Shepherd Hill girls snap Auburn’s 36 win streak

Goalie Meghan Dunn

Text And Photos By Steev Riccardo

Auburn – The Shepherd Hill Rams girl’s soccer team put on a masterful defensive performance and shutout the Auburn Rockets 1-0 on Thursday night handing them their first defeat in 36 games.

Senior Amanda Keovongmanysar scored the lone Rams goal, while junior goalkeeper Meghan Dunn earned the shutout giving the Rams an 11-2-3 record on the season.

There were several other stellar efforts but ultimately in all came down to defense which has been one of the major reasons the Rams have been so good this year having allowed only 21 goals against all season.

Seniors Lauren Barton and Taylor Daniels, along with junior Alyssa Silk all played exceptional games for the Rams, who avenged  a 3-1 loss at home to the Rockets on October 9.

Lauren Barton, Taylor Daniels, and Alyssa Silk vs. Northbridge

“This team wanted this win more than they wanted anything else this season,” said Rams coach Sarah Garneau. “This (game) was huge for us, we just beat two teams that were undefeated back to back and I couldn’t be happier”.

Earlier in the week, Garneau’s Rams defeated the previously unbeaten Northbridge Rams 2-1 at home in another outstanding defensive effort.

Garneau also praised Keovongmanysar for staying focused on the game’s only goal. “Amanda kept her composure, she wasn’t covered, she had a nice shot, and she didn’t let her nerves get to her and she put it in the net.”

“Our defense was absolutely outstanding,” said Dunn, who was

only needed to make a few saves but came up big when she had to. “We marked up really well and didn't let them get any real good opportunities.”

Daniels, who played a superb game was very exited about the win.
“Winning that game meant everything to us. Defense wins games. It came down to what team wanted it more last night and we were that team. Getting to every ball counted and stopping every ball counted. Everyone who stepped foot on that field last night gave it their all and kept pushing till the final whistle! At the end of the day it all comes down to team and I couldn't be any prouder of mine.”

The Rams will play at Shrewsbury tomorrow (October 25) in their final game which could be important in helping to determine their seed in the playoffs.

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