As the clock was ticking down, Westfield was fighting for the win after blowing a 3-1 lead. Scotch-Plains Fanwood was applying the pressure and was not backing down. With four minutes left, SPF barriers went into the back of the net off a stroke. Silence fell throughout Kehler stadium as the Blue Devils fell to SPF 4-3.
The Blue Devils dominated from the first whistle with their intensity and offensive pressure. Both teams fought viciously but Westfield kept coming out on top. With their momentum, they scored twice to take the lead at the end of the first quarter.
Caroline Loggie, senior captain, said, “I think our offensive players did a really good job bringing the ball up the sideline and they were able to capitalize on that with our three goals.”
Although Westfield started off strong, SPF wasn’t backing down. The Raiders responded in the second quarter by strengthening their defensive line and were able to find the back of the net, sending the teams into half time with the Blue Devils up 2-1.
The Blue Devils offense was fighting throughout the extremely close game. Sophomore Taylor Morris scored the first goal, and then later scored again which contributed to Westfield’s momentum. She said, “I think we were able to capitalize on moving in the circle and finishing our shots.”
Throughout the third quarter it was a tight back and forth game. Westfield pushed back, putting one more goal in. But the Raiders did not back down and scored with a minute left into the third quarter, cutting Westfield’s lead to one.
As the fourth quarter began, both teams battled to gain control of the game. Westfield looked to protect their lead as SPF looked to tie the game up. The Raiders found the back of the goal once more, to make it 3-3.
The Blue Devils fought back, yet SPF earned a stroke and capitalized on this opportunity to put them in front. Westfield fought the rest of the game, but was unable to find another goal. After a strong start, Westfield fell to SPF 4-3.
Assistant Coach Corrine Varhley said, “I think our biggest challenge was our defensive corner unit. We just couldn’t make the adjustments, there were some corners that we didn’t step up, which is how SPF scored most of their goals.”
Following the Raiders, the Blue Devils will be at home against Montgomery High School on Saturday and Tuesday against Cranford.
