The Ramblers get several key saves from Tabitha Therrien while blanking Telstar.
By Bob McPhee
Staff Writer

WINTHROP – Nicole Emery scored off a penalty corner in the second half and goalie Tabitha Therrien made several solid saves as Winthrop held on for a 1-0 field hockey win against Telstar.

The defending MVC champions have won four-straight games, since losing their season opener to Hall Dale.

“Our play was surprising today,” Winthrop coach Sharon Coulton said. “We were missing a defenseman who broke her nose in practice. Plus, it’s a different system out there with two halfbacks and a sweeper, instead of three halfbacks and a sweeper.”

On the game’s lone goal, the ball came in from the left side and Emery drilled a low shot past Rebel goalie Heather Gionet (five saves) into the far corner of the cage. Kenzie Demkowicz assisted on the play with 20:22 left in the game.

“What can I say,” Emery said. “I was just hoping the ball would come across cleanly and not be deflected. The ball went where I aimed it.”

Telstar (3-2) carried the play between the 25-yard lines, but hurt itself by not being able to finish off shots in the offensive zone. Six separate shooters couldn’t connect on corner plays.

A key sequence occurred midway through the second half when Telstar forwards Alanna Borst and Kayla Mills peppered the crease. Therrien fell on the ball and a penalty stroke was awarded. Telstar sweeper Ashley Stambolis flicked a shot, but Therrien made a diving save.

“This team can do better,” Telstar halfback Santana Wilson said. “Our record doesn’t show what we are capable of because we’re not playing up to our potential.”

The game ended after Telstar had been awarded a penalty corner, but was unable to poke the ball past Therrien in the crease.