By Christopher Shaban
Eagle Times Correspondent
WINDSOR, VT — Audrey Rupp opened the scoring just 30 seconds into the game for Windsor and the Yellow Jackets and never looked back during their 10-1 victory over Springfield during their playdown game on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Rupp was far from done though as she earned a hat trick in the first 10 minutes of the contest. Her second goal came on a header following a beautiful corner kick from Olivia MacLeay.
MacLeay extended the lead to 4-0 with a goal of her own in the 28th minute. The lefty used her non-dominant foot to cross the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.
Less than 4 minutes later, Windsor found the back of the net again thanks to Gabbi Crane. The goal was set up by another excellent corner kick from MacLeay.
Just over 3 minutes into the second half, MacLeay added her second goal of the afternoon to give Windsor a 6-0 advantage.
The Yellow Jackets and Cosmos went on a 17-minute scoring drought before Springfield notched its first goal in the 61st minute. Amelia Murchie capitalized for the Cosmos on a shot from close range.
Following the score by Springfield, Windsor added 2 goals in close succession. Crane added her second goal of the afternoon during a crowded battle in front of the net. About 1 minute later, Rupp added her fourth goal of the game after a well-executed lead pass by Kemari Wildgoose.
Windsor received its final two goals from players who had yet to score this season. Senior defender Miah McAllister and sophomore Lily Keefe found the back of the net in the game’s final minutes.
“It was exciting to have everyone chip-in today as we had a lot of minutes from the bench. In other playoff games we might not be in a situation to be able to get them that experience,” said Windsor Co-Coach Jen Rupp.
For the third-seeded Yellow Jackets, it was their third win of the season against No. 14 seed Springfield. The Cosmos finished the season at 4-11.
Goal scorers for Windsor included Rupp (4), MacLeay (2), Crane (2), McAllister and Keefe. MacLeay (2), Rupp (2) and Wildgoose had assists for the Yellow Jackets. MacLeay reached an impressive milestone by scoring the 50th goal of her career.
“It was a great team effort,” said Audrey Rupp. “Kemari was great in midfield, Bri Barton in the midfield was great, and our defense with Miah McAllister kind of being that lead person that keeps everybody together.”
Coach Rupp also highlighted the efforts of Audrey Rupp, MacLeay and Crane, who totaled 8 goals on the afternoon.
After the game, junior Sophia Dufour echoed Audrey Rupp’s thoughts about it being a team effort.
“I really like my wing position and thrive on hitting the runners in the middle of the field,” Dufour said. “We are one big family and all we want is success from everyone.”
In Windsor’s (13-1-1) next game, they host No. 11 seed Danville/Twinfield/Cabot (6-6-2) in a quarterfinal matchup on Friday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.