By Emma Bynes
@emma_bynes4
SPRINGFIELD – Nicolette Morlock scored on a rocket penalty shot with two minutes left in the game to secure Springfield’s 1-0 victory over Wheaton.
The Pride dominated time of possession yet again, as goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parent only needed to record one save in 60 minutes. Parent still remained engaged with her teammates the entire game, saying that she loves communicating to her team.
“I know that the defense and the girls say that when a goalie doesn’t talk, it gets kind of scary,” Parent said. “Even if it’s just acknowledging that they’re doing well so they continue to do it.”
The Pride bench brought the energy today, and although Springfield did not score for 58 minutes, the momentum stayed with the Pride the whole game. A solid defensive stand from Parent and her defense left the game scoreless to end the first – but it was clear a contentious game was shaping up.
Springfield started the second quarter with a scoring opportunity, but were stifled once again. A barrage of whistles from the referee kept the ball at midfield for five minutes, and great defense by sophomore Amber Wolkner stopped a good push from the Lyons. The score remained deadlocked at zero at the half.
Beginning the third quarter, the Pride opened with three straight penalty corners – much to the delight of Springfield’s bench – but they were unable to convert on any of the chances. The Pride maintained possession of the ball, as Audrey Hayes sent in a great pass, but it was whiffed upon by a teammate, leading to another missed opportunity. Wheaton earned their first penalty corner of the night with just under five minutes remaining in the third, but the game was still scoreless heading into the final 15 minutes.
Anna Beck opened up the fourth quarter with a great chance to get Springfield on the board, but did not connect. She tried again, but this time missed wide to the left. The Pride earned another penalty corner with just over nine minutes remaining in the game, but once again did not find the back of the net to put themselves ahead.
Springfield’s Hailey Gaydos had a try as well, but a good save from Lyon goalie Grace Ferguson kept the score 0-0.
The Pride kept up their pressure with another penalty corner a couple minutes later, but they failed – giving Wheaton a 1-on-1 opportunity. But like it had been doing all night, Springfield’s defense hustled back to aid Parent, making a great play on the ball.
Gaydos was not fazed by her blocked shot earlier, earning a penalty shot for the team that was taken by Nicolette Morlock.
She connected with two minutes left in the game, sealing the win for the Pride and moving them to 6-10 on the year.
Head coach Mia Olsen has a lot of faith in Morlock on penalty strokes, as she has relied on her throughout the season to take them.
“Nic’s been really good on strokes now. She is 3 for 3,” Olsen said.
Olsen knew her team had what it takes to win, even though the game was a slugfest.
“When you hold possession for most of the game, even if you’re not connecting here or there, it’s bound to click at some point,” Olsen said. “I think we held the ball a majority of the game, kept knocking, and finally earned a stroke.”
Olsen has a prominent goal for the end of her team’s season win. Two wins to end the year would put the Pride in NEWMAC playoff contention, as they hope to continue their building momentum. The upcoming slate for Springfield includes their final two regular season games – home against Smith and at Clark.
“I know it’s cliche to say, but win,” Olsen said. “We are still in contention for the playoffs, so if we win these next two we have a good shot. Then, just play our best hockey.”
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics