The Severna Park High field hockey had been the counting days to Saturday’s Sally Nyborg Tournament to start its 2010 campaign. The wait almost didn’t seem worth it as the No. 2 Falcons found themselves laboring in the second half against sixth-ranked Fallston.
Relying once again on its championship mettle, Severna Park quickly righted its ship and posted a 4-3 decision over the Cougars in a battle of defending state champions at Roland Park Country School.
Kiersten Muhly scored twice in the second half for the Falcons, and Madeline Ross and Kelsey Fielder each scored. Christina Conrad, Lindsay Summers and Nicole McDonald each had a goal for Fallston.
After falling behind 2-1 in the second half, Severna Park put together three unanswered goals to pick up where they left off in 2009. The Falcons trailed in the Class 4A title last year game before rallying past Westminster for the program’s 19th title.
“When the game was tied we got into the huddle, we were really hectic,” said Muhly. “Our coach just said ‘guys you’re hectic, take a break.’ We calmed down and we knew we have to prove to prove them right, we are the best.”
“You have to be calm and relaxed. You don’t get nervous about the other team having the ball,” said Severna Park coach Lil Shelton. “You play like you practice. We don’t get anxious in practice.”
Fallston was riding a huge wave of momentum after Conrad sent a shot from about six yards past Falcons’ goalie Cait Colletti about two minutes into the second half, tying the game. The defending Class 2A state champs gained its first lead about five minutes later as Summers knocked a crossing pass from Jordan Wagner into the right corner.
Off a corner, Kendyl Gardner sent the entry pass to senior Kelsey Fielder at the top of the circle. Fielder stroke the ball back to Gardner, who quickly redirected to an open Muhly for an easy tap in.
“It seems like the whole area was opened up,” said Muhly. “It was a huge adrenaline rush for the whole team.”
The Falcons rushed in front in the 11th minute as Fielder sent a shot at goal that deflected off the stick a Fallston defender, and into the goal. Muhly knocked in a Madeline Ross shot, extending the Falcons’ lead to 4-2 with 3:50 left in the game.
“We needed to play the whole 50 minutes and just 45 minutes,” said Fallston coach Megan Koons. “We let down a few times and Severna Park took advantage, and found some holes.”
The Cougars weren’t able to respond against No. 5 Westminster in their second contest Saturday as the Class 4A state finalists posted a 5-1 decision. Junior Megan Macera scored three goals and had an assist for the Owls (4-0), and Mackenzie Weidecker and Cassie Walsh each added a score. Senior Janine York had the only score for Fallston (2-2).
Severna Park fared much better against Montgomery County power Bethesda-Chevy Chase, posting a 3-1 decision, for its second victory of the young season. Fielder scored twice and Ross added a goal. Junior Camille King stopped five shots in goal.
The Cougars travel to North East for an UCBAC game Tuesday while the Falcons open Anne Arundel County play Wednesday evening against No. 4 South River in a pivotal match.
Nyborg Tournament
At Roland Park Country School
Severna Park 4, Fallston 3
Severna Park 1 3-4
Fallston 0 3-3
Goals: Severna Park-Muhly 2, Ross, Fielder; Fallston-Conrad, McDonald, Summers.
Assists: Severna Park-Brogden, Gardner, Ross; Fallston-Wagner.
Saves: Severna Park-Colletti 7; Falllston-DiMaggio 3.
Corners: Severna Park 6; Fallston 7.
Severna Park 3, Bethesda-Chevy Chase 1
Severna Park 3 0-3
Bethesda Chevy Chase 1 0-1
Goals: Severna Park-Fielder 2, Ross; BCC-Tully.
Assists: Severna Park-Gardner.
Saves: Severna Park-King 5; BCC-Kimball 5.
Corners: Severna Park 3; BCC 10.
Westminster 5, Fallston 1
Goals: Westminster-Macera 3, Wiedecker, Walsh; Fallston-York.
Assists: Westminster -Macera, Solomon, Missy Cohen, Nicole Hodiak.
Saves: Westrminster-Colliflower 6; Fallston-DiMaggio 8.
