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Junior defender Adams plays prominent role in Polar Bears' victory
By Jeff Brewer
Special to the Beacon Journal
Published on Thursday, Oct 30, 2008
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS: Jackson sophomore Brianna DeFelice received the best birthday present of her young life on Wednesday night, even if it was a day late.
DeFelice scored in the first minute of the second overtime and lifted the Polar Bears to a thrilling 1-0 win over Walsh Jesuit in a Division I regional semifinal at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School.
Sophomore forward Abby Kenyon created the opportunity and DeFelice ran onto the ball, carrying it just inside the penalty area before striking her winning shot.
''I knew the goalie was going to come out and I had the far post open,'' said DeFelice, trying to catch her breath. ''I'll remember this forever.''
The Warriors dominated regulation time, but could not solve Jackson's sophomore goalkeeper Danielle Wiseman. At the start of the first overtime, the Polar Bears showed more offensive spark and began to maintain possession.
''It took us until overtime to establish any type of rhythm,'' Jackson coach Frank Gagliardi said. ''Hopefully, it's a little bit of perseverance and fitness. We probably had only two or three actual looks at goal, and we finally got one.''
Walsh Jesuit (16-2-1) had beaten Jackson 4-0 on Sept. 27 and had ended the Polar Bears' previous three seasons.
''The mental aspect was the biggest hurdle,'' Gagliardi said. ''Most of the girls have been through getting beat by Walsh time and again.''
Junior defender Andi Adams also played a prominent role in Jackson's shutout victory. Twice, she headed balls off the goal line when it appeared the Warriors might score. Her second save came midway through the first overtime.
''I just knew we could not let that goal in,'' said Adams.
In the first half, Walsh had 10 shots and five corner kicks to none for the Polar Bears. The Warriors' best opportunity came in the 28th minute following a corner kick. Adams was protecting the left post and headed the ball clear after it pin-balled back toward the goal.
''They saved a couple on the line and that's it,'' Walsh coach Dino McIntyre said. ''That's how it goes when you don't put your chances away.''
Walsh Jesuit sophomore Kelsey Smigel had an opportunity in the 63rd minute and her teammate Christen Westphal, a freshman midfielder, had a quality shot moments later.
With just over 11 minutes to play, Walsh senior sweeper Jaime Townsend's direct kick from 22 yards out was saved by Wiseman.
''We had beaten them the last three years in the playoffs, and I knew they were hungry,'' McIntyre said. ''I am not surprised.''
During the last two minutes of regulation play, the Polar Bears showed they had a lot left in their tank.
''Our job now is to represent their [Walsh Jesuit's] quality of play in our next match because they are an outstanding team,'' Gaglairdi said.
Jackson (18-3) advances to Saturday's regional final to meet the winner of Shaker Heights vs. Warren Howland.
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS: Jackson sophomore Brianna DeFelice received the best birthday present of her young life on Wednesday night, even if it was a day late.
Get the full article here.
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