RallyNorth.net

Pelham falls in double-OT in title game

Monday, October, 31 By Dave Dyer

BEDFORD — Maybe it was just Gilford's time to finish on top.

Outplayed by Pelham for most of the first and second overtimes Sunday afternoon, the No. 2 Golden Eagles (15-1) — who were runner-up in 2015 — got a goal from Kellie Ryan with 4:48 left in the second overtime to take a 1-0 victory in the Division 3 championship game.

Until that goal, Pelham had outshot Gilford 5-1 in the two overtimes and had six penalty corners to just one for the Golden Eagles. The Pythons had at least two terrific scoring chances in the second overtime only to be denied.

"It always felt like something was about to happen," said senior Sarah Morin, who was involved in much of the action around the Gilford net. "We tend to get a burst of energy. We had it, but just couldn't score."

In addition to Morin, freshman Abby Bevens was a whirlwind in overtime as were Sarah Ratcliffe and Emily Bevens. While both teams looked tired, Gilford seemed more so.

"We do a lot of conditioning," said Morin. "I think it helped."

In the scoreless regulation, Gilford had the edge, collecting five penalty corners to none for Pelham as well as getting three shots on goal, two more than Pelham. One of Gilford's shots early in the second half resulted in a nifty save by goalie Ryan Atkins.

But the overtime was all Pelham — until Ryan's lone goal.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, it was an historic tournament for the Pythons. It was the first time Pelham had ever advanced to the state finals.