by Amherst used a strong second-half offensive performance to pull away from North Olmsted and earn a 5-2 victory in a competitive matchup.
The Comets controlled possession for much of the first half and created several scoring opportunities. Amherst recorded 13 shots in the opening half, compared with five from North Olmsted, but the Comets struggled to capitalize on their chances and remained scoreless through most of the half.
North Olmsted’s goalkeeper recorded 10 saves in the first half as Amherst continued to pressure the Eagles’ defense. The Comets finally broke through with 2:00 remaining before halftime when Olivia Janosik found the back of the net off a pass from Clara Miller. Amherst took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
North Olmsted came out aggressively to begin the second half. The Eagles controlled the ball early and took four shots in the first five minutes. Their pressure paid off when Amaya Capps scored off a pass from Esma Shahin to tie the game 1-1.
Amherst responded quickly. Bella Zagar scored off a pass from Sienna Rebman to put the Comets back in front, 2-1.
The Comets continued to create scoring opportunities and extended their lead when Mia Heuring scored Amherst’s next goal, with Rebman picking up another assist to make the score 3-1. Zagar then scored her second goal of the game, once again assisted by Rebman, to give the Comets a 4-1 advantage.
North Olmsted continued to battle despite the three-goal deficit. With 8:16 remaining in the game, Shahin found the back of the net to cut Amherst’s lead to 4-2 and give the Eagles some momentum late in the game.
Amherst quickly put an end to the comeback attempt. With 4:31 remaining, Julyiet Harden scored off another assist from Rebman to give Amherst a 5-2 lead and put the game out of reach.
Amherst finished the game with 27 shots compared with 13 from North Olmsted. After holding a one-goal lead at halftime, the Comets’ offense came alive in the second half, scoring four goals to secure the 5-2 victory.
The win was highlighted by Amherst’s ability to respond each time North Olmsted challenged them. After the Eagles tied the game early in the second half, the Comets scored three of the next four goals to regain control and finish the game strong.
Amherst Player of the Game: Sienna Rebman recorded four assists and played a key role in the Comet’s offense.
North Olmsted Player of the Game: Esma Shahin recorded a goal and an assist, contributing to both of North Olmsted’s goals.
