A seasoned Manchester Essex team upset Bromfield 11-10 Tuesday night, June 18, in a hard-fought MIAA Division 2 state semifinal played under lights at Babson College. The battle against the North district champ contrasted sharply with the Trojans string of one-sided victories in Central/West district playoffs, including a near shutout of Mt. Greylock the week before to capture the district title for a second time in two years.
Bella Kehoe (far right) watches as the ball squeaks by the goalie’s stick for her first goal of the state semifinal game. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Izzy Planchet goes in for a goal.
At Tuesday’s game, Bromfield outshot Manchester Essex (24-17) and dominated faceoffs (18-5), more than half of which were won by sophomore Bella Kehoe. But it was the Hornets’ defense that made the difference. Hornets senior goalie Isabella Pomeroy was credited with 11 saves compared to Bromfield’s four, and Hornets defenders successfully contained Bromfield’s speedy and explosive offense, forcing mistakes at both ends of the field. Four Bromfield players drew yellow cards for aggressive play, including attacker Bella Kehoe, who was sidelined during five of the crucial final 10 minutes of play. In total, the Trojans were down a player for 20 minutes of competition, and seven Manchester-Essex goals were scored on penalty shots.
“I have the utmost respect for that team,” said Manchester Essex Coach Nan Gordon. “They played so hard. We just put a few more pieces together today.” The key? “Defense. All day long. All over the field,” she said, especially goalie Pomeroy. “We’re so lucky to have her,” she said.
“We just made some really bad mental errors,” said Bromfield Coach David Planchet. That was not typical of the team, he added. “I tip my hat to Manchester Essex. Their defense played great and made us do some stupid things. We weren’t doing bad things because they played good defense; they were playing great defense.”
Bella Kehoe (far right) watches as the ball squeaks by the goalie’s stick for her first goal of the state semifinal game.
Livie Kehoe takes the ball down the field. Her speed was essential in setting her teammates up to score.
Bromfield’s Bella Kehoe was first to score, on a nifty assist from sophomore attacker Izzy Planchet in the first moments of play. But the lead seesawed for the rest of the half with neither side gaining a clear advantage. With seconds remaining and one Bromfield attacker out of action due to a penalty, the Trojans tried to improve on their 7-6 lead with a blistering offense but were thwarted by yet another save by Hornets goalie Pomeroy.
The Trojans stormed back at the start of the second half and built a 10-7 lead during the first three minutes of play. That was as good as it got for the night, however. In the remaining 20 minutes of play, the Hornets picked away at Bromfield, adding four goals to their total and holding the Trojans scoreless, in spite of an offense that never quit. Bromfield had one last chance to even the score on a penalty shot awarded Planchet with five minutes remaining, but she was blocked again by Pomeroy. Manchester Essex recovered the ball, took it to Bromfield’s end of the field and ran down the clock, ending the night with an 11-10 victory.
Ainsley Jones looks to pass.
Top scorers for Bromfield were Bella Kehoe and sophomore Izzy Planchet with three goals apiece. Sophomores Olivia Kehoe, Isabelle Katter, freshman Tallie Dutkewych, and junior Ainsley Jones each scored once. Bella Kehoe and Planchet were credited with two assists each.
Coach Planchet had praise for his team. “They worked their butts off, and they have nothing to be ashamed of. They got to play a good team today, and that’s just the way it is.” There were more smiles than tears as players and several dozen fans headed home on a warm, clammy night. With co-captain Brianna Carlisle the only senior on this year’s team and a 19-3 record for the season, odds are that the Trojans will be back in 2020.
The team celebrates after winning the district title. From left: Anna Laursen, Bella Kehoe, Sophie Bartram, Katie Iacomini, Caroline Mara,Brianna Carlisle, Izzy Katter, Izzy Planchet, Annabel Ashe, Raiya Suliman, Lili Evans. Julia Mara, and Kristin Podgorni. Not shown: Olivia Blair, Ainsley Jones, Megan Hoggins, Livy Kehoe, Natalie L’Ecuyer, Emma Ortega, Peyton Van Dorpe, and Chloe Scornavaca. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
