WOODBRIDGE — Milford dominated Woodbridge on Saturday, controlling the pace throughout and winning 5-0 in a game where both teams were jockeying for playoff position.
Milford established control early as junior Isabel Betts tallied her first of two goals in the game just 1:20 into the game.. The goal came off a scramble in front of the net and set the tone for the attacking posture Milford would maintain for the majority of the game.
Halfway through the first quarter Milford senior Hannah Zimmerman doubled the advantage, she carrying the ball from just outside the circle, weaving between defenders before getting off a backhanded shot that would double the Milford advantage to 2-0
“This was a big game for us today, and when I had the opportunity, I wanted to make sure we got the goal. I just saw a lane and went for it.” Zimmerman said.
Woodbridge looked as if they might work themselves back into the game following the Zimmerman goal, piecing together some nice passing to work the ball into the Milford circle. From there they would draw four consecutive penalty corner opportunities, but each time a solid Milford defense would stiffen and keep the score sheet clean.
“We have been working on sharpening our set-piece plays as the season has gone forward, and it really showed in that series.” Milford coach Andrea McPike said.
Milford controlled the remainder of the second half, keeping Woodbridge on the back foot while making runs at the opposition’s net. The work would finally pay off as Betts would score her second goal of the game on a shot from the right side with just 3:45 remaining in the second quarter. Milford would take the 3-0 lead into halftime.
The second half started much like the first, as Zimmerman sent a rocket into the net just 3:48 into the third quarter. The goal settled the issue for the most part, as Woodbridge was unable to score on the day. Milford junior keeper Madison Stahl cast away all of the four shots she faced on the day.
The final goal would come from senior Bailey Masten at the 9:13 mark of the fourth quarter, extending the Milford advantage to 5-0 and close out the scoring.
The win was the third consecutive victory for Milford, which now stands at 8-4 after losing three straight games midway through the season against quality teams.
“We really just worked through it and stepped up our game. While they were tough games to lose, we knew that there were things we could fix,” McPike said. “I really have to credit the whole team with taking on the challenge of getting better. They really accepted how much better they could be playing and continue to work to get better.”
Milford will host Caesar Rodney this Tuesday for Senior Day. The game will start at 4pm.
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