COHASSET — After winning the draw in overtime, the Norwell girls lacrosse team drew up a play that didn’t have Maddie McDonald as the finisher. The senior captain was still ready if she was called.
The moment came and she delivered a blistering shot into the twine to give the Clippers a thrilling 9-8 victory over Cohasset in the Division 3 quarterfinals.
“I wasn’t supposed to get it, so I was just there for the team,” McDonald said. “I ended up getting open in the middle and I put a fake on and put it away.”
While the moment was big, Clippers coach Kara Connerty said her team was expecting the game to be very tight.
“We knew it was going to be a terrific game,” Connerty said. “In practice this last week we have done scenario plays.”
She said that the veteran presence on the team was a key factor in the victory.
“The senior strength,” Connerty said. “We have 10 seniors, four on defense, and keeping a high-powered attacking team to eight goals just speaks to the strength of those four.”
Neither team took a multiple-goal lead in the contest. The Skippers scored the opening tally, but after the first half it was 4-3 Norwell. Cohasset quickly took a 5-4 lead in the second half, but the teams traded leads up until the final minute.
A huge key to this was excellent play in the crease. Aizza Chase stopped numerous high-quality Clipper chances, including a blast from McDonald as time expired. However, 10 saves from goalie Charlotte Pithie, including several leg saves from the slot, helped Norwell maintain pace.
“I always get the save on my leg,” Pithie said. “I don’t know why, it just happens.”
After winning the draw, the Clippers looked for an opening, before McDonald finally put the game away. Connerty said that her captain has been clutch all year.
“She’s been tremendous all season long,” Connerty said. “Her stick is so strong and her will to find a way to put that ball away with that pressure was huge.”
McDonald led the Clippers with four goals, Danielle Cox had two and Charlise Cox, Caroline Burtch and Margot Bonnevie added the other Norwell tallies. Reese Hansen scored a hat trick for Cohasset, Laney Larsen had two and Kira Fulton, Kate Greer and Schiffman added the other Skipper goals.
The victory avenged a 6-3 loss to the Skippers on April 4 and advanced the Clippers to the semifinals, where they await Hanover or Medfield. McDonald said that the team will enjoy the victory for the moment, but will be ready to face the next challenge.
“This weekend we will be dialed in and working on whoever we play next,” McDonald said.