For The Tribune
Before Thursday’s home soccer game, the Owls recognized the four seniors along with their parents, and the seniors didn’t disappoint the Owls’ fans.
Senior Marida Cerda scored what could have been the winning goal early in the match versus the Bedford North Lawrence Stars at Seymour’s C. B. Hess Soccer Complex, but the Owls had to settle for a draw versus a tough, physical Bedford North Lawrence team.
The Owls scored in the ninth minute when junior Grace Hartman crossed an assist to Maria Cerda, who fired to put the Owls up 1-0.
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In the 28th minute, Owls goalkeeper Rachel Collett made a diving save that looked like a certain goal, which kept the Owls in the lead.
However, in the 29th minute the Stars were awarded a penalty kick from 12 yards away on a controversial play.
They connected on the penalty kick and tied the score at 1-1, which was the final score for the half.
Following intermission, the Stars came out ready to play, as they took 11 of their 18 total shots in the second half.
The Stars’ possession put the Owls on the defensive side for much of the second half.
Collett ended up with 17 saves for the game, and 11 of them occurred in the second half.
The Owls only took three shots on goal in the second half, compared to taking ten shots in the first 40 minutes.
Owls coach Greg Musser was pleased with the Owls mental toughness, especially in the second half.
“We bended, but didn’t break,” Musser said. “We played without Kayla Griffin who we hope to have back (from injury) next week. You have to give Bedford credit. They came out ready to play in the second half.”
The Owls didn’t take their first shot of the second half until the 15th minute, and Bedford had already taken six shots before that.
Owls seniors Louisa Carter and Elizabeth Davis cleared the ball many times on the for the Owls defense in their defensive back positions.
Both Carter and Davis were credited with a save for the game.
The Owls varsity move to 3-6-2 for the season and will host Salem on Saturday.