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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
The Westwood High School girls varsity hockey team’s magical run deep into the 2016-2017 MIAA Division II Tournament came to an end last Wednesday night, as the Wolverines (19-5-2) suffered a tough 1-0 loss at the hands of Canton at Gallo Ice Arena in Bourne.
Along with the Wolverines, who received the No. 7 seed in the tournament, the No. 14 seed Bulldogs (14-4-6) were the other Cinderella team to make a long run in this year’s big dance, so something had to give when the two bordering towns met on the Cape on Wednesday evening.

Sophomore forward Kat Keith (19) wins a faceoff midway through the second period. Photos by Michael Mao
After a scoreless first period, the Wolverines continued to play lockdown defense throughout the second period. However, Canton would finally break the scoreless drought with a rebound goal with just over three minutes to play to enter the final frame of regulation ahead at 1-0.
The Wolverines went into desperation mode in the third period with their season on the line. Sophomore forward Kat Keith had arguably the best chance of the period on a two-on-one, but Keith’s shot was turned away by the left pad of Kelleher with just over six minutes to play, preserving the 1-0 lead for the Bulldogs.

The Wolverines gather to hear some words of wisdom before the start of their match against Canton on Wednesday night. Photos by Michael Mao
Wednesday night’s defeat was obviously an extremely tough pill to swallow for the Westwood girls, but they achieved immensely in this tournament, particularly given their No. 7 seeding.
Congrats to the lady-Wolverines on a fantastic season.