It was the South Zone Championship field hockey game as (5-0) Kinkaid hosted (5-0) St. John’s. The last time these two teams met, St. John’s defeated Kinkaid 3-0. And with a perfect record all season, the Mavericks did it again, beating Kinkaid in overtime 2-1.

In the first half of play, St. John’s looked like they were going to score at only five minutes in, but Kinkaid’s defense wouldn’t allow it. In fact, the ball stayed on Kinkaid’s side of the field most of the first half and the Falcons’ defense kept it out of the goal.

Ten minutes into the half, after Kinkaid got the ball away from St. John’s and took into Maverick territory, Kinkaid ripped it into the goal. The Falcons led 1-0. After the goal, the play changed a bit as Kinkaid controlled the ball more, getting close to St. John’s goal and almost scoring again.

The first half ended with Kinkaid leading 1-0. The game thus far had no breaks and constant running. Kinkaid really controlled the ball the first half, but both teams made great passes and blocks.

After ten minutes in the second half, there was no score. Both teams controlled the ball well and both had opportunities to score. St. John’s had four short corner opportunities to score, but Kinkaid was right there to stop it. But at 10:47, St. John’s Jessica Chen scored the Mavericks first goal, tying the score at 1.

At the end of regular play, the score was tied at 1, as the teams went into sudden death overtime.

It was an all out battle and whoever got the opportunity to shoot was going to win. Kinkaid had that opportunity as they drove the ball all the way across the field and took the shot only to have St. John’s goalie block it big. It was St. John’s opportunity next as Catherine Franklin shot the winning goal, assisted by Chen.

“It’s great to have a comeback like this again. This is our second this season. And this one being a 5-0 team against a 5-0 team, it’s a great victory,” said Coach Chambers.

St. John’s placed first in the South Zone and maintained an undefeated record all season. Up next for the Mavericks is the SPC Championship Tournament beginning in two weeks.

“These girls have played great all season long. They’ve never taken anything for granted. We’ve had some hurdles, like tonight getting behind, but they stuck with it never losing confidence and played with heart and soul,” said Craig Chambers, St. John’s head coach.
 

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