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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
It was a busy and successful productive week for the Dover-Sherborn Regional High School girls soccer team, playing three games in five days on the road that resulted in two wins and a tie, pushing the Raiders to 6-1-3 on the season.
DS began the week at TVL rival Hopkinton, and despite both sides having their share of chances, neither were able to convert. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Two nights later on Wednesday, the Raiders traveled to Dedham for their second and final meeting with the Marauders this season (2-0 win on September 8) and earned a convincing 3-0 victory. DS was led by its collection of underclassmen in the win over Dedham, with freshman Lily Thomson assisting on first half goals by senior Sydney McLaughlin and freshman Hope Shue. Freshman Riona Crowley extended the DS lead to three with a goal early in the second half on a beautiful cross by sophomore Alexis Rapo.
The Raiders capped off an impressive week with a huge 4-2 win at two-time defending Division III state champ, Millbury, on Friday evening. Sophomore forward Mary-Jo Smith notched two first-half goals to get the Raider offense rolling. McLaughlin extended the lead to 3-0 before Shue notched the fourth and final tally off a rebound of a McLaughlin shot to extend the lead to 4-0. Following a pair of late goals by Millbury to cut the deficit in half, some lock-down defensive play propelled the Raiders to a 4-2 victory.
At the time of print, the Raiders sit tied for second in TVL-Small and will play a massive game against division-leading Millis on October 12.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
