RallyNorth.net

Fishermen beat Panthers for first time in school history

With its postseason hopes riding on the outcome, the Fishermen picked an opportune time to make history. Gloucester (8-9) knocked off perennial NEC champion Beverly, 6-5, in overtime yesterday when senior attackman Jeremy Fanning (4 goals, 1 assist) scored two minutes into the OT. Avenging a 13-6 loss earlier in the season, the Fishermen beat the Panthers for the first time in school history.  

 "It's just a huge win for us and our program," said Gloucester head coach Drew Dominick. "We've faced Beverly in the regular season and tournament and never beaten them."

Senior attackman Marc Buotte (one goal, two assists) and senior midfielder Nick White (goal) were the other goal-scorers for the Fishermen. Beverly jumped out to a 4-1 halftime lead and a 5-2 advantage going into the fourth quarter. Then Gloucester scored three straight goals in the fourth, including the tying goal by White with 58 seconds left.

"He drove from the top of the box, beat his guy and then made an incredible shot," noted Dominick about White's strike.

Senior defensive midfielder Lucas Oshiro shut down Beverly's Mike Pierce in the second half after Pierce scored twice in the first half.

"They were getting all their goals from middies so our middies stepped up on defense in the second half," said Dominick

Junior defenseman Dylan Morrissey was another standout in the win while junior goalie Shane Stephenson made some big saves to keep his team in it.

In its last game of the season, Gloucester travels to rival Danvers tomorrow night (7 p.m.). If the Fishermen win, they'll qualify for the tournament.