and a save, the Panthers sent Kehano onto the field and she drilled hers to tie the shootout. However, the Seawolves made their final shot to win the shootout and ultimately the game, knocking the Panthers out of playoff contention.
Head Coach Manny Oduor had the following to say about the season, "Today's game, despite the outcome which didn't go our way, was a culmination of the effort, determination, and grit the girls have shown this season. I am extremely proud of the girls and how they fought for each other today. It's also bittersweet that I am losing my seniors and I could not be more proud with how they have led our team on and off the field. Special thank you to Julia Roemer and Emily Sager who came back to ensure we had a great season. I truly wish them the best and until next time. Go Panthers!"
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Written by Angelo Oddo.
