Sister duo haunts Grey Ghosts

DIV. 1 GIRLS SOCCER

FITCHBURG — Westford Academy knew how deadly Wachusett was on set plays. Playing in their first state final in program history, that’s what ultimately did in the Grey Ghosts.

Monica and Trish Pallotta connected for two goals for the Mountaineers on set pieces, including on a corner kick in double overtime to end Westford’s incredible run with a 2-1 victory in the Division 1 state final yesterday at Fitchburg State’s Elliot Field.

“We knew they were great on set plays and corner kicks and they put two in on us (that way),” said Westford coach Tracy Capone. “Even though we were aware of their strengths, they were able to do that. Both of their goals were just beautiful plays.”

After Monica Pallotta leveled the score, 1-1, with a header in the 57th minute off of a free kick from sister Trish, the duo combined again in the extra frame.

In the 103rd minute, Trish’s corner found Monica in the box, and she headed it home to give Wachusett (19-0-4) its first state title since 2001.

“They’re really special players and they have a connection as sisters,” said Wachusett coach David Gentleman, who added that the sisters were playing for their grandfather who is battling pancreatic cancer. “I couldn’t be happier for them.

“Westford Academy is an amazing team. What a run they had. That’s sort of how it should be: Two good teams playing back and forth and then a good goal.”

After both teams had several chances to take the lead in the first half, Westford (17-2-2) jumped in front just over a minute into the second half.

Wachusett goalie Emma Hickey came charging out to save a shot from Rebecca D’Anna, but Katherine Pawlak corralled the rebound and her shot deflected off a Wachusett defender and into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Pawlak almost had the gamewinner for Westford five minutes before the Pallotta sisters put an end to the contest. Off a corner, Pawlak took a shot from amid a scrum inside the box, but the ball hit the outside of the post and bounced away.

“We rode out (Wachusett’s) momentum,” Capone said. “We had a couple of opportunities in that second overtime. We were down their end almost the entire time. Couple corner kicks and hit the post. It’s a game of inches and we were hitting the wrong side of the inch.”