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Sports

Fontbonne Academy Hockey Team Moves to Semifinals

After a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over Walpole on Sunday night, the Ducks will aim for a third consecutive trip to the Division 2 State Championship Game.

Only one team stands in the way for the girls hockey team’s return to the TD Garden for the third consecutive year.

After earning a hard-fought 3-2 overtime victory over Walpole in Sunday night’s Division 2 quarterfinal match, the Ducks (15-2-5) return to the ice on Saturday where they’ll face-off against top-seeded Norwood at the Foxboro Arena. Face-off is slated for a 4:15 p.m. start. The Mustangs, who enter Saturday’s semifinal showdown with a 19-1-2 mark, cruised to a pair of victories over Winchester (4-1) and Sandwich (4-1) in both the first round and quarterfinal rounds.

Despite its’ win over Walpole on Sunday, the Ducks are well aware that Norwood will no doubt be a huge challenge.

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“Norwood is a great team, and they have two solid scoring lines,’’ said coach Bob Huxley. “They create a lot of scoring opportunities, and we’re going to have to find a way to slow them down. They have a lot of depth, and have a bunch of girls that can play both ways.”

During Sunday night’s win, the Ducks received a potentially significant blow to their defensive line. Midway through the third period, senior Meg Collins was called for intentional tripping, which resulted in a game misconduct as well as a game disqualification for Saturday.

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Pending a successful appeal to the MIAA this week, Collins will be unavailable for the Ducks, leaving a potential huge hole for the team to fill on defense.

“(Collins) is the heart and soul of our defense, and right now the (penalty) is under appeal,’’ said Huxley. “We’re hoping that this issue is resolved and that (Collins) will be able to return to the ice for (Saturday’s) game, because she’s a huge part of our team.”

As for defenders, Huxley will have to relay on a consistent rotation of Kayanna Ham, Michelle Barrett, Erin Ferrara and Kristen McCarthy, all of whom have seen quality playing time during the course of the season. In Sunday’s win, Barrett recorded a huge assist on a goal by McKenna Russell.

“Barrett’s been huge for is in the tournament,’’ said Huxley. “She’s a puck moving defender, and she can move the puck up to the ice to our scoring lines. We’re going to be relaying on her a lot, especially if we’re going to be shorthanded.”

Leading the way for the Ducks has been senior standout and captain Taylor Shepherd, who in addition to accumulating 43 overall points during the regular season, contributed with the game winning goal in Sunday’s win.

Other key offensive contributors for the Ducks include Liz Coleman (6-19-25) along with Erin McLoughlin (11-14-25) and Russell with 22 points (11-11-22).

“(Shepherd) is one of the best players in the state, and she’s been doing a great job leading us in the post-season,’’ said Huxley. “We have a nice supporting cast around her, and they’ve been taking advantage of scoring opportunities because a lot of people have been zeroing on Taylor.”

As for goaltenders, Huxley will probably stick with Milton native and sophomore Lan Crofton, who recorded 32 saves in Sunday’s win. While Crofton has been battling an assortment of injuries, senior Sam Curley has also recorded a fine performance this season, posting a 1.68 goals against average.

“We have two great goalies, and Lan really took some shots in the Walpole game,’’ said Huxley. “She’s had some issues with a hip pointer, but it’s nothing serious and it looks like she’s going to be fine.”

For the Ducks to win, they’ll have to stop the potent Mustang scoring attack of Ali Maloof (20-10-30) followed by line mate Emily Kelly (14-15-19). Other top scoring contributors include Jennifer O’Donnell (4-19-23), Taylor Donners (7-15-22) and Hayley O’Rourke (6-11-17).

Defensively, the Mustangs will be led by the sophomore group of Allison Ryan and Katie O’Brien, Karyn Colomey and Kaitlin McCarthy. Also contributing on the defensive end has been freshman Colleen Glaser, who’s recorded seven points during the regular season.

Minding the net will be sophomore goaltender Christina Frasca, who has posted an impressive 0.95 goals against average during the course of the season.

“Norwood is going to be a very tough opponent,’’ said Huxley. “They can beat you in a lot of different ways, but we feel like we have the depth on both sides to give them a battle. We have to do a great job with puck possession and not turn over the puck in all three zones. We have to play with confidence and a lot of focus, and go out there and give it our best effort. If we can find a way to slow them down, and create scoring opportunities, then I think we have a great shot.”

 The pictures above were taken by Pat McCarthy. For more information, click on http://mccarthy-clan.smugmug.com/Fontbonne-Hockey/2010-2011-Season 

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