Murphy backbones Marshfield to victory
KINGSTON–Facing multiple penalty kills late in the third period, Marshfield goaltender Morgan Murphy stood strong and backstopped her team to a 2-1 girls hockey victory over Sandwich. The La…
KINGSTON–Facing multiple penalty kills late in the third period, Marshfield goaltender Morgan Murphy stood strong and backstopped her team to a 2-1 girls hockey victory over Sandwich.
The Lady Knights had a five-on-three power play in the middle of the final period and had a six-on-four advantage in the final two minutes. During this period, they sent a barrage of shots on Murphy who withstood the pressure and advanced her team to the quarterfinals of the MIAA Division 2 State Tournament.
“I was trying to keep my composure and keep up the positive momentum for my teammates,” Murphy said. “We worked as hard as we could and it pays off in those tough moments.”
The first period featured a dump-and-chase style from both sides and excellent play between the pipes for Sandwich’s Bryce Sawyer and Marshfield’s Morgan Murphy. The only tally of the period came from Lady Knights captain Darby Rounseville fired a blistering shot from the point that beat a screened Murphy.
The Lady Knights came out flying in the second period and peppered Murphy with several high-quality chances. The junior was consistently up to the task and kept her team within range.
“I was just trying to watch the puck all the way through,” Murphy said. “If I was screened or the puck was hard to see I was moving and communicating with my defense really helped.”
This paid off when the Rams headed to the power play and Sarah McIntyre buried a rebound to even the score at one. Sandwich would take another penalty minutes later and Ali Melvin gave Marshfield a 2-1 lead on the ensuing advantage.
“We know to crash the net on every power play,” Melvin said. “That’s what I did and the puck was right there.”
The Rams started the third period with momentum but Sandwich controlled play in the back half. The multiple penalties made it stressful but Murphy’s clutch play steered the way to the victory
“I think I have some grey hairs after watching that,” Rams head coach Tom Greland said. “It was unbelievable, I am so proud of them.”
Greland also noted that the similar playstyle between the two teams made the battle even tougher but also made the victory sweeter.
“Sandwich is so tough, we are like clones,” coach said. “We knew it was going to be a battle and it was a great game.”
Marshfield is now tasked with facing two-time defending state champion Duxbury in the next round. The two teams met twice during the regular season, with Duxbury taking one win and the teams tying in the other.
Despite the daunting task, Melvin believes the game will come down to whoever wants the win more.
“We just need to go out there and do what we have done in the past couple of games,” Melvin said. “We have to want it more than them and work harder than them in the next game.”