NEEDHAM - Around this time last year, Lincoln-Sudbury handed high-flying Needham a late regular-season loss. This year’s Rockets senior class had that in their minds as they hosted the Warriors Monday night at Memorial Field.
“We wanted to come out and show them the team that we are,” said Needham senior Gabby Walsh.
The Rockets showed their visitors their prowess in spades. Scoring three goals in the game’s first three minutes, Needham (17-3) cruised to an 11-6 non-league win over the Warriors (8-9)
“When we attack hard and come out strong, it’s hard for other teams to stop that,” said Rockets head coach Beth O’Brien.
Maeve Barker got the game going with a goal just 14 seconds in. Sarah Conley followed just over a minute later with her first of four goals on the night, and Jessie Hem concluded the flurry shortly after.
“It's always important to come out with your best,” said goaltender Liz Vallatini, who finished with five saves. “You want to set the tone early and often.”
Lincoln-Sudbury won the next draw and Emma Hodges scored two quick goals of her own to cut Needham’s lead to one. But the Rockets won the next draw, and Hem scored on free position shot on that possession.
After some back and forth through the middle of the first half, Conley struck again. Callie Hem notched two goals of her own to send the Rockets into the half with a 7-2 lead.
Another quick Needham goal started the second half, with Walsh finding the back of the net. Barker and Conley added to the lead right after.
After Conley scored her fourth of the evening, the Rockets struggled on the next draw control, allowing the Warriors to find their groove. Kelly Wolin snuck one into the net and Izzy Ross followed with two consecutive bouncy goals.
Another draw win by Lincoln-Sudbury gave Regan Carlin the ball, and her goal with 2:32 remaining brought the Warriors within five. The game's pace had fallen away from the Rockets' favor, but how they responded would tell the tale.
“We see those things, we call them in, and we say, 'Let's get back to playing our game,'” said O'Brien. “Our game is what's winning games.”
That is exactly what Needham did, winning the next draw and dominating possession until the game's final horn. Earning a convincing win was exactly how the Rockets wanted to start off a regular-season ending three game week.
“I think our team played really well as a team,” said Vallatini. “Our offense scored the goals, our midfield positioned the ball, and our defense was a barrier for me. All facets of the game were great.”
