Danvers advances to D2 North final by beating Hamilton-Wenham

LYNN – The first 40 minutes of Thursday’s Division 2 North semifinal game between Danvers and Hamilton-Wenham could have been called the Taylor Morong/Corey Persson show.Danvers controlled the ball for about 75 percent of the time in its 3-0 victory at Manning Field last night ? and these two players, Persson, the super striker from the Falcons, and Morong, the sophomore keeper from the Generals, had their own battle going. Persson had 10 shots on net in the first half and Morong stuffed her on every one. At the end of the first half, the score was 0-0.”It’s been the same story in all three games for us,” Danvers coach Jim Hinchion said. “We talked about that in our pregame ? The trend continued, but I thought we played terrific in the first half (Thursday). We had opportunities, but we hit the post or missed wide.”Early in the second half, Hamilton Wenham came to life, but the Danvers keeper, Allison Tivnan, along with sweeper Gabby Vega and the other three defenders, Kellie Macdonald, Brittany Zecha and Jackie Morse, slammed the door on any hopes that the Generals had of denting the net.The first goal for Danvers came in the 58th minute. Persson was tripped in the area and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Persson took the kick and sent one over the keeper’s head to make the score 1-0, Danvers.In the 67th minute, Falcon striker Brittany Russo picked up a loose ball 15 yards outside the area on the left side. She dribbled across the top of the area and lofted a chip shot over the keeper’s head. This pushed the score to 2-0, Danvers.With a minute to go in the game, Russo got her second of the night from the left corner of the area. She beat the keeper to the short side. Persson got the assist.”It says a lot about our girls that they could relax, be composed and be patient and finally get that first goal – and fortunately two others,” Hinchion said.This puts the Falcons into the finals of D2 North on Sunday at Manning Field. Danvers’ opponent will be the winner of Friday’s 3:30 game at Manning Field between Belmont and Bishop Fenwick.”Whoever emerges will certainly be a tough test,” Hinchion said. “At this point, it’s only the best that are left.”