PEABODY — The Bishop Fenwick Crusaders (5-3-2) brought quite the fanbase for their team’s “Play 4 The Cure” game on Thursday night. However, the cheers were not enough to push Fenwick to a victory, as St. Mary’s (6-2-2) came back from two goals down to end the game at 2-2.
It took quite the second-half effort from the Spartans to manage the tie.
“It was the first time in program history where we didn’t hang our heads because we were down 2-0 to Fenwick,” Spartans coach Victoria Sanders said. “They believed in themselves and they were confident that they could come back.”
The Crusaders came out of the gates strong. In the dying seconds of the first quarter, Fenwick managed four straight corner opportunities. Kaleigh Cooke (1 goal) used the scrum in front of the net to her advantage and put away the first of the game for a 1-0 Fenwick lead.
In the second quarter, Fenwick controlled once again, and with 3:26 left in the half, they doubled its lead. Kate McPhail’s shot from the point was ricocheted into the net by Madison Faragi, sending Fenwick into the second half with a 2-0 lead.
The script was completely flipped right as the second half began, as the Spartans came out with a certain fire not seen in the first half. Although they couldn’t break through in the third quarter, it was one crucial change that made all the difference for St. Mary’s heading into the final quarter.
“The charge was really led by our junior DeeDee McCarron,” Sanders said. “I started her back on defense a little bit because she is a strong player for us. But DeeDee needs to be a part of the offensive charge as well. Once we made that switch, and we put her in midfield, she just took over.”
The McCarron takeover started just minutes into the fourth quarter, as St. Mary’s constant pressure finally paid off when McCarron’s shot from the point found the back of the net to cut the Crusaders’ lead in half.
From there, the Spartans held all the momentum, which allowed Vanessa Hall (1 goal) to fire one home to complete the comeback. A defensive stand from both sides ended the game in a 2-2 draw.
Sanders continued to praise McCarron for the way she pushed her team to victory, mentioning that they call her “the concrete wall” for a reason.
“Once she has the ball on her stick, she is one hungry kid. She’s a great leader,” Sanders said.
Bishop Fenwick coach Marybeth Mahoney loved the way her team started the game but would’ve liked a spot in the win column with a two-goal advantage.
“I felt like we came out strong and we started the game playing really well and kind of got back on our heels in the third quarter,” Mahoney said.
Even with the lead lost, Mahoney was happy with the way her defense played when the momentum was flipped.
“I think my defense really held strong tonight. They’ve worked their butts off back there to maintain that tie. So that’s something important going forward,” Mahoney said.
As for Sanders, she was proud that her team had been able to succeed after a down season a year ago, and more importantly that they were able to keep pace with a rival.
“They always give us a run for our money. So it’s nice to finally be able to hang with them,” Sanders said.
Fenwick’s next match is on Saturday against Beverly, while St. Mary’s will face Bishop Feehan on Thursday.
