By Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
Ice skates glided gracefully across the ice at the Franklin Pirelli Arena on Saturday, December 30th, as Medfield Girls' Hockey hosted the Walpole Timberwolves for their second matchup of the season. This special competition showcased the Warriors' commitment to mental health awareness, as they incorporated hints of green into their hockey gear. Fans were encouraged to join the cause by wearing green in support. The competition between these two rivals is always intense as they vie for the winning goal to secure their place atop the leaderboard.
In recent years, Walpole has consistently emerged victorious in each match, except for the girls' tie during the 2022-2023 season. However, the Warriors halted this winning streak by staging a comeback in the second period, ultimately defeating the Timberwolves 3-2.
In the initial period, both Medfield and Walpole displayed strong performances, with both teams exhibiting high energy on the ice. The Warriors, controlling the puck, tested Walpole's defense with their skills, maneuvering past and taking shots against the Timberwolves' goalkeeper. The first period was a back-and-forth battle until Walpole capitalized on a power play opportunity. During the five-on-four advantage, the Timberwolves scored the first goal of the evening with 8:16 remaining in the period. Despite Medfield's continuous pressure on Walpole's defense, the first period concluded with a 1-0 lead for Walpole.
Entering the second period, the girls remained persistent. While they continued to strive for a goal, the girls fell just short numerous times. The score remained unchanged for the first ten minutes of play in the second period. However, Walpole extended their lead to 2-0 with just over five minutes remaining. Medfield swiftly responded, with Alana Dolan delivering a connecting pass to Annie Flippo, who scored Medfield's first goal. Shortly after, with a little over a minute left in the second period, Brooke Reilly scored another goal with an assist from Catherine Bannister, leveling the game at 2-2.
As the third period commenced, fans witnessed an exciting display as the Warriors dominated their penalty kill. Medfield's focused and determined effort led to a visible shift in momentum. The puck bounced off each team's net, with time ticking away rapidly as both teams vied for the lead. In a pivotal moment with less than six minutes remaining, Parker Kathan secured the win by scoring with assists from Catherine Bannister and Abby Fisch. Walpole pulled their goalie in a last-ditch effort, but Medfield's strong defense proved insurmountable, securing their victory.
Following the match, senior captains Catherine Bannister and Michaela McDonald commended the team's achievements and reflected on the significance of defeating Walpole for the remainder of the season.
“I think that it was great because Walpole has been a team we have always struggled to play against, it’s been two years since we have beat them. Coming out there today with so much energy, especially in the second and third period, it was so fun to see us come together as a team, and use each other to explore and come together as a whole,” said McDonald.
“I feel like before the game, we really got ourselves prepared, we were talking in the locker room about how this is our biggest game yet considering they are the only team we have lost to. Coming back and getting the win is a big statement for the future of our season and it has a big impact,” said Bannister.
Medfield senior captain goalkeeper Katelyn Nicotera had a great game in net as well, with a countless number of saves from Walpole’s offensive pressure. She reflected on the game’s comeback as well.
“I think it was a great win today, it shows that our hard work at practice has really been paying off. I’m really happy about how everybody brought a lot of energy to the ice today, and we got more shots on net, everyone was communicating well, and it was great to get a win,” said Nicotera.
The girls will travel to Nobles and Greenough School Flood Rink to play against Dedham High on Saturday, January 6, the puck drop is set for 7 PM.
