SOMERSET — Somerset Berkley coach Jen Crook wouldn’t call it a rivalry.
But it certainly felt like one when the second-seeded Blue Raiders hosted No. 7 Canton in the Division 1 South quarterfinal last night.
Last year after Somerset Berkley’s overtime win in the sectional semifinal against the Bulldogs, Canton coach Chrissy O’Connor was outspoken about two boys — Alex Millar and Lucas Crook — playing on the Blue Raiders, both of whom are still integral parts of the team.
And while there were no postgame fireworks this time around, the intensity was still there as Somerset Berkley ended the Bulldogs season for a second straight year with a 3-1 victory.
“It was just the draw of the tournament,” said coach Crook as Somerset Berkley (19-1) advances to face King Philip. “It’s whatever the game is. We just have to prepare for it and be ready.”
O’Connor focused on the play of her team when asked if she still had similar feelings from last year.
“I think the girls played hard and they played strong,” O’Connor said, “and I’m just proud of how they played.”
Tied 1-1 at halftime after Somerset Berkley’s Kayleigh McDonald and Canton’s Maggie Malloy exchanged goals over the first 30 minutes, the Blue Raiders offense stayed aggressive.
Just 51 seconds into the second half, Somerset Berkley went ahead when Reaghan Cadorette redirected Millar’s shot past Riley O’Connor, who was sensational in net for Canton (15-4-1) making 13 saves, for a 2-1 lead.
“Just to stay calm and do our job and stay focused on what we’re here to do,” said Crook on her halftime message to her team.
Canton couldn’t overcome a deficit for a second time as a strong Somerset Berkley defense thwarted the Bulldogs limited offensive chances before Megan Salsinha tacked on an insurance goal late.
