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caption, page 2:
Sets Up
Chelsea Willis (19) sets up in front of the Warwick, R.I., net in a game vs. the Titans recently. The Woodstock Academy senior scored the only goal in a 1-0 win. Photo by Marc Allard.
Girls’ hockey
takes winning
record into
new year
When Woodstock Academy coach Jeff Boshka went into the locker room at Thayer Arena in Warwick, R.I, following a 1-0 victory over the Titans, he only had to say one thing to his girls’ hockey team.
“I just yelled out to them, ‘Who is 3-2?’ and they just all got up and screamed,” Boshka said. “It’s just exciting to have this season bearing some fruit. We are clearly getting better every game.”
It was the second win over the Warwick Co-Op in a week and third consecutive win for the Centaurs who are now over the .500 mark going into their Central Massachusetts League schedule.
The Centaurs scored the win despite another good effort by Warwick goalie Mary Centracchio who had to make 33 saves.
The only one the freshman did not get to came in the second period.
On a power play, sophomore Sydney Haskins passed to senior Chelsea Willis who poked one into the left hand side of the net to give the Centaurs the only goal of the game.
“We got a lot of shots, but she’s a pretty decent goalie and we also shot it right at her a lot. That’s something we’re going to have to work on,” Boshka said.
Woodstock Academy goalie Marie Gravier had to make only eight saves.
Boshka said that was, in part, due to the defense.
“Our defense was stopping Warwick closer to the blue line and not letting Warwick into our zone. We didn’t let them creep in, which was great. I think we’re gaining more confidence there and as the defense gains more confidence, it gives us different looks and more options when we break out,” Boshka said.
The Centaurs now get to play a pair of Central Massachusetts League teams that they have not faced before.
Woodstock Academy hosted Leominster, Mass., Jan. 6 (the game ended too late for this edition). The Centaurs also host Oakmont High School at 6 p.m. Jan. 11.
”I’m thinking they are right around the level of Auburn (which Woodstock Academy defeated 4-3 in Dec.). The Auburn coach told me that a bunch of us are pretty evenly matched and, as you can see by the scores, everything is really close. We will see,” Boshka said.
The Woodstock Academy coach said it’s just nice to see his team playing well.
“I think we’re seeing some growth and confidence. Our players are gaining understanding of the game coupled with their skill set improving. Put those two things together and a third, our team culture which is really good with a good mindset, a willingness to learn and the desire to play as a team. The theme has been to go out and make plays and if we do, we’re going to have success,” Boshka said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
..