High schools: Pembroke girls’ soccer upsets ConVal in penalty kicks, MV and Hopkinton advance

Pembroke players mob goalie Laila Al-Shawafi after the team’s 3-2 win over John Stark on Aug. 30. 

Pembroke players mob goalie Laila Al-Shawafi after the team’s 3-2 win over John Stark on Aug. 30.  GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor staff

Published: 10-30-2024 1:41 AM

D-II Girls’ Soccer

No. 9 Pembroke 2, No. 8 ConVal 1, PK

Key players: Pembroke – Ava Alberico (goal), Bailey Gatchell (assist, PK), Layla Thorne (PK), Lily Royer (PK), Laila Al-Shawafi (2 PK saves), Giuls Davis (defense), Kennedy Jeski (defense), Kayla Amyot (defense)

Highlights: After a 1-1 draw through 100 minutes of soccer, the Spartans came out on top, 3-2, in penalty kicks to upset the Cougars on the road in the first round of the Division II tournament. Pembroke will play at No. 1 defending champions Hollis-Brookline in Friday’s quarterfinal.

Coach’s quote: “It’s the right time to play our best soccer and we certainly are.” – Pembroke’s Jess Kaufman-Desrochers

Records: Pembroke 8-7-2; ConVal 7-7-3

No. 7 Merrimack Valley 3, No. 10 Milford 1

Key players: MV – Sophie Porter, Izzy Navoy, Sydney Bailey, Lila Gray, Jordan Monaghan, Ella Mercer

Highlights: The Pride scored first in a physical match where both sides had good scoring opportunities. Milford got back into the game with a goal early in the second half to tie it, 1-1, but MV took advantage of two beautiful chances set up by a scrappy attack to secure the victory. The Pride will play at No. 2 Bow in Friday’s quarterfinal.

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Coach’s quote: “I am proud of the fight and composure our team had tonight. They fought out of a tie and finished the game off in regulation time. Looking forward to meeting Bow next round.” – MV’s Kylee Yam

Records: MV 7-5-5; Milford 4-6-7

D-III Girls’ Soccer

Hopkinton 4, White Mountains 0

Key players: Hopkinton  – Sofia Upton (goal), Julia Chapin (goal), Gemma Guadagno (goal), Avery Chase (goal), Isabella Serzans (assist), Annie Morrall (assist), Avery Loew (shutout), Paige Boudette (defense), Pippa Lang (defense)

Highlights: The Hawks only led by a goal off of a penalty kick at halftime, but closed out the game by pressuring harder in the second half, leading to three more goals. Junior goalkeeper Loew tied Hopkinton’s shutout record with her 10th of the season. The Hawks will host No. 5 Stevens in Friday’s quarterfinal.

Coach’s quote: “Good second half win against an aggressive White Mountains team. Was nice to get the first playoff win and now to focus on the quarters against a tough opponent.” – Hopkinton’s Mike Zahn

Records: Hopkinton 14-2-1; White Mtns. 6-9-2

No. 8 Trinity 2, No. 9 Kearsarge 1

Highlights: The Pioneers scored on a penalty kick in the first half to take an early lead and Trinity held on to end the Cougars’ send in the first round of the Division III tournament.

Records: Trinity 10-4-3; Kearsarge 10-6-1

D-III Girls’ Volleyball

No. 6 Belmont 3, No. 11 Epping 0

Highlights: The Raiders swept the Blue Devils in straight sets in the first round of the Division III volleyball tournament. Belmont will play at No. 3 Trinity on Thursday night.

Records: Belmont 12-5; Epping 6-11