University City Lions Devour MICDS in Field Hockey Cliff Hanger

The University City field hockey program, left for nearly dead eight short years ago is stronger than ever and is becoming one of the most prominent teams in the area this season.

On Tuesday, the Lions roared to a 1-0 road victory over mighty Edwardsville. On Wednesday, U. City beat MICDS 3-2 in sudden-death stroke play.

Assistant coach Lexy Byrne said everying is improving. “We are building a legacy.”

It wasn’t an easy win. The Lions fell behind 2-0 in the first half on Rams goals. The first was by senior Claire Townsley who scored two minutes into the game. Then, with 10 minutes left in the first half, senior Molly Scott took a second goal assisted by junior Claire Rush. With 22 shots attempted by MICDS, and only three shots attempted by U. City, the first half was dominated by the Rams.

In the second half, the Lions came busting back. Assisted by Merinda Morley, Allie Hines scored the Lions' first goal five minutes into the second half as a result of a penalty shot. The second score by Mandy York knotted the game  at 2-2. It was obvious that the Lions were hungry for a win.

“People underestimate us. But we are having a great season,"  said goalkeeper Ellie McCray.

Excellent goalkeeping was exhibited by senior stalwart McCray. She used a variety of kick saves and often came out 20 and 30 yards to challenge MICDS attackers. The game went into overtime with no score as a result, which put them into strokes, five shooters against one goalie for each team.

“McCray is a force to be reckoned with,” coach Marisa Shephard said.

She described McCray as poised, calm and confident. She has guarded the Lions goal since her freshman year, making this her fourth year as goalkeeper. Shephard said, “She had 33 saves today. That’s a lot in one game.”

In the first round of strokes, MICDS took the first shot. The Rams' Catherine Ross shot high and hit the goal for a point. Next, U. City’s Miranda Morley sent a low shot flying for a point. McCray attempted to block a stroke by Eleanor Condie but the ball rolled off of her glove and into the net for another point credited to MICDS.

MICDS goalkeeper Amelia Sprong reached to block Abbey Shea’s stroke without success for a 2-2 strokes tie.

In the final strokes shoot off, Ross of MICDS shot was blocked by McCray. In a final sudden death situation, Morley zipped the winning shot past Sprong for a 1-0 victory.

Abby Shea said going into today’s game, “We have never even come close to beating MICDS. I never thought we would be able to do this.” After two big wins in a row, Shea said, “Anything is possible. The win over Edwardsville gave us a positive attitude.”

The U. City field hockey team made history with the win over MICDS. McCray said, “This is amazing. I am proud of my team.

Download the movie