By Christopher Shaban
Eagle Times Sports
SUNAPEE — The Lakers started out the game Sunday just as they wanted.
Abby Pollari scored 90 seconds in and Bryn Smith added another tally at the 34-minute mark on the way to a 3-0 win over Pittsburg-Canaan, but then the 12-day layoff took effect on Sunapee.
“I know having nearly two weeks of practice isn’t ideal but we did what we needed to today and we’ll look to get better before our next game,” said Sunapee head coach Myles Cooney.
After that rip roaring start, the Lakers’ feet were moving faster then the game as they just seemed to have a hard time hitting what they were passing at. The game favored Sunapee in every way as the Lakers controlled 75% of play, but the shots were off target and their runs were met with a strong Pittsburg-Canaan defense.
Ellie Frederick played an outstanding game. She seemed to be everywhere on the field from her midfield position. As Frederick controlled the center of the action, Pollari and Smith were joined by Elizabeth Tschudin and Liz Nichols on the attacking line with plenty of shots to go around for everyone.
With Sunapee blasting away from all angles, the fearless PC keeper Joy Hanlon kept the visitors within striking distance, holding Sunapee to only a 2-0 lead.
Sunapee opened the second half looking to grow that lead and when Smith rolled into the corner, her cross found Nichols and her shot put the Lakers up 3-0 barely two minutes into the second half.
That score took a lot of energy out of PC and Sunapee was just too quick and powerful to give the No. 8 seed any ideas of an upset. Sunapee played downhill for most of the second half and the final 20 minutes belonged to the Lakers in the visitors’ side of the field.
“We’re still hungry and I know we can do better. This is a day that I feel lucky to grab a win so we’ll hit the practice field at Proctor Academy and get ready for the turf field in Laconia,” said Cooney.
The Sunapee players were sporting a glitter addition to their faces Sunday thanks to Frederick.
“I thought it would be fun to put some glitter on and everyone seemed to be OK with it,” said the senior as she smiled from from ear to ear. “It brought us a win today so maybe we’ll do it again on Thursday.”
No. 1 Sunapee will next play at 6:15 p.m. at the Bank of NH stadium to face the winner of No. 4 Littleton and No. 5 Portsmouth Christian.
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