(CONTINUED)

 

    Springfield also held Strath Haven junior standout Emily Garrity to one goal until the final minute.
    “We had Shannon Doyle face-guarding her and she did a really good job,” Poplawski said. “Even if she got the transition ball, we all knew we had to slide and help and get right on top her.”
    Meghan Kearney posted six saves in goal for Springfield.
    Annalise Penikis and Courtney DeVinney each added two goals for the Panthers, who had lost, 15-7, to the Cougars during the Central League season.
    “I’m very proud of my team; we’re very young,” said coach Margie Garrity, whose team got as close as 7-5 in the second half. “I’m not the least bit disappointed with their effort. We never give up. That’s why people don’t like to play us; we’re gritty and we hang in there.”