In a game between two teams with identical records, Milford hosted St. Mark’s on Thursday as both squads battled for tournament position. While the first half would see a back-and-forth battle, with both teams swapping the lead, until they entered the half tied 8-8. It would be the third quarter which would prove to be Milford’s undoing. Bad breaks and some mistakes would lead to a 14-9 loss at the hands of the visitors.
St. Mark’s scored two quick goals to open the third quarter. Even after Milford was able to survive being a player down for three possessions, the energy level that was there in the first half for Milford looked to be absent.
“We definitely didn’t have a great third quarter. Sometimes that happens but it is something we have to recover from. At this point in the year we have to do better, we have to work harder. I know this team has it in them, we just have to dig deeper, and I believe it will.” Coach Megan Fry said.
What would doom Milford would be the end of the third quarter as St. Mark’s would add two goals in the final minute of the quarter in which Milford failed to find the back of the net. It seemed as every loose ball, every chance to gain possession would go in favor of St. Mark’s.
“We needed to take advantage of the chances we had but we just didn’t get it done.” Fry said.
Looking at the game, the high scorer for Milford would be senior Hannah Zimmerman who recorded six goals in the contest. Another player who stood out was junior goalkeeper Madison Stahl, who would turn back 15 shots in the game
“Maddy is a very good goalkeeper, we rely on her a lot. You saw some of the saves she made today, against most other keepers those balls find the back of the net, she is very special.” Said Fry.
Milford now stands at 7-5 with three games remaining as they attempt to qualify for the state tournament. To improve to the level they need to be, Milford will rely on not only their coaching but their captains, junior Isabel Betts, senior Bailey Masten and senior Ashlyn Jordan. The team leaders will need to help the team step up the pace.
“They are leaders on this team, and they will help us set the tone for the rest of the year. We are going to learn from today, put it behind us and get better from it. The captains are a big part of that.”
Milford will have a chance at redemption this Friday as they host Lake Forest with a 4PM start.
