Martha's Vineyard 2010-2011 Game Recaps
Wilmington 4, Martha's Vineyard 2 (December 11)
After falling behind 3-0 early in the second period to Wilmington High School, the varsity team showed some determination and grit and battled back to cut the Wildcat lead to 3-2 midway through the third period. Despite constant pressure on Wilmington the entire third period, the comeback was thwarted when Wilmington scored with just over five minutes left to give the Wildcats a 4-2 victory.
After a scoreless first period the Wilmington jumped on the Vineyard early in the second period. Three different goal scorers tallied to give Wilmington the 3-0 lead. Encouraged to take a time out by the veteran leadership of Emma Forbes, the Vineyard regrouped and put the pressure on Wilmington. Emily Cimeno went hard to the net and cashed in a Celia Mercier feed to put the Vineyard on the board in the game and for the 2010-2011 season. Gillian O'Callaghan looked like she had cut the deficit to one at the end of the second period but her shot, set up by Angela deBettencourt, was ruled to be taken after the second period buzzer sounded.
Several posts and waved off goals would not deter the Vineyard however. They came out storming in the third period and peppered the Wilmington net with shots and bodies flying to the crease area. O'Callagan tipped a Maggie Johnson shot by the Wildcat netminder six minutes into the final period and the Vineyard had cut the Willmington lead to 3-2.
Despite constant pressure, Martha's Vineyard could not find the equalizer and Wilmington cashed in with just over five minutes left. Texe Craig played a fine game in net turning away 14 shots and the Vineyard as a whole did many good things over the final half of the contest.
Martha's Vineyard must build on their strong play this week in practice because an always strong BarnstableHigh School looms on the horizon next Saturday at MV Arena.
After a scoreless first period the Wilmington jumped on the Vineyard early in the second period. Three different goal scorers tallied to give Wilmington the 3-0 lead. Encouraged to take a time out by the veteran leadership of Emma Forbes, the Vineyard regrouped and put the pressure on Wilmington. Emily Cimeno went hard to the net and cashed in a Celia Mercier feed to put the Vineyard on the board in the game and for the 2010-2011 season. Gillian O'Callaghan looked like she had cut the deficit to one at the end of the second period but her shot, set up by Angela deBettencourt, was ruled to be taken after the second period buzzer sounded.
Several posts and waved off goals would not deter the Vineyard however. They came out storming in the third period and peppered the Wilmington net with shots and bodies flying to the crease area. O'Callagan tipped a Maggie Johnson shot by the Wildcat netminder six minutes into the final period and the Vineyard had cut the Willmington lead to 3-2.
Despite constant pressure, Martha's Vineyard could not find the equalizer and Wilmington cashed in with just over five minutes left. Texe Craig played a fine game in net turning away 14 shots and the Vineyard as a whole did many good things over the final half of the contest.
Martha's Vineyard must build on their strong play this week in practice because an always strong BarnstableHigh School looms on the horizon next Saturday at MV Arena.
Barnstable 2, Martha's Vineyard 0 (December 18)
The Martha’s Vineyard varsity team took many steps forward in their hard fought 2-0 loss to perennial power Barnstable. The entire roster contributed in many different ways, beginning with a strong week of practice and culminating in a tremendously gritty 45 minute effort against a supremely talented opponent.
The Vineyard fell behind 1-0 4:49 into the first period when the Red Raiders converted a rebound in front of Texe Craig while on the power play. Instead of deflating the Vineyarders, the goal stoked their competitive fire. Strong play in their defensive end against the quick Barnstable forwards kept most of the Red Raider shots to the outside and when the puck was in the Barnstable end the Vineyard forecheck seemed to frustrate the Red Raiders. A 5-on-3 Barnstable power play late in the period saw the Vineyard play their most inspired defensive hockey of the young season. Gillian O’Callaghan, Maggie Johnson, Lily Gazaille, Celia Mercier and many others rose to the occasion to block shots, protect the front of the net, and work hard in the corners. With Texe back boning the penalty kill, the Vineyard hung on to enter the first period intermission down only 1-0.
The second period was a penalty filled 15 minutes and Texe and the penalty killers held strong. Defensemen Olivia Higham, Olivia Cimeno and Tayla Kuehne and forwards Emma Forbes, Angela deBettencourt, Emily Cimeno, Callie Jackson, Rilla Hammett and Kassidy Bettencourt all chipped in with valuable minutes. Texe (34 saves in the game) again kept the Vineyard within one goal with tremendous play in net.
Both teams settled down in the third period and the Vineyard was again able to get the puck into the Barnstable end on occasion and set up their forecheck. Good team defense also continued until the Red Raiders jumped on a loose puck in front of Texe with 3:41 left in the game to put the contest out of reach.
The Vineyard enters the holiday break 0-2 on the young season but proud of the steps they have taken. A tough loss in their opener, and then a gutsy battle against a top team, bodes well for the future as Martha’s Vineyard looks to get their first win against another tough opponent when they travel to Marshfield December 29.
The Vineyard fell behind 1-0 4:49 into the first period when the Red Raiders converted a rebound in front of Texe Craig while on the power play. Instead of deflating the Vineyarders, the goal stoked their competitive fire. Strong play in their defensive end against the quick Barnstable forwards kept most of the Red Raider shots to the outside and when the puck was in the Barnstable end the Vineyard forecheck seemed to frustrate the Red Raiders. A 5-on-3 Barnstable power play late in the period saw the Vineyard play their most inspired defensive hockey of the young season. Gillian O’Callaghan, Maggie Johnson, Lily Gazaille, Celia Mercier and many others rose to the occasion to block shots, protect the front of the net, and work hard in the corners. With Texe back boning the penalty kill, the Vineyard hung on to enter the first period intermission down only 1-0.
The second period was a penalty filled 15 minutes and Texe and the penalty killers held strong. Defensemen Olivia Higham, Olivia Cimeno and Tayla Kuehne and forwards Emma Forbes, Angela deBettencourt, Emily Cimeno, Callie Jackson, Rilla Hammett and Kassidy Bettencourt all chipped in with valuable minutes. Texe (34 saves in the game) again kept the Vineyard within one goal with tremendous play in net.
Both teams settled down in the third period and the Vineyard was again able to get the puck into the Barnstable end on occasion and set up their forecheck. Good team defense also continued until the Red Raiders jumped on a loose puck in front of Texe with 3:41 left in the game to put the contest out of reach.
The Vineyard enters the holiday break 0-2 on the young season but proud of the steps they have taken. A tough loss in their opener, and then a gutsy battle against a top team, bodes well for the future as Martha’s Vineyard looks to get their first win against another tough opponent when they travel to Marshfield December 29.
Marshfield 6, Martha's Vineyard 3 (December 29)
Despite Celia Mercier's first career hat trick, Martha's Vineyard could not recover from a slow start as Marshfield held on for a 6-3 league victory.
Marshfield jumped to a 3-0 first period lead before Celia got her first on the power play. Hard work from Callie Jackson and Emily Cimeno led to Celia's goal and the Vineyard had some hope entering the second period.
Two goals within a minute by Briana Fountain (3 goals, 1 assist) gave the Rams a commanding 4 goal lead but Celia had one of the prettiest goals you will ever see right before the second period horn would sound. Celia took a feed from Rilla Hammett (first varsity point) just inside her own blue line. She beat two Marshfield defenders to skate in all alone on the Ram netminder before roofing a quick writst shot under the crossbar.
Down a disappointing 5-2 the Vineyard decided to change their game and they came out strong in the third period. Despite a Marshfield goal at the 6:10 mark the Vineyard took the play to the Rams. 16 shots on goal in the third led to momentum, scoring opportunities and Celia's third goal of the afternoon. Emily Cimeno was in great position in front of the net and she had several opportunities of her own before Celia finished the scoring half way through the final period. Cimeno would earn her second assist of the game and Celia her first career hat trick.
The Vineyard must regroup quickly in time for a long road trip Friday to Peabody.
Despite Celia Mercier's first career hat trick, Martha's Vineyard could not recover from a slow start as Marshfield held on for a 6-3 league victory.
Marshfield jumped to a 3-0 first period lead before Celia got her first on the power play. Hard work from Callie Jackson and Emily Cimeno led to Celia's goal and the Vineyard had some hope entering the second period.
Two goals within a minute by Briana Fountain (3 goals, 1 assist) gave the Rams a commanding 4 goal lead but Celia had one of the prettiest goals you will ever see right before the second period horn would sound. Celia took a feed from Rilla Hammett (first varsity point) just inside her own blue line. She beat two Marshfield defenders to skate in all alone on the Ram netminder before roofing a quick writst shot under the crossbar.
Down a disappointing 5-2 the Vineyard decided to change their game and they came out strong in the third period. Despite a Marshfield goal at the 6:10 mark the Vineyard took the play to the Rams. 16 shots on goal in the third led to momentum, scoring opportunities and Celia's third goal of the afternoon. Emily Cimeno was in great position in front of the net and she had several opportunities of her own before Celia finished the scoring half way through the final period. Cimeno would earn her second assist of the game and Celia her first career hat trick.
The Vineyard must regroup quickly in time for a long road trip Friday to Peabody.
Martha’s Vineyard 10, Peabody 2 (December 31, 2010)
Martha’s Vineyard said goodbye to 2010 with their first win of the 2010-2011 season with a 10-2 victory over Peabody. It was a game of firsts as Celia Mercier became the first Vineyard player to record back-to-back hat tricks. Callie Jackson, Emily Hammett and Tayla Kuehn scored their first varsity goals, while Skylah Forend and Emelia Cappelli recorded their first varsity points.
Senior Emma Forbes started the scoring 2:00 minutes into the contest with Celia earning the first of her three assists. Maggie Johnson’s blast from the point off a Callie (four assists) feed earned the Vineyard a power play goal and a 2-0 lead. Senior captain Gillian O’Callaghan finished the first period scoring with her second goal of the season, converting a feed from Olivia Cimeno, and the Vineyard entered the locker room with a 3-0 lead.
Martha’s Vineyard had a chance to put the game away with good play early in the second period and the Vineyarders did just that, scoring five goals in the first nine minutes of the period before tallying two more late to take a commanding 10-0 lead. Celia scored the first of her three second period goals just 1:36 into the frame. Celia added another before Callie netter her first varsity goal, converting a pretty feed from Celia on a 2-on-1 break. Emily Hammett, seeing her first action of the young season, dumped a puck from center ice that found its way to the back of the net and Angela deBettencourt, who was firing away throughout, scored her first goal of the season with Skylah earning the assist. Later, Celia found herself all alone in front of the net after Emily and Emelia worked the puck in on goal and she put it in the back of the net for the hat trick and a 9-0 lead. Towards the end of the second period Coach Andre Bonnell generously lended Tayla to the forward ranks and she rewarded the coach with a sweet goal with 1:19 left and the Vineyard had officially called it a day on the offensive end.
Sometimes games this out of hand on the scoreboard can get out of hand in other ways but Martha’s Vineyard showed respect for their opposition and respect for the game by playing a classy third period. A neutral zone trap was taught in between periods and, despite Peabody scoring two late goals to spoil the shutout for Texe Craig, the Vineyard played it well over the final 15 minutes of the game. During the third period both referees complemented the Vineyard for the class they were exhibiting and after the game the opposing goalie, the referees and the Peabody coach went out of their way to let Coach Fiorito and Coach Bonnell know how impressed they were with the way Martha’s Vineyard handled themselves in the final period.
So 2010 ends with a much needed team victory, many personal firsts and most importantly a game that saw the Vineyard handle themselves with dignity. 2011 begins with a practice on New Years day and preparation for a league game January 5 against Whitman-Hanson.
Cape Cod Times story MV/Peabody
Account of the game from AOL PATCH
Martha’s Vineyard said goodbye to 2010 with their first win of the 2010-2011 season with a 10-2 victory over Peabody. It was a game of firsts as Celia Mercier became the first Vineyard player to record back-to-back hat tricks. Callie Jackson, Emily Hammett and Tayla Kuehn scored their first varsity goals, while Skylah Forend and Emelia Cappelli recorded their first varsity points.
Senior Emma Forbes started the scoring 2:00 minutes into the contest with Celia earning the first of her three assists. Maggie Johnson’s blast from the point off a Callie (four assists) feed earned the Vineyard a power play goal and a 2-0 lead. Senior captain Gillian O’Callaghan finished the first period scoring with her second goal of the season, converting a feed from Olivia Cimeno, and the Vineyard entered the locker room with a 3-0 lead.
Martha’s Vineyard had a chance to put the game away with good play early in the second period and the Vineyarders did just that, scoring five goals in the first nine minutes of the period before tallying two more late to take a commanding 10-0 lead. Celia scored the first of her three second period goals just 1:36 into the frame. Celia added another before Callie netter her first varsity goal, converting a pretty feed from Celia on a 2-on-1 break. Emily Hammett, seeing her first action of the young season, dumped a puck from center ice that found its way to the back of the net and Angela deBettencourt, who was firing away throughout, scored her first goal of the season with Skylah earning the assist. Later, Celia found herself all alone in front of the net after Emily and Emelia worked the puck in on goal and she put it in the back of the net for the hat trick and a 9-0 lead. Towards the end of the second period Coach Andre Bonnell generously lended Tayla to the forward ranks and she rewarded the coach with a sweet goal with 1:19 left and the Vineyard had officially called it a day on the offensive end.
Sometimes games this out of hand on the scoreboard can get out of hand in other ways but Martha’s Vineyard showed respect for their opposition and respect for the game by playing a classy third period. A neutral zone trap was taught in between periods and, despite Peabody scoring two late goals to spoil the shutout for Texe Craig, the Vineyard played it well over the final 15 minutes of the game. During the third period both referees complemented the Vineyard for the class they were exhibiting and after the game the opposing goalie, the referees and the Peabody coach went out of their way to let Coach Fiorito and Coach Bonnell know how impressed they were with the way Martha’s Vineyard handled themselves in the final period.
So 2010 ends with a much needed team victory, many personal firsts and most importantly a game that saw the Vineyard handle themselves with dignity. 2011 begins with a practice on New Years day and preparation for a league game January 5 against Whitman-Hanson.
Cape Cod Times story MV/Peabody
Account of the game from AOL PATCH
Whitman-Hanson 6, Martha's Vineyard 1 (January 5)
Martha's Vineyard fell behind early and could not recover as they lost their second league game of the season. An early clinic put on by Alex Davis put the Vineyarders in the hole as Davis scored a natural hat trick by the 7:31 mark of the opening period. Another goal later in the first put Whitman-Hanson up 4-0 and two more in the second gave the Panthers a 6-0 lead before the buzzer would end the first 30 minutes of the game.
The Vineyard played a good third period and was able to get on the scoreboard 5:27 into the final period. Emily Cimeno found the back of the net on the power play after Celia Mercier and Callie Jackson did the hard work behind the goal line. Gillian O'Callaghan and Maggie Johnson played the point position on the power play and the Vineyard cut the Whitman-Hanson lead to 6-1.
Despite two more power plays and quality scoring chances there was no more scoring and the Vineyard was sent home to get ready for their game Saturday in Rockland against Scituate High School.
Martha's Vineyard fell behind early and could not recover as they lost their second league game of the season. An early clinic put on by Alex Davis put the Vineyarders in the hole as Davis scored a natural hat trick by the 7:31 mark of the opening period. Another goal later in the first put Whitman-Hanson up 4-0 and two more in the second gave the Panthers a 6-0 lead before the buzzer would end the first 30 minutes of the game.
The Vineyard played a good third period and was able to get on the scoreboard 5:27 into the final period. Emily Cimeno found the back of the net on the power play after Celia Mercier and Callie Jackson did the hard work behind the goal line. Gillian O'Callaghan and Maggie Johnson played the point position on the power play and the Vineyard cut the Whitman-Hanson lead to 6-1.
Despite two more power plays and quality scoring chances there was no more scoring and the Vineyard was sent home to get ready for their game Saturday in Rockland against Scituate High School.
Martha’s Vineyard 3, Scituate 1
Martha’s Vineyard earned their first league win of the season with a complete team effort on Saturday against the host Scituate Sailors. Two goals from senior Angela deBettencourt and a final tally from senior Gillian O’Callaghan finished a dominant territorial advantage and enabled the Vineyarders to come away with a 3-1 win.
Despite numerous scoring opportunities the Vineyarders fell behind with 3:39 left in the first period when the ever dangerous Alanna Woodford found the back of the net behind Texe Craig. The Vineyard would not be deterred, though, as they bounced back right before the end of the opening period. Angela took a pass from Olivia Cimeno and found herself in all alone on Scituate goalie Katie McMahon. Despite being denied by McMahon on her first shot, Angela found the rebound and tucked it home to even things up a 1-1.
Somehow things remained scoreless through two periods. Martha’s Vineyard dominated throughout piling up the shots to an astounding 24-1 advantage in the second period 64-10 for the game). The Vineyard killed off a 5-on-3 Scituate advantage to start the third period and Angela got the game winner off a sweet feed from Emma Forbes with 3:09 left in the contest. Just over two minutes later Gillian was rewarded for great backchecking work on Woodford when she went the other way and tucked a hard rising wrist shot just inside the bar for the insurance tally.
Martha’s Vineyard will hope to build on the momentum they created with their complete team performance when they host Sandwich at MV Arena on Wednesday at 4:00pm. The Blue Knights are coming off a year in which they went deep into the state tournament after finishing the regular season with a 15-5-2 mark.
Cape Cod Times story of MV/Scituate
Martha’s Vineyard earned their first league win of the season with a complete team effort on Saturday against the host Scituate Sailors. Two goals from senior Angela deBettencourt and a final tally from senior Gillian O’Callaghan finished a dominant territorial advantage and enabled the Vineyarders to come away with a 3-1 win.
Despite numerous scoring opportunities the Vineyarders fell behind with 3:39 left in the first period when the ever dangerous Alanna Woodford found the back of the net behind Texe Craig. The Vineyard would not be deterred, though, as they bounced back right before the end of the opening period. Angela took a pass from Olivia Cimeno and found herself in all alone on Scituate goalie Katie McMahon. Despite being denied by McMahon on her first shot, Angela found the rebound and tucked it home to even things up a 1-1.
Somehow things remained scoreless through two periods. Martha’s Vineyard dominated throughout piling up the shots to an astounding 24-1 advantage in the second period 64-10 for the game). The Vineyard killed off a 5-on-3 Scituate advantage to start the third period and Angela got the game winner off a sweet feed from Emma Forbes with 3:09 left in the contest. Just over two minutes later Gillian was rewarded for great backchecking work on Woodford when she went the other way and tucked a hard rising wrist shot just inside the bar for the insurance tally.
Martha’s Vineyard will hope to build on the momentum they created with their complete team performance when they host Sandwich at MV Arena on Wednesday at 4:00pm. The Blue Knights are coming off a year in which they went deep into the state tournament after finishing the regular season with a 15-5-2 mark.
Cape Cod Times story of MV/Scituate
The 2011 NAN RHEAULT TOURNAMENT at MV ARENA
Opening Round:
Cambridge 8, Peabody 2
Martha's Vineyard 7, Scituate 3 (Cape Cod Times article)
Consolation Game: Scituate 6, Peabody 1
Championship Game: Cambridge 6 Martha's Vineyard 3
Cambridge scored three late third period goals to capture the 11th annual Nan Rheault Tournament Sunday at MV Arena. Paced by a great team effort and four goals from Celia Mercier, the Vineyarders were able to beat Scituate 7-3 in the opening game. In the championship game the Vineyard battled back from a 3-1 deficit before Cambridge was able to prevail and win the trophy for the second year in a row.
After falling behind 1-0 just 22 seconds into the opening period, Celia continued her scoring hot streak at the 3:58 mark with assists going to linemates Callie Jackson and Emily Cimeno. Another Cambridge tally with just under five minutes left in the period gave Ringe & Latin a 2-1 lead heading into the first period locker room.
Another early Cambridge goal put the Vineyard in a 3-1 hole but Martha's Vineyard roared back at this point and carried the play. Emily Cimeno found the back of the net off a sweet feed from Celia and then,with only four seconds left in the second period, Callie stuffed home a rebound after great work by Gillian O'Callaghan and Cimeno.
With all the momentum in the locker room the Vineyard came out storming and firing pucks at Cambridge netminder Ruby Johnson. All attempts were denied unfortunately and Cambridge was able to battle back at the other end with just five minutes left in the contest to take a 4-3 lead. Less then one minute later, with Cambridge in the box and the Vineyard on the power play, Nicole Glampa added an insurance goal and Cambridge led 5-3. Despite the heartache an impressive show of determination followed as Martha's Vineyard still dominated in the Cambridge end and an apparent goal was waived off. An empty net goal gave Cambridge their sixth goal and the final score of 6-3.
In Saturday's opener the Vineyard captured their second league win of the season. Celia had the only goal of the first period, while Callie got the second tally early in the second. Celia then followed with two more for her third hat trick of the season. A hard working goal from Angela deBettencourt set up by Gillian and Emma Forbes finished the second period scoring and gave Martha's Vineyard a 5-1 lead heading into the third period.
Celia tried to set up her linemate early in the third but she found the puck back on her stick anyway for her fourth goal of the evening with assists credited to Maggie Johnson and Lilly Gazaille. Gillian capped the scoring with a pretty wrist shot and Martha's Vineyard was heading to the final game of their home tournament Sunday.
Opening Round:
Cambridge 8, Peabody 2
Martha's Vineyard 7, Scituate 3 (Cape Cod Times article)
Consolation Game: Scituate 6, Peabody 1
Championship Game: Cambridge 6 Martha's Vineyard 3
Cambridge scored three late third period goals to capture the 11th annual Nan Rheault Tournament Sunday at MV Arena. Paced by a great team effort and four goals from Celia Mercier, the Vineyarders were able to beat Scituate 7-3 in the opening game. In the championship game the Vineyard battled back from a 3-1 deficit before Cambridge was able to prevail and win the trophy for the second year in a row.
After falling behind 1-0 just 22 seconds into the opening period, Celia continued her scoring hot streak at the 3:58 mark with assists going to linemates Callie Jackson and Emily Cimeno. Another Cambridge tally with just under five minutes left in the period gave Ringe & Latin a 2-1 lead heading into the first period locker room.
Another early Cambridge goal put the Vineyard in a 3-1 hole but Martha's Vineyard roared back at this point and carried the play. Emily Cimeno found the back of the net off a sweet feed from Celia and then,with only four seconds left in the second period, Callie stuffed home a rebound after great work by Gillian O'Callaghan and Cimeno.
With all the momentum in the locker room the Vineyard came out storming and firing pucks at Cambridge netminder Ruby Johnson. All attempts were denied unfortunately and Cambridge was able to battle back at the other end with just five minutes left in the contest to take a 4-3 lead. Less then one minute later, with Cambridge in the box and the Vineyard on the power play, Nicole Glampa added an insurance goal and Cambridge led 5-3. Despite the heartache an impressive show of determination followed as Martha's Vineyard still dominated in the Cambridge end and an apparent goal was waived off. An empty net goal gave Cambridge their sixth goal and the final score of 6-3.
In Saturday's opener the Vineyard captured their second league win of the season. Celia had the only goal of the first period, while Callie got the second tally early in the second. Celia then followed with two more for her third hat trick of the season. A hard working goal from Angela deBettencourt set up by Gillian and Emma Forbes finished the second period scoring and gave Martha's Vineyard a 5-1 lead heading into the third period.
Celia tried to set up her linemate early in the third but she found the puck back on her stick anyway for her fourth goal of the evening with assists credited to Maggie Johnson and Lilly Gazaille. Gillian capped the scoring with a pretty wrist shot and Martha's Vineyard was heading to the final game of their home tournament Sunday.
Martha's Vineyard 3, Falmouth 3 (January 20, 2011)
Falmouth's last minute goal put a damper on a quality Martha's Vineyard effort as the Vineyarders earned a 3-3 tie with their league rivals. Two goals from Gillian O'Callaghan gave the Vineyard a 2-0 second period lead and a goal by Callie Jackson early in the third paced the Vineyard to a 3-1 cushion. However, a Clipper goal five minutes into the final period and then the final goal with 38-seconds left gave both teams a point in the standings and a 3-3 tie.
Texe Craig played great in the Vineyard net turning aside 32 shots while all three lines played well for Martha's Vineyard. Gillian began the scoring with a pretty move after feeds from Olivia Higham and Olivia Cimeno. Gillian's second goal was set up by linemates Angela deBettencourt and Emma Forbes and Celia Mercier earned a helper on Callie's fourth goal of the season.
Martha's Vineyard is back on the ice Saturday when they host state power Duxbury High School. The Green Dragons are ranked #1 in the state in Division 2 and #3 overall and are the favorites to win the Division 2 state championship in March. Duxbury offers the Vineyard a test any athlete and team would welcome. An opportunity to play the best.
Falmouth's last minute goal put a damper on a quality Martha's Vineyard effort as the Vineyarders earned a 3-3 tie with their league rivals. Two goals from Gillian O'Callaghan gave the Vineyard a 2-0 second period lead and a goal by Callie Jackson early in the third paced the Vineyard to a 3-1 cushion. However, a Clipper goal five minutes into the final period and then the final goal with 38-seconds left gave both teams a point in the standings and a 3-3 tie.
Texe Craig played great in the Vineyard net turning aside 32 shots while all three lines played well for Martha's Vineyard. Gillian began the scoring with a pretty move after feeds from Olivia Higham and Olivia Cimeno. Gillian's second goal was set up by linemates Angela deBettencourt and Emma Forbes and Celia Mercier earned a helper on Callie's fourth goal of the season.
Martha's Vineyard is back on the ice Saturday when they host state power Duxbury High School. The Green Dragons are ranked #1 in the state in Division 2 and #3 overall and are the favorites to win the Division 2 state championship in March. Duxbury offers the Vineyard a test any athlete and team would welcome. An opportunity to play the best.
Duxbury 7, Martha’s Vineyard 0 (January 22)
With an upset in mind Martha’s Vineyard played a spirited first period against the third ranked team in the state and despite allowing a goal to Duxbury 6:25 into the opening period, the Vineyard and goaltender Texe Craig entered the locker room after 15 minutes trailing just 1-0. Duxbury, however, took control of the game with an impressive second period as they put four on the board and thoughts of an upset were quickly dashed.
The Vineyard played well in their own end for much of the game against the faster and more experienced Green Dragons. With a goal of protecting the danger areas in front of Texe the Vineyard succeeded in stretches at keeping the Duxbury shots to the outside. The lone first period goal was an example of not protecting the slot area and a rebound was cashed in by Hannah Murphy. The Connolly sisters (Lily & Brianna) were hard to contain all afternoon long and both finished with three points each.
Despite playing in their end most of the day, the Vineyard defensemen played with great resiliency. The pair of Olivia Higham and Olivia Cimeno played a strong game at times and Tayle Kuehne chipped in with quality shifts. Angela deBettencourt had the Vineyard’s best scoring chance after she played her forecheck positioning perfectly and picked off an errant Duxbury pass.
The Vineyard looks to regroup quickly with another immense challenge against Barnstable High School Wednesday.
With an upset in mind Martha’s Vineyard played a spirited first period against the third ranked team in the state and despite allowing a goal to Duxbury 6:25 into the opening period, the Vineyard and goaltender Texe Craig entered the locker room after 15 minutes trailing just 1-0. Duxbury, however, took control of the game with an impressive second period as they put four on the board and thoughts of an upset were quickly dashed.
The Vineyard played well in their own end for much of the game against the faster and more experienced Green Dragons. With a goal of protecting the danger areas in front of Texe the Vineyard succeeded in stretches at keeping the Duxbury shots to the outside. The lone first period goal was an example of not protecting the slot area and a rebound was cashed in by Hannah Murphy. The Connolly sisters (Lily & Brianna) were hard to contain all afternoon long and both finished with three points each.
Despite playing in their end most of the day, the Vineyard defensemen played with great resiliency. The pair of Olivia Higham and Olivia Cimeno played a strong game at times and Tayle Kuehne chipped in with quality shifts. Angela deBettencourt had the Vineyard’s best scoring chance after she played her forecheck positioning perfectly and picked off an errant Duxbury pass.
The Vineyard looks to regroup quickly with another immense challenge against Barnstable High School Wednesday.
Martha's Vineyard 5, Marshfield 4 (January 29)
Martha’s Vineyard kicked off the second half of the 2010-2011 season in style with a heart stopping
5-4 victory over Marshfield. With the Vineyard leading 4-2 entering the third period both teams traded goals early and then Marshfield cut the lead to 5-4 with 9:30 left. Goaltender Texe Craig and her teammates all rose to the occasion in the games waning moments and the Vineyard took another step in their journey to becoming a quality hockey team.
After dropping a 6-3 decision at Marshfield in late December the Vineyard looked to get off to a good start in their home rink. Maggie Johnson’s blast from the right point 5:07 into the first period on the power play gave Martha’s Vineyard the start they were looking for and the Vineyard was up 1-0. The Rams wasted little time evening things up, however, when Kaitlyn Lema finished an end-to-end rush and the score was knotted at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.
Marshfield would get the first goal of the second period but captain Gillian O’Callaghan quickly answered after receiving a pass from Callie Jackson. Martha’s Vineyard carried the play for much of the second period and Celia Mercier began to personally take over late in the period. A nice dish to Emily Cimeno who stuffed in a rebound after being denied on her initial shot and Martha’s Vineyard had the lead at 3-2 with 2:11 left. Less than a minute later Celia craftily worked from one post, behind the net, and wrapped the puck around the other post to put the Vineyard up 4-2.
Nervousness crept into the minds of the players and fans when Katie Conlon set up Elizabeth Graham just 14 seconds into the final period to cut the Vineyard lead to 4-3. Celia, though, responded with a breakaway from the red line in and she made a pretty move on the Ram netminder to restore the Vineyard lead to two goals. Marshfield answered back just under four minutes later and the stage was set for the Vineyard defensive heroics.
Texe made many stops in the last several minutes including one with the blocker that looked like it was going to find its way to the back of the net to tie the score. Olivia Cimeno calmly swept a puck that was ready to cross the goal line, harmlessly into the corner with just over two minutes left in the contest. Penalty killing heroics by a whole host of forwards (especially senior Emma Forbes and Angela deBettencourt who blocked numerous shots throughout) and defensemen (senior Olivia Higham who showed poise throughout) in the last two minutes when Marshfield played to a 6-on-4 advantage helped ice the victory.
While the Vineyard will surely celebrate this signature win the games keep coming and they don’t get easier this time of year. Sandwich pays a visit to the arena on Monday and Martha’s Vineyard looks to continue to get better each practice and each game during the second half of the season.
Martha’s Vineyard kicked off the second half of the 2010-2011 season in style with a heart stopping
5-4 victory over Marshfield. With the Vineyard leading 4-2 entering the third period both teams traded goals early and then Marshfield cut the lead to 5-4 with 9:30 left. Goaltender Texe Craig and her teammates all rose to the occasion in the games waning moments and the Vineyard took another step in their journey to becoming a quality hockey team.
After dropping a 6-3 decision at Marshfield in late December the Vineyard looked to get off to a good start in their home rink. Maggie Johnson’s blast from the right point 5:07 into the first period on the power play gave Martha’s Vineyard the start they were looking for and the Vineyard was up 1-0. The Rams wasted little time evening things up, however, when Kaitlyn Lema finished an end-to-end rush and the score was knotted at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.
Marshfield would get the first goal of the second period but captain Gillian O’Callaghan quickly answered after receiving a pass from Callie Jackson. Martha’s Vineyard carried the play for much of the second period and Celia Mercier began to personally take over late in the period. A nice dish to Emily Cimeno who stuffed in a rebound after being denied on her initial shot and Martha’s Vineyard had the lead at 3-2 with 2:11 left. Less than a minute later Celia craftily worked from one post, behind the net, and wrapped the puck around the other post to put the Vineyard up 4-2.
Nervousness crept into the minds of the players and fans when Katie Conlon set up Elizabeth Graham just 14 seconds into the final period to cut the Vineyard lead to 4-3. Celia, though, responded with a breakaway from the red line in and she made a pretty move on the Ram netminder to restore the Vineyard lead to two goals. Marshfield answered back just under four minutes later and the stage was set for the Vineyard defensive heroics.
Texe made many stops in the last several minutes including one with the blocker that looked like it was going to find its way to the back of the net to tie the score. Olivia Cimeno calmly swept a puck that was ready to cross the goal line, harmlessly into the corner with just over two minutes left in the contest. Penalty killing heroics by a whole host of forwards (especially senior Emma Forbes and Angela deBettencourt who blocked numerous shots throughout) and defensemen (senior Olivia Higham who showed poise throughout) in the last two minutes when Marshfield played to a 6-on-4 advantage helped ice the victory.
While the Vineyard will surely celebrate this signature win the games keep coming and they don’t get easier this time of year. Sandwich pays a visit to the arena on Monday and Martha’s Vineyard looks to continue to get better each practice and each game during the second half of the season.
Sandwich 4, Martha's Vineyard 1 (January 31)
Martha’s Vineyard 2, Wilmington 0 (February 5)
Martha’s Vineyard capped off an enjoyable weekend with a 2-0 win over Wilmington High School. After dropping a 4-2 decision to Wilmington to start the season the Vineyarders returned the favor thanks to goals from Maggie Johnson and Celia Mercier and Texe Craig’s first career shutout, that led a complete Vineyard team effort.
After a shaky first few minutes Martha’s Vineyard settled down and Maggie put the Vineyard on the board on the power play. Good passing work amongst all the players on the ice controlled the Vineyard power play before Callie Jackson found Gillian O’Callaghan at the left point. Gillian made a good decision to slide the puck to the right point where Maggie unloaded with the big slap shot that beat the Wilmington goalie high over the blocker. The 1-0 lead would stand up until the third period when Celia finished off a nifty move and found the back of the net through the Wilmington’s goalie five hole.
All players chipped in to keep Wilmington off the board and it all started with good positional play in the defensive zone in front of Texe. Lily Gazaille and Olivia Higham, who was battling sickness throughout the week, stood tall in the Vineyard zone. Rilla Hammett, Kassidy Bettencourt and Lizzie Kelleher all chipped in quality shifts and Angela deBettencourt and Emma Forbes had very strong games by doing the little things in all three zones. Texe stood tall when she was tested and Martha’s Vineyard ended their road trip with their first shutout of the season.
The victory was another good sign for the Vineyarders but they have little time to savor the win. Monday kicks off the Vineyard’s most grueling week as Martha’s Vineyard travels to Barnstable, Sandwich and Duxbury Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Martha’s Vineyard 2, Wilmington 0 (February 5)
Martha’s Vineyard capped off an enjoyable weekend with a 2-0 win over Wilmington High School. After dropping a 4-2 decision to Wilmington to start the season the Vineyarders returned the favor thanks to goals from Maggie Johnson and Celia Mercier and Texe Craig’s first career shutout, that led a complete Vineyard team effort.
After a shaky first few minutes Martha’s Vineyard settled down and Maggie put the Vineyard on the board on the power play. Good passing work amongst all the players on the ice controlled the Vineyard power play before Callie Jackson found Gillian O’Callaghan at the left point. Gillian made a good decision to slide the puck to the right point where Maggie unloaded with the big slap shot that beat the Wilmington goalie high over the blocker. The 1-0 lead would stand up until the third period when Celia finished off a nifty move and found the back of the net through the Wilmington’s goalie five hole.
All players chipped in to keep Wilmington off the board and it all started with good positional play in the defensive zone in front of Texe. Lily Gazaille and Olivia Higham, who was battling sickness throughout the week, stood tall in the Vineyard zone. Rilla Hammett, Kassidy Bettencourt and Lizzie Kelleher all chipped in quality shifts and Angela deBettencourt and Emma Forbes had very strong games by doing the little things in all three zones. Texe stood tall when she was tested and Martha’s Vineyard ended their road trip with their first shutout of the season.
The victory was another good sign for the Vineyarders but they have little time to savor the win. Monday kicks off the Vineyard’s most grueling week as Martha’s Vineyard travels to Barnstable, Sandwich and Duxbury Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Barnstable 3, Martha’s Vineyard 1 (February 7)
Sometimes an outstanding team effort is not rewarded with a win but the Vineyarders’ Monday effort at Barnstable certainly earned them praise and respect from their opposition who knew that they were in a hockey game until the end. Barnstable scored with 2:56 left in the third period to break a 1-1 deadlock and earn the victory but Martha’s Vineyard could hold their head high with the way they played the game.
After a scoreless first period that saw Vineyard goalie Texe Craig play very well, the Vineyard controlled the pace of the game as the second period began. Angela deBettencourt got Martha’s Vineyard on the board first at the 6:32 mark of the middle period after good forecheck pressure from linemate Gillian O’Callaghan and defenseman Olivia Higham forced a Red Raider turnover.
Pressure on a Vineyard power play lead to a mad scramble in front of the Barnstable net less than two minutes later but a Red Raider defenseman tried to clear the puck the length of the ice only to find teammate Kayleen O’Conner who just left the penalty box. Her shot on the breakaway glanced off the cross bar and in and Barnstable had tied the game at 1-1.
15 minutes of play awaited and the players from both teams did not disappoint with their play. Effort from every player led to an exciting period of hockey in which the Vineyard was denied by Barnstable netminder Carly Spalt on a couple of point blank shots. Texe continued her splendid play as well before a defensive zone faceoff with 3:00 minutes left set up the game winner from Courtney Sollows.
The upstart Martha’s Vineyard team was not able to recover and they left on the short end of a 3-1 score. Fans and coaches from Barnstable applauded the Vineyard effort and the Vineyarders hope to continue to take steps forward when they travel to Sandwich Wednesday afternoon.
Sometimes an outstanding team effort is not rewarded with a win but the Vineyarders’ Monday effort at Barnstable certainly earned them praise and respect from their opposition who knew that they were in a hockey game until the end. Barnstable scored with 2:56 left in the third period to break a 1-1 deadlock and earn the victory but Martha’s Vineyard could hold their head high with the way they played the game.
After a scoreless first period that saw Vineyard goalie Texe Craig play very well, the Vineyard controlled the pace of the game as the second period began. Angela deBettencourt got Martha’s Vineyard on the board first at the 6:32 mark of the middle period after good forecheck pressure from linemate Gillian O’Callaghan and defenseman Olivia Higham forced a Red Raider turnover.
Pressure on a Vineyard power play lead to a mad scramble in front of the Barnstable net less than two minutes later but a Red Raider defenseman tried to clear the puck the length of the ice only to find teammate Kayleen O’Conner who just left the penalty box. Her shot on the breakaway glanced off the cross bar and in and Barnstable had tied the game at 1-1.
15 minutes of play awaited and the players from both teams did not disappoint with their play. Effort from every player led to an exciting period of hockey in which the Vineyard was denied by Barnstable netminder Carly Spalt on a couple of point blank shots. Texe continued her splendid play as well before a defensive zone faceoff with 3:00 minutes left set up the game winner from Courtney Sollows.
The upstart Martha’s Vineyard team was not able to recover and they left on the short end of a 3-1 score. Fans and coaches from Barnstable applauded the Vineyard effort and the Vineyarders hope to continue to take steps forward when they travel to Sandwich Wednesday afternoon.
Falmouth 3, Martha's Vineyard 2 (February 16)
A program that is trying to build itself into a consistent winner sometimes has growing pains along the way. Learning to play with a lead is one of the last steps to becoming a quality team and the Vineyard has taken its bumps against Falmouth this season as they have tried to put games away. A 2-0 lead vanished in less then 3 minutes late in the third period as Falmouth scored three to win the game 3-2.
Senior Angela deBettencourt showed great offensive prowess with two goals in the middle period. The first one was an impressive end-to-end rush that gave the Vineyard a 1-0 lead, and the second she finished after pretty passes from Maggie Johnson and Gillian O’Callaghan. Angela’s flurry was a culmination of how well the Vineyard played as a team in the second and much of the third but things turned bad at the 6:18 mark when Falmouth got their first goal of the evening. Less than a minute later Falmouth tied the score, and with 4:40 left in the contest Falmouth scored the game winner.
A despondent group of athletes huddled in the locker room after the game, a testament to how committed the team has become to being successful. The players were reminded that they had a 2-0 lead as a team and they allowed three goals as a team and no one person is ever responsible for a win or a loss. We will look back on these games and understand that they make us stronger but the pain does not go away quickly.
Whitman-Hanson 4, Martha’s Vineyard 3 (February 19)
Two one-goal losses within four days of each other could not have felt differently for Martha’s Vineyard. After relinquishing a 2-0 lead in the final six minutes on Wednesday, the Vineyard showed resiliency at the MV Arena on Saturday as they battled back from 3-0 and 4-2 deficits to give Whitman Hanson all they could handle.
Texe Craig was strong in net for the Vineyard and, despite allowing three goals in the first period and a half, she kept her team in the game. Angela deBettencourt scored her third goal in two games to get the Vineyard going when she finished a feed from Celia Mercier. Less than two minutes later, with 2:25 left in the second, Emily Cimeno scored off a mad scramble in front of the Panthers net. Mercier and Maggie Johnson were credited with the assists and the Vineyard entered the locker room with momentum.
An up and down third period saw Texe make some great saves at one end and the Vineyard storm the Whitman-Hanson net at the other end. With just over five minutes left, Panthers star defenseman Alex Davis notched her third goal of the afternoon and it looked like Martha’s Vineyard was done. However, the Vineyard determination showed, as they rallied to get within one goal at 4-3 with just over one minute left when Emily scored her second goal of the afternoon.
The game ended at 4-3 but the Vineyard proved how resilient they have become as athletes. Never giving up against a team they lost to 6-1 earlier in the year and who will be a high seed in the upcoming state tournament surely proved how different one goal losses can feel.
Medway/Ashland 5, Martha’s Vineyard 3 (February 21)
Finding ways to finish games with a lead has been a problem for Martha’s Vineyard throughout the second half of the season and the Vineyarders struggled again on President’s Day in Marlboro. Leading 3-1 with just over seven minutes left in the contest, Martha’s Vineyard surrendered four quick goals to drop a 5-3 decision to a strong Medway team (15-3-1).
After surviving a shaky first period in which the lone goal went to Medway, the Vineyard dominated all facets of the second. Angela deBettencourt got Martha’s Vineyard on the scoreboard to tie things at 1-1 when she finished a nice set up from fellow senior Emma Forbes. Soon after, Celia Mercier set up Emily Cimeno to give the Vineyard a 2-1 lead and Callie Jackson knocked home a rebound off a point shot from Lily Gazaille.
After a quality start to the third period, things turned ugly around the eight minute mark of the third period. Quick Medway goals tied the contest and then two goals in the last two and a half minutes won the game for the home team.
A program that is trying to build itself into a consistent winner sometimes has growing pains along the way. Learning to play with a lead is one of the last steps to becoming a quality team and the Vineyard has taken its bumps against Falmouth this season as they have tried to put games away. A 2-0 lead vanished in less then 3 minutes late in the third period as Falmouth scored three to win the game 3-2.
Senior Angela deBettencourt showed great offensive prowess with two goals in the middle period. The first one was an impressive end-to-end rush that gave the Vineyard a 1-0 lead, and the second she finished after pretty passes from Maggie Johnson and Gillian O’Callaghan. Angela’s flurry was a culmination of how well the Vineyard played as a team in the second and much of the third but things turned bad at the 6:18 mark when Falmouth got their first goal of the evening. Less than a minute later Falmouth tied the score, and with 4:40 left in the contest Falmouth scored the game winner.
A despondent group of athletes huddled in the locker room after the game, a testament to how committed the team has become to being successful. The players were reminded that they had a 2-0 lead as a team and they allowed three goals as a team and no one person is ever responsible for a win or a loss. We will look back on these games and understand that they make us stronger but the pain does not go away quickly.
Whitman-Hanson 4, Martha’s Vineyard 3 (February 19)
Two one-goal losses within four days of each other could not have felt differently for Martha’s Vineyard. After relinquishing a 2-0 lead in the final six minutes on Wednesday, the Vineyard showed resiliency at the MV Arena on Saturday as they battled back from 3-0 and 4-2 deficits to give Whitman Hanson all they could handle.
Texe Craig was strong in net for the Vineyard and, despite allowing three goals in the first period and a half, she kept her team in the game. Angela deBettencourt scored her third goal in two games to get the Vineyard going when she finished a feed from Celia Mercier. Less than two minutes later, with 2:25 left in the second, Emily Cimeno scored off a mad scramble in front of the Panthers net. Mercier and Maggie Johnson were credited with the assists and the Vineyard entered the locker room with momentum.
An up and down third period saw Texe make some great saves at one end and the Vineyard storm the Whitman-Hanson net at the other end. With just over five minutes left, Panthers star defenseman Alex Davis notched her third goal of the afternoon and it looked like Martha’s Vineyard was done. However, the Vineyard determination showed, as they rallied to get within one goal at 4-3 with just over one minute left when Emily scored her second goal of the afternoon.
The game ended at 4-3 but the Vineyard proved how resilient they have become as athletes. Never giving up against a team they lost to 6-1 earlier in the year and who will be a high seed in the upcoming state tournament surely proved how different one goal losses can feel.
Medway/Ashland 5, Martha’s Vineyard 3 (February 21)
Finding ways to finish games with a lead has been a problem for Martha’s Vineyard throughout the second half of the season and the Vineyarders struggled again on President’s Day in Marlboro. Leading 3-1 with just over seven minutes left in the contest, Martha’s Vineyard surrendered four quick goals to drop a 5-3 decision to a strong Medway team (15-3-1).
After surviving a shaky first period in which the lone goal went to Medway, the Vineyard dominated all facets of the second. Angela deBettencourt got Martha’s Vineyard on the scoreboard to tie things at 1-1 when she finished a nice set up from fellow senior Emma Forbes. Soon after, Celia Mercier set up Emily Cimeno to give the Vineyard a 2-1 lead and Callie Jackson knocked home a rebound off a point shot from Lily Gazaille.
After a quality start to the third period, things turned ugly around the eight minute mark of the third period. Quick Medway goals tied the contest and then two goals in the last two and a half minutes won the game for the home team.
