by Amy Russell
arussell@digitalsports.com

The No. 10 ranked St. Mary’s Saints, (8-2), did it again as they defeated Severn School, (0-8), today 1-0 at Severn.

The game was an intense contest of what appeared to be two very well-matched teams, despite the difference in the teams’ records.

Ali Judge, Chelsea Rowe, Kristen Lamon and Haydon Judge came out strong for the Saints taking several shots on goal during the first half, though neither team was able to put up any points and by halftime, St. Mary’s had taken eight shots to no avail and Severn, two, to end the half 0-0.

At the start of the second half Ali Judge took a fast break towards the Admirals goal before sending the ball to Haydon Judge who took a shot that was deflected off the post. Despite the deflection, the intensity and quickness behind the play set the tone for the rest of the second half, and both teams stepped up their game.

“Right off the bat Severn was on the ball,” said Becca Horn, St. Mary’s head coach. “But all the pressure in the world can’t stop my defenders.

Soon, the Admirals were infringed closely on St. Mary’s territory in hopes of catching the lead, but with a clutch save by senior Emily Slear, matched with Lindsey Munoz in goal, the Admirals were eventually pushed out of the Saints crease and the ball was back in St. Mary’s possession.

“[In the second half the Admirals] were putting a lot of pressure on us defensively. I called a time out to regroup,” said Horn.

The regrouping was immediately effective.

After returning from the timeout with just over 10 minutes left to go, the Saints got their first taste of triumph as Rowe, assisted by Haydon Judge,  struck the ball past Severn’s defense to get the first and only point of the game for St. Mary’s.

“Kristen Lamon took the first shot and it bounced off [the post] and I was just in the right place at the right time,” Rowe said. “I got it in my stick and just redirected it to get the goal.”

“[Rowe] wants to score more than anything and she did. She stepped up when we needed her,” said Horn.

The Admirals, who are still experiencing a winless season, continued to put up a fight through the remaining seconds of the game taking four more shots on goal.

“They are working so hard, playing great and the opportunities are there, they’re just unlucky not to get it in. It’s really unfortunate,” said Severn head coach Jessica Burke. “I don’t think our record accurately reflects our caliber.”

Slear, Clair Olechowski and Paige Judge led the Saints on defense, while Munoz racked up four saves. Severns’ goalie Kelly Crumrine had five saves for the Admirals.