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Defense gets it done for Danvers in win over Beverly

Tuesday, October, 02 By Jean DePlacido
Correspondent

BEVERLY | There was a sense of urgency for the Danvers High girls soccer team to get back on track after suffering its first loss this past weekend.

Before yesterday's game with Beverly, Falcons' head coach Jimmy Hinchion talked to his players about regaining their focus and finding a way back into the win column. His words worked wonders as the visitors scored once in each half to knock off the Panthers, 2-0.

"It was important that we come right back from that loss," said Hinchion, referring to his club's 5-2 setback against unbeaten Peabody last Saturday night.

"That's a very good team we beat today. We knew we had to take the next step and bounce back. It is great to get back in the win column."

The Falcons are now 7-1 overall, 6-1 in Northeastern Conference play.

Danvers moved the ball around effectively yesterday to create scoring opportunities. Ten minutes into the game, senior captain Katelyn Hartnett took a pass from Becky Landers and blasted a shot into the top right corner of the Panthers' net, making it 1-0.

Most of the action in the first 40 minutes was in the Beverly end as Danvers made several good runs offensively. Ashley Sullivan zinged a shot off the top crossbar in the 27th minute, and Panther goalie Hayley Lorge made some clutch saves to keep her team in the contest.

It took less than a minute into the second half for the Falcons to score their second goal when Sullivan fired a shot that slammed off the right post and wound up in the left corner of the net. Kelli Getchell assisted on the goal.

"I still don't know how that (second) one managed to go in," said Beverly coach Kristin Macdonald, her team now 4-3-1 on the season. "It was a tough way to start the second half and not at all what we wanted to see happen, but overall I thought we hung with them all the way.

"This was an excellent team effort. We communicated, passed well, and made some great runs. Unfortunately, we couldn't put one in the back of the net, but I am very proud of what the girls did. The final score doesn't indicate how close this game was all the way."

The Panthers kept pressure on for most of the second half and had a couple of good chances to tie it up.

The first came on a breakaway by Kayla Deady, who hit the top crossbar in the 47th minute. Four minutes later, they threatened again when Deady set up Daryl Powell, who got off a quick shot that was headed for the corner. Falcon goalie Kasey Kellard grabbed the ball, and although she bobbled it was able to hang on for the save.

"We definitely created opportunities in the second half," said Macdonald, who praised outside midfielder Kara Murphy and back Mary Accomando for their efforts. "Sometimes the ball doesn't roll your way.

Kellard recorded her second shutout of the year for the Falcons. She wasn't tested often because her defense was outstanding, but when called upon the junior made the saves.

"I thought we did what we had to do today," said Hinchion. "We played everybody, and they all contributed. I thought Jackie Gauthier was fantastic in the middle feeding our forwards. Sullivan and Getchell made a good combination up front.

"Bottom line is this was a big win for us and puts us back where we want to be."