Hornets hold strong to eliminate WVW

KINGSTON — Honesdale withstood nearly everything from Wyoming Valley West, trying to reach overtime.

That's where the Hornets are unbeatable.

Mary Martin scored her second goal of the night in overtime to lift No. 3 seed Honesdale to a 2-1 win over the No. 2 seed Spartans in the District 2 Class 3A field hockey semifinals. The goal sends the Hornets (13-6) into Tuesday's district final against top seed Coughlin (12-4).

I'm part of a couple of seniors on this team who lost here as freshmen (in strokes in the district semifinals in 2009), Martin said. This is redemption for us. That first shot I got (in OT), I was coming in low. Whether she stopped it or not, it was going in the net.

Honesdale started strong, creating the first scoring chance, penalty corner and, finally, the game's first goal – by Martin – less than seven minutes in. Mickey Johannes started the rush, passing to the wing to Sam Krempasky, who centered to Martin for the finish.

Valley West (10-7) called a timeout after the goal and set about changing the complexion of the game.

I told them games like this show character, Spartans coach Linda Fithian said. There was plenty of time left. We ended up scoring, but what else can you say? Honesdale's defense stopped everything we tried. Everything.

Honesdale clogged its circle and had all 11 players within 30 yards of its goal at times in the half as the Hornets nursed their lead. The Spartans had 20 of the next 22 shots, finally scoring on Maura Anistranski's flick in the 42nd minute as the Valley West student section chanted, Every corner is a goal!

But as the Spartans continued to pour on the pressure, Nicole Cush continued to make big saves. Sprawling on the turf, batting away high shots, turning aside rebounds … Valley West could not get the lead.

I love Nicole Cush. I love her to death, Martin said. She saved our butts tonight.

We came out ready in overtime ... 7-v-7 is our time. We haven't lost 7-on-7 ever.

Finally, moments after Danielle Grega broke up a corner in overtime and Lily Shemo stole the ball on a 3-on-1, Honesdale got inside the circle and Martin was able to lift the Hornets to victory.

It's strange, but we practice 7-on-7 more than 11-on-11, said Hornets coach Rebecca Maciejewski, whose team is 3-0 in OT this season. We were just focused on keeping things tight, preparing for transition chances and executing.

 

First half: 1. HON, Mary Martin (Sam Krempasky), 23:10. Second half: 2. WVW, Maura Anistranski (Lily Shemo), 18:44. Overtime: 3. HON, Mary Martin (Mickey Johannes), 8:37.

Shots: HON 3, WVW 20; Saves: HON 16 (Nicole Cush), WVW 0 (Jocelyn Polney); Corners: HON 2, WVW 9.