Lexington, KY –
Centre took control in the opening period from start to finish, building a 4-0 lead over Transylvania.
Gracie Garner got the colonels going, scoring during the early minutes of the first period off an assist from
Mary Sterling Anderton.
Audrey Haines pushed Centre into early momentum with a goal that extended the lead to 2-0.
The Colonels didn't let up, with a penalty on Transylvania offered a man-up opportunity,
Chrissy Krncevic capitalized with a man-up goal off an assist from Collen Stahl. Turnovers seemed to be a struggle point for Transylvania as they couldn't seem to get an offensive rhythm going, as Haines delivered another goal off a free position shot to close the period out.
Transylvania made improvements in the second period as Sofie Garret put the Pioneers on board, while also having another goal later in the quarter, generating a spark and creting several offensive opportunities throughout.
Centre responded by taking advantage of multiple player-up situations.
Mary Sterling Anderton netted a man-up goal to begin the Colonels' response, followed by Krncevic scoring off an assist from Haines.
While the Pioneers were able to build a better offensive front, Centre's ability to convert on man-up opportunities and key saves from goalkeeper
Mary Haley allowed Centre to carry the lead into halftime.
The Colonels came out of halftime dominant and continued to capitalize on scoring opportunities as the Pioneers worked to mount a comeback. Early on, both teams traded turnovers and had several effective clear attempts, with penalties impacting Centre's play as
Emma Potter and
Sophia Richardson received green and yellow cards.
Garner opened scoring out of the half, assisted by
Sophia Richardson, giving an early boost.
Riley Jackson added to the score with a later goal, and Garner scored again to further extend centres lead.
Transylvania's Sophie Garrett was able to get two goals to attempt to close the gap, however Centre's dominance in draw controls, ground balls and key saves from the goalie prevented the Pioneers from building a bigger momentum.
Fourth quarter, the Pioneers' last chance to mount a comeback, had a strong start with a goal to open up from Chandler Worth off an assist from Presley Helton, giving a spark early on.
Centre was quick to respond with a goal by Haines scoring on a man-up opportunity assisted by
Riley Jackson, followed by Garner adding another goal to regain control and extend Centre's lead.
Transylvania managed to get another goal in from Lilly Craft, but penalties on Chandler Worth and Kaelin Truman disrupted their flow.
All in all centre's efficiency on offense and strong defensive play allowed them to maintain the lead, ending on a win 12-6 over Transylvania.
