CC 11 Wayland 9

CC took on Wayland for the Dual County Small title last week while also looking to avenge an early season loss to the Warriors. It looked like a replay of the first meeting as Wayland built a 4 goal lead through the first 12 minutes. In past years CC has never been able to catch up to Wayland who possess a potent offense and pressuring defense.

This year was different. After a CC timeout, the Patriots came out and dominated the rest of the first half, controlling draws, running both fast breaks and set plays, employing a full field defense, and ultimately running off the next 8 goals to go into half time 8-4. Hannah Dudley, in her best game of the year, was unstoppable at controlling the draw, allowing CC nearly every possession after the time out. CC benefitted from a balanced offense as 7 different players combined for the 8 first half goals.

Dudley again won the draw after the half and scored in just 15 seconds to extend the lead to 9-4, but Wayland regrouped and started to climb back into the game scoring 4 goals over the next 9 minutes to draw within 1 at 9-8. Wayland was poised to tie the game when CC goalie Conley Ernst came up with a huge save on an 8 meter penalty shot giving possession back to CC. With a tough physical drive against several Wayland defenders Ali Barrett finally put CC back on the board scoring her third goal of the day putting CC back in front by 2. Hannah Dudley then won yet another draw and took the ball straight to goal putting CC up 11-8 just 11 seconds later. CC’s defense took over the remainder of the game limiting Wayland to just 1 goal over the final 15 minutes, even after defensive starter Brianna Stout suffered a broken nose and was knocked out of the game after her fearless pursuit of a ground ball led to a four player collision.

The total team effort was led by Dudley’s standout performance including 3 goals, 3 assists, 8 draw controls and a caused turnover. The defense was led once again by Tessa Dibble, Madeline Leahy, Johana O’Neil and Brianna Stout. CCs commitment to full field defense led to all 6 Wayland turnovers being caused by CC attack and midfielders players.