Top-ranked NDA holds off Archbishop Williams, 3-1

ROCKLAND >> In a physical battle between two top20 Division 1 girls hockey teams, No. 1 Notre Dame Academy took down No. 16 Archbishop Williams, 3-1.

The game had more at stake than a typical nonleague matchup. It was played in honor of the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative and featured numerous fundraisers, contests and raffles that raised money for the organization. The Cougars also donned special purple and white alternate uniforms that paid homage to the cause.

The event was developed by senior goaltender Ava Larkin, and she said the fan interest and participation was a huge highlight.

“It was nice to wear a jersey supporting such an amazing cause and it was nice to have a lot of people here and fundraising for such a good event,” Larkin said. “I loved the turnout, and it was an honor to play for.”

The opening period saw both teams have multiple scoring chances. Bishops junior Caroline Batchelder had two excellent opportunities; however, Larkin was up to the task each time. Kate McLeish was rock solid in the other crease, turning away strong opportunities from Devon Moore and Sarah Francis.

“I was very happy with how we played, we just couldn’t finish,” Cougars’ coach John Findley said. “You have got to get pucks to the net and good things will happen.”

With just 43 seconds remaining in the period, Notre Dame captain Sarah White snatched a loose puck and fired it past McLeish to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead.

The second period was a dominant one for the Cougars, and more specifically White. She scored her second of the game a few minutes into the frame after firing home a pass from Caroline Hartnett and secured the hat trick after picking up a Grace Flaherty rebound with just 0.8 seconds remaining in the period.

“My linemates and I were clicking out there,” White said. “We were forechecking strongly and everyone was contributing. That helped me get to the net and finish.”

The third period featured a plethora of penalties from both sides, but the Bishops were the ones to capitalize.

This happened when Batchelder finished her own rebound to cut the deficit to 3-1 with just under five minutes remaining.

This set Archbishop Williams up to push for a tie, but Larkin remained rock solid in the net, neutralizing the chances and leading the Cougars to the victory.

“It takes a lot of trust in my defense and forwards,” Larking said. “I just had to stay calm, stay confident and focus on my own game.”