West Hartford’s Hall High School girls soccer team hosted Northwest Catholic on Senior Night Wednesday.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Savannah Cote. Photos by Craig Rosenberg

The Hall-Northwest Catholic cross-town rivalry was every bit as wonderful as anticipated on Wednesday evening, with both schools struggling hard from the initial tip to the final whistle in what easily came to be a defensive clinic.

For the majority of the game, it appeared as though it would be a stalemate, as both schools struggled intensely to prevent the other from having an unmistakable path to victory. But ultimately, Northwest Catholic was able to break through and claim the bragging rights with a tough-fought, narrow win.

The intensity was palpable from the opening whistle. The Lions came out determined, employing early pressure and testing Hall’s defense right away. But the Titans were immovable, pushing back against each challenge with their own defensive toughness. Each possession had to be wrestled, each pass mattered, and neither team was willing to yield an inch.

Northwest Catholic’s defensive unit was the key to their win, accumulating a spectacular performance to shut out Hall. Elsie Muska and Mya Montoney were a pair of sparkplugs on the back line, using their speed and alertness to intercept passes and shut down scoring opportunities.

Olivia Roberts and Maisie Boucher also came up with defensive gems in the game, stifling Hall’s attack and keeping the Lions in control. And perhaps the greatest play of the evening was Ashlyn Sklenka’s defensive stand with only 30 seconds remaining, which secured the game and kept Hall from sending it into overtime.

Offensively, Northwest Catholic capitalized on its few chances. The turning point came when Roberts, who was operating on both sides of the field, delivered a pinpoint pass to Samantha Casper. Casper wasn’t waiting around – she scored the winning goal that would ultimately prove to be the difference-maker. The rapport between the two showed the Lions’ balance of composure and imagination under pressure.

Hall, however, would not relent. The Titans fought until the final minute, grinding and gritting as the clock ticked away. Their defensive unit of Paige Keena, Alexa Reilly, Kyra Baun, and Lilah Stagg struggled to contain the Lions’ offense, blocking shots and closing down angles.

Goalie Sadie Leibin was Hall’s most reliable player, making a number of key saves – including deep shots by Sklenka and Maeve Staunton – to keep Hall afloat. Her quick response and good contact with the back line assisted in keeping Northwest Catholic at bay.

Even in their loss, the Titans left the field with their heads high. They played to their ability, exhibiting the improvement, teamwork, and never-say-die spirit that characterize their program.

The win was a rebound for Northwest Catholic (9-4-1), after losses last week against Simsbury and Farmington – a momentum-builder heading into the state tournament. The Lions will host Bloomfield/East Windsor (1-10-1) on Senior Night on Friday, Oct. 17, and finish the season against Lewis Mills (12-2) on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way the girls performed today. We have a team that loves the spotlight and embraces the big occasions,” Northwest Catholic head coach Steve Carnes said.

Hall, now 6-5-2 plays away against Lewis Mills on Friday, Oct. 17, and will finish the season by hosting crosstown rival Conard (5-8-1) on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

When the whistle sounded to signal the end of the game, Northwest Catholic’s sideline erupted in exhilaration. The Lions captured the game but the Titans showed their grit. It was a game filled with heart, hustle, and defense – a rivalry game that again showed people why this game is one of the state’s finest in Connecticut high school athletics.

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