PEABODY — When Peabody-Lynnfield-North Reading head coach Michelle Roach was asked about Saturday’s first goal, her eyes lit up as she responded with “absolutely huge.”
It’s easy to see why. In a game between No. 8 PLNR and No. 9 Methuen-Tewksbury at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink, the first few minutes were a feeling out process as fans on both sides waited for the all-important first strike.
Then, it happened – in dramatic fashion, no less. The puck bounced on the goal line off a shot from the point, seemingly waiting for someone to tap it in.
PLNR senior Jenna DiNapoli did just that to make it 1-0 with 11:28 remaining in the first period. A few key saves later from goalie Alyse Mutti, and all the momentum was with the hosts as the first period ended with the same score.
“One of the things we stressed was getting shots on the net,” Roach said. “Whatever it looks like, then crashing the net. That’s exactly what we did… that’s a second-effort goal.”
Good teams capitalize on their chances. In the second period, PLNR went to the power play and did just that. This time, however, it was a freshman.
Forward Angela Fabbo found space down the left side of the zone, walked in, then ripped a shot top-right to make things 2-0 as the PLNR faithful – and bench – roared.
“The power play goal definitely helped,” Roach said. “I think this is one of the strongest efforts we’ve had all season.”
It’s never easy to kill back-to-back penalties – let alone in the third period of an elimination game. That said, PLNR did it, then sent Methuen home with an empty-netter courtesy of senior Catie Kampersal with 1:40 remaining.
“I think we played three strong periods,” Roach said. “If you got by one white shirt, we had another white shirt right there… I think that made the difference for us tonight.”
Mutti did her thing with a 20-save shutout – her 10th of the season – and none were better than her flashy glove save on a Methuen three-on-two in the first period.
When asked if it was the best of Mutti’s shutouts, Roach quickly responded with “absolutely.”
“There were some key spots where momentum could have shifted,” Roach said. “There was one down here in the second period [and] I don’t know how she saw it… she does very well tracking the puck.”
The performance was all the more impressive when you remember Methuen has scored three or more goals eight times this season.
“They’re a good team [and] you have to play a strong defensive game,” Roach said of the opposition that scored 44 goals this season.
Now it’s on to St. Mary’s at Connery Rink on Wednesday (5 p.m.), a team former-Spartan Roach knows very well.
“That’s where I hail from,” Roach said. “We’ve played St. Mary’s and we know what we’re up against… and we know what we need to focus on the next couple days of practice.”
