Good Counsel Beats Holy Cross

Continuing their improbable playoff run, the eighth-seeded St. John’s girls shut out Paul VI 4-0 Friday night in Fairfax. The Cadets advance to the WCAC title game against Good Counsel Sunday morning with hopes of winning their second straight league championship.

“We played with a lot of heart, and that has made the difference so far. I think our fans would agree with us,” said sophomore Zoe Conrad after the game.

Both teams had near misses within the first few minutes of play. Paul VI threatened to score when the Cadets’ sophomore keeper Kirsten Glad slipped, leaving an open shot for freshman Cali Hutson, but her shot was just wide. The Cadets responded with a near goal of their own. Senior keeper Erin McDonald for the Panthers came far out of the goal and made a gutsy save in the middle of traffic.

Conrad scored the first goal of the match off of a great cross by teammate senior Rosie Brinckerhoff. It looked as though Paul VI might respond when they had a strong drive a short while later, but senior Stefanie Mueller’s shot sailed over the top of the goal.

Throughout the half, Saint John’s played aggressive, and the Panthers appeared outmatched by the Cadets superior footwork and passing. The Cadets doubled their lead when sophomore Shannon Collins scored off of a pass from freshman Kat Colevas in the final five minutes before halftime.

The Panthers replaced McDonald with senior Melissa Westphal after halftime. St. John’s began the second half of play just as aggressive and energized as the first, and Conrad tapped in a pass from Collins to put the Cadets up 3-0 within the first ten minutes of the half.

The Lady Panthers had a few shots but appeared frustrated. Senior Casey Vornadore of Paul VI received a yellow card after tangling with an opposing player and pulling her to the ground. Vornadore left the game after this call but later returned to play. The Panthers were led for the most part by freshman Cali Hutson, who looks to be a standout in the coming years. Hutson had several shots and a few passes to set up shots for her teammates.

Sophomore Maisie McCune scored the final goal of the match for the Cadets from several yards out as Westphal dove for the ball and just barely missed.

“We’re just so happy, especially because we had such a tough time making chemistry in the beginning of the season,” said Conrad.

Through the playoffs, the Cadets have defeated McNamara in a play-in game, top-seeded O’Connell, and now Paul VI. Heading into Sunday’s championship game, St. John’s has just five league wins in comparison to Good Counsel’s 13.

“We know what we can do. We’re ecstatic to be at this point,” said Conrad.

Scoring Summary

Paul VI Saves: Erin McDonald (5), Melissa Westphal (5)

St. John’s Goals: Zoe Conrad (2), Shannon Collins, Maisie McCune

St. John’s Saves: Kirsten Glad (7)