By Sean Savage
@SeanSav13
SPRINGFIELD – Meredith Healy, who was everywhere through the 71 minutes she played on Saturday afternoon, won the ball in Smith’s defensive third after battling off two eager Pioneer defenders.
While tucked against the sideline on the right side, Healy kept her composure and slotted the ball diagonally on the ground to first-year Ryan Prystowski. Tenaciously, Prystowski smashed the ball into the middle of the net.
The goal came at a pivotal moment: It entirely shifted the game’s momentum after 51 minutes of silence – assisting the Pride (9-4-4) in its 2-0 win over Smith College (7-8-2).
“We knew we were going to get one; it was just a matter of when,” assistant coach Brendon Boates said.
The play Healy dialed up is known as a “Bangu,” a tactic that has been a staple of the Pride’s attack throughout the season.
Because of this, Smith goalkeeper Lola West was pulled to her near post – leaving an empty net for Prystowski as the ball met her foot. It also provided Boates with a sense of reassurance, knowing his halftime message paid off.
“I basically just challenge them, ‘Listen, we’re the better team, but we can’t claim that when the score is zero to zero,’” Boates said. “I told them to do exactly what they were doing but have a little more energy and quality in the box.”
Leading up to a goal – as the scoreline displayed 0-0 – the chilly air creeping across Brock-Affleck Field upheld a sense of déjà vu. Last year, the two squads tied in their final regular season game, 1-1.
Today, however, a team effort from the Pride prevented a relapse. With seven minutes remaining, Mia Salmon added an insurance goal.
Kayla McGrath received the ball in the middle of the pitch: As McGrath picked her head up looking for a pass, she caught Salmon out of the corner of her eye.
“The team is so close as a group,” Boates said. “They all understand that their teammates will do their job; they have that trust and faith in each other to do that.”
McGrath played a beautifully lofted pass to Salmon, who darted by Raven Tebbetts. The pass set up the Pride’s leading goalscorer with an easy one-on-one look against West.
As the ball found the bottom left of the net, extending the lead to two unanswered, the Pride cheered with great exultation.
Many players stepped onto the pitch for the Pride, as the team has to fill the void of two midfield dynamos, Ashley Harding and Kaitlyn Suller, who are both out with injuries.
“It’s a huge luxury for me coaching-wise knowing who I reach to on the bench; they can go in and do the job for us,” Boates said.
Smith tried to ruffle the Pride’s backline by sending aggressive passes their way but were unable to create any genuine opportunities from the five looks they had.
The game put a cap on the regular season for the Pride, which means it’s time for NEWMAC playoffs to ensue.
“Our perspective is the same,” Boates said. “Show up, play hard, win and move on to the next one.”
Photo: Springfield College Athletics