Middletown North Edges Rival South

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By Jim Hintelmann
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP – With the two teams having played a 2-2 tie in their previous meeting, Monday’s A Division North field hockey game between rivals Middletown North and South was expected to be another close battle.
 That was the way it happened, but this time it was North that came through with the win in a 1-0 defensive battle over the Eagles.
“We played excellent defense and were able to keep the ball out of our cage,” said North coach Colleen Weimer. “It was all that you could hope for playing a good team like South.”
The only goal in the game came at 18:33 of the first half when senior Julia Ferrari knocked the ball into the cage following a scramble.
 “It deflected off the goalie’s pads and I was there to put it in,” said Ferrari, who also plays basketball. “That was my first varsity goal and it was great that it came against Middletown South. I like playing basketball, but I enjoy field hockey the best.”

A Middletown North and Middletown South player vie for the ball during Monday night's game at Middletown North. Photo: Sean Simmons
A Middletown North and Middletown South player vie for the ball during Monday night’s game at Middletown North. Photo: Sean Simmons

Both teams had other scoring opportunities but North goalie Emily Kernan and South netkeeper Elissa Frantino both made some excellent stops. North had a 12-8 shot advantage.
“We had our chances and worked hard as a cohesive unit, but couldn’t make the shots” said South coach Tina D’Urso. “It was difficult playing a game of this magnitude. We had to control the emotional aspect of the game, but North had a lot to do with that.
“We played great defense and our speed was there,” she said. “The girls didn’t put their heads down when North scored that goal, but conquering that emotional energy at this level can be difficult.

Julia Ferrari (3) of Middletown North and Marissa Colvin (25) of Middletown South battle for the ball. Ferrari scored the only goal of the game during the Lions 1-0 shutout win over the Eagles on Monday night. Photo: Sean Simmons
Julia Ferrari (3) of Middletown North and Marissa Colvin (25) of Middletown South battle for the ball. Ferrari scored the only goal of the game during the Lions 1-0 shutout win over the Eagles on Monday night. Photo: Sean Simmons

“Tonight was not our finest display of field hockey,” she admitted. “It wasn’t a bright spot of our season.”