ROCHESTER, N.H. – With 42 seconds left in overtime Saturday, Tori Stocks of York skated between two defenders and sent a shot over the goalie’s shoulder.
And just like that, there are no undefeated girls’ hockey teams in Maine.
Stocks’ winner gave York a 2-1 victory against Scarborough. The Red Storm (8-1-1) remain atop the West but York (7-2-1) is right behind.
“There’s no telling who is going to win (the championship),” York Coach Jeff Hird said.
The Wildcats, who lost 3-0 to Scarborough last month, played solid defensively. Although the Red Storm outshot the Wildcats 38-19 in regulation, York clogged the middle and allowed few quality chances.
“It was really a team effort,” Stocks said. “If we just played our system, worked together, we could do it.”
For the pucks that reached the net, Olivia Drew was there, making 41 saves. On the other end of the ice was her Portland Pirates under-19 teammate, Devan Kane, who made 23 saves.
“It’s really cool to play with her and against her,” Drew said. “We work to make each other better.”
Scarborough outshot York 11-3 in the first period but the Wildcats took a 1-0 lead on Olivia Leroux’s breakaway goal at 5:36. Kendall Carr got the assist.
The Red Storm tied it in the second. Alyssa Hulst got free in the slot and scored at 5:17. Brenna Kent assisted.
Hulst and Sarah Martens anchored two attacking lines. York’s top line of Leroux, Rachel Yorke and Julianne Figlioli applied pressure.
Both defenses made key stops — the Scarborough trio of Kent, Sam Nablo and Riley McKeown; and York’s foursome of Stocks, Carr, Brynn Vessey and Lauren Durkin.
In overtime, York created better chances.
In the last minute, Stocks skated hard with the puck into Scarborough’s zone.
The Red Storm had two defensemen back, but Stocks zipped between them and fired over Kane’s left shoulder.
“As a defenseman I know if you can split the (defense) you’re all set,” Stocks said.
Scarborough Coach Caitlin Cashman knows her team has talent and a good record. She wants to see something more.
“You’ve got to be mentally tough,” Cashman said. “It’s all about staying composed and confident with the puck, and not to panic, which is what we did in overtime.”
Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or:
kthomas@pressherald.com
Twitter: KevinThomasPPH
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