VIDEO, PHOTOS: Middle holds off LCM’s late rally to remain in first place in CAL National

Posted: September 28th 2024

Middle Township's Elle Curvan (left) and Lower Cape May's Sophia Sharp clash sticks during Friday's field hockey game.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

ERMA – The Middle Township High School field hockey team capped a terrific week with a victory over its closest rival Friday afternoon.

After twice going ahead by two goals, the Lady Panthers escaped with a narrow 3-2 win – their seventh straight – over a Lower Cape May team that threatened all the way to the finish. That result came two days after Middle pulled into a tie with Millville for first place in the Cape-Atlantic National Conference by edging the Thunderbolts in overtime, 2-1.

“The overtime win over Millville definitely helped because it gave us some momentum going into this game,” Middle coach Janina Perna said. “This game is always so physical and hard no matter what the teams’ records are. This was the kind of game it always is with Lower.”

After a mostly quiet first quarter, Middle vaulted to a two-goal lead behind tallies by Elle Curvan and Natalie Stoltz a little more than two minutes apart. But Lower’s Nora Shoffler got one back for her team with a vicious blast from the top edge of the scoring circle to make it a 2-1 game at the half.

Middle restored its two-goal advantage after Gwen Boal deftly tipped the ball away from two defenders and across the front of the cage to Allie Brady, who easily flicked the ball into the cage.

Again, though, Lower answered. Reilly Satt scored to finish an excellent transition play by the Lady Tigers late in the third quarter to make the game closer going into the final period.

Lower earned a handful of corner chances and at times pressured immensely over the remainder of the game but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Lady Tigers repeatedly created quick transition opportunities thanks to long hits by Shoffler and Brooke Robinson. They nearly leveled the terms with 12 minutes remaining when a shot got past Middle goalkeeper Frankie Taylor after a corner insert but Middle’s Abbey Cappelletti alertly swept the ball away before it crossed the goal line.

“We as coaches were nervous that we were going to give in to a different style of play,” Perna said. “We emphasized to the girls to keep playing your game, keep using your skill, keep doing the right things with the ball and keep taking care of possession. I think we stayed ahead and won because the girls didn’t lose patience and kept playing their game.”

For Lower Cape May (3-4-2 overall, 2-3-2 CAL National), the result was another narrow defeat for a young team that features just three seniors. All four of the team’s losses have been by one goal.

“I wouldn’t say it’s frustrating because I’m incredibly proud of this team and the composure that they play with no matter who we play and what their attitude and effort is on the field,” Lower coach Anne Bracken said. “I’m 100 percent proud of them.”

Middle (7-1 overall, CAL National) can clinch at least a share of the conference title with wins in its remaining conference games against Mainland, Cedar Creek and Oakcrest – teams Middle has already beaten once each earlier this season. 

Middle’s lone loss to date came in a 2-1 decision to Millville in the season opener.

Middle has forged its success despite having a small roster. The team regularly dresses only approximately 15 players for each game.

“I knew this team had a lot of potential,” Pern said. “We have a few things going against us, like our numbers, but they take it game by game and they work hard at practice. This is where I thought we had a chance to be. We didn’t lose a tremendous amount from last year and we had a lot of experience returning. So I’m not surprised the girls have played this well. We just have to keep it going.”