PEABODY — Peabody/Lynnfield/North Reading (PLNR) head coach Michelle Roach admitted after its 4-1 win over Shawsheen Valley that “it’s not easy beating the same team three times in one season.”
Well, it happened. PLNR relied on its depth to complete the trifecta of wins against No. 25 Shawsheen Valley on Wednesday evening at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink.
“I think I have a good squad,” Roach said. “And good squads find a way to win even when we’re not playing our best.”
PLNR got out to a fast start with a goal from defender Penny Spack five minutes into the game. A shot from close range stumped Shawsheen’s goalie and the puck fell to the ice. Spack was the first to react, poking the puck in for a 1-0 lead.
PLNR scored another goal in the second period, this time from captain Jenna DiNapoli off a beautifully-worked power play. Her backhander doubled the lead to 2-0.
Shawsheen responded, sending a bundle of shots towards PLNR’s Alyse Mutti. All the pressure eventually led to a goal with 9:43 left to play in the first period (2-1).
PLNR, now ahead by just one goal, turned to captain Hannah Gromko. Gromko scored two minutes after Shawsheen’s goal to restore the two-goal lead for PLNR.
“I think that is a great example of leadership,” Roach said.
Roach said her and Gromko had a conversation about the team “getting going” just before the goal.
“I asked Hannah if she could do that,” Roach said. “And she ended up scoring that goal… we settled down and regrouped.”
After Gromko’s goal, the momentum belonged to PLNR, which scored another goal with 19 seconds remaining – courtesy of an Angela Fabbo rebound – to put a lid on it.
“They were fighting for their season,” Roach said. “We knew they were going to be on us and very hard-working.”
PLNR takes on the winner of Thursday’s matchup between No. 9 Metheun and No. 24 Acton-Boxboro.
Point leaders (PLNR)
Spack (1 goal, 1 assist)
DiNapoli (1 goal)
Gromko (1 goal)
Angela Fabbo (1 goal, 1 assist)
Ava Buckley (2 assists)
Daniella White (1 assist)
