Kelly Scores 2 in Season Opening Victory over Middletown

September 9, 2008...  Sophomore midfielder Claire Kelly scored her 2nd goal of the night eight minutes into overtime to secure a 2-1 season opening victory for Tuscarora over county rival Middletown.

The matchup between perennial state powers lived up to its billing as the teams battled in a fast paced open ended attacking game in which the Titans outshot the Knights 15-11.  The Titans were dangerous in the first half as they won 4 corners early, leading to tremendous service from senior All-State midfielder Danielle Roos.  Seniors Selena Mason and Melissa Sweeney found themselves on the end of the service but just missed capitalizing on their chances.  For the evening, the Titans won 6 corners to the Knights 1. The Titans had appeared to have taken the lead in the 10th minute on a goal by senior forward Stephanie Andrews, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul.  Andrews proved to be dynamic all evening as she recorded 4 shots and just missed a regulation game winner after hitting the post.

The game went to halftime knotted at 0-0.  The Titans finally got a corner correct as Kelly headed home a serve from Roos to take the lead in the 66th minute.  The Knights came right back though and tied the game three minutes later on a goal by Jacky Kessler.  The Titans would not be denied though, as Kelly received a ball from Andrews 25 yards from goal and drove the ball into the far side netting for the win in the 88th minute.

Senior Sarah Maffei and sophomore Annie Wickett combined to record 6 saves in the win.  The Titans next meet Century on Tuesday, September 16.