By Michael Letendre

STORRS – Dismissing what the Bristol Eastern girls soccer team accomplished in 2021 would be foolish.

Because after a rough and rocky start to the campaign, the squad eventually played much better and managed to qualify for the state tournament.

An 0-3 start flipped into a quality 5-5-2 finish to end the regular season and, in turn, earned a spot in the Class L postseason bracket.

First round play saw the 27th ranked Lancers battle No. 6 Edwin O. Smith in what turned into a CCC Interdivisional confrontation.

And while the 3-0 shutout from Storrs ended Eastern’s season, Lancers’ coach Scott Redman reported that the final result “was not as lopsided as the scoreboard indicated.”

“It was a very competitive game with the Lancers creating numerous chances,” said Redman. “However, in the end, E.O. Smith goalkeeper Mira Mahmoud was too tough to beat and the better team advanced.”

Ten minutes into the fray, the Panthers’ Emma Nohemer blasted a free kick from just outside the 18 into the far upper 90 to give the home squad an 1-0 push.

And then with about 15 minutes to go in the first half, Smith scored once again.

This time around, Maddison Hughes found space about 30 yards from goal and lofted a fancy chip shot over the head of Eastern keeper Grace D’Amato for a 2-0 lead. 

That push lasted into half and in the second forty as Smith eventually went into time management mode.

“After gaining the lead, E.O. was content sitting back a little more than normal and shuffling in substitutions,  in an attempt to stay fresh for a potential three game week,” reported Redman. “BE [showed] a drastic improvement in play from the first meeting of the season, finding more possession and creativity throughout the match.”

Finally, with seven minutes remaining in the showdown, Smith’s Paige Raynor tucked in a rebound to put the game away as the home team scooped up a 3-0 win.

Mahmond made four saves for the Panthers while D’Amato, making excellent showings all season long, nabbed eight.

The match marked the final contest for Eastern seniors Ciara Collins, Maura Cyr, Audra Porowski, Grace D’Amato and Victoria Kosciukiewicz.

Class L First Round Girls Soccer

EDWIN O. SMITH 3, BRISTOL EASTERN 0

from Edwin O. Smith high school, Storrs

Bristol Eastern (5-9-2) 0 0 – 0

Edwin O. Smith (11-2-4) 2 1 – 3

Scoring:

10th minute – Emma Nohemer (EO)

25th minute – Maddison Hughes (EO)

73rd minute – Paige Raynor (EO)

Saves:

Grace D’Amato (Bristol Eastern), 8; Mira Mahmoud (Edwin O. Smith), 4

Records: Edwin O. Smith 11-2-4; Bristol Eastern 5-9-2