Masuk Free Press

After a 2 – 0 win over the North Haven Nighthawks on Monday, Nov. 6, Masuk Girls Soccer is moving on to the second round in the CIAC 2023-2024 Division L Tournament. 

The Panthers started off strong, with senior captain Erin Davis taking the ball right out of the gate. They fought offensively, earning a corner kick at 3:18, taken by senior captain Marise Klutch. 6:14 into the game, the North Haven Nighthawks took a free kick, leading to a save by sophomore goalkeeper Kara Leandres. 

Senior captain Hannah Dorney, Davis and sophomore Ella McGee dominated the field with their foot skills as the girls continued to fight to keep the ball on North Haven’s side. With 16:58 left in the half, Masuk earned another corner kick, also taken by Klutch. 

From here the teams continued to battle for possession, shifting quickly between the teams offense and defense. 

The Panthers shifted into a strong offensive with seven minutes remaining in the half. With 4:22 until the buzzer, junior Tatianna Fabryk scored from the 45 yard line, the ball rolling off the fingers of the Nighthawks goalie and into the back of the net. The half ended 1 – 0 in Masuk’s favor.

“Me and the other captains watched a lot of their film to find their strengths and weaknesses, so we sort of knew what to expect,” said Davis. “They are a strong team and had a good record against Mercy, one of the top teams in the state, but we were able to gain possession and score.”

Masuk came out aggressive at the start of the second half. At just 3:16 Davis took a shot that was then rebounded by McGee into the goal, bringing the score to 2 – 0. 

The Panthers continued to create opportunities with shots from junior Brianna VanDerheyden, Fabryk, McGee and Davis. 

Halfway through the second half, the Panthers shifted to defense, but held strong with great effort from Klutch and sophomore Emily Poole. With continued effort from the team and saves by Leandres, the girls fought until the end. The final score was 2 – 0, a Masuk win. 

 The Panthers are set to play Sacred Heart Academy Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the second round. Head out and support them at two p.m. at Sacred Heart Academy.