In a nail-biting showdown, the Randolph Girls Ice Hockey team edged out Chatham 2-1 in overtime to win the season-opener game on Friday, Dec 6.
The first period set the tone for an intense matchup, with both Randolph and Chatham coming out determined and trading shots on goal.
Chatham broke the scoreless game later in the period, finding the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead. This goal added urgency to the game, as the Rams ramped up their efforts to respond.
Randolph came out strong in the second period, determined to even the score. The skaters’ persistence paid off midway through the period when sophomore Promise Kinnier passed the puck across the ice to junior Amelia Kolbik, who placed it into the left corner of the net.
With the score leveled at 1-1, the momentum began to shift as the Rams pressed harder and took control of the game.
“The key was to speak up and cover your body,” co-captain Yolanda Sabillion said. “The way each and every player took pride in their position and worked hard was amazing.”
Going into third period the game was still tied. The Rams played with grit and kept the intensity high, creating several scoring opportunities and locking down Chatham’s defense.
However, as the clock wound down, the Rams faced a tough challenge with two late penalties, leaving them playing a five-on-three game. Despite this disadvantage, Randolph kept its composure and prevented Chatham from capitalizing. Goalie Maria Dlugolecki made crucial saves and defenders Lily Zepp and Caroline Coe ensured that the game remained tied at 1-1.
“Our focus was defense first, and everyone shut down their top players or at least limited their high-quality shots,” Assistant Coach Rob Stadtlander commented.
Overtime brought high stakes and even higher intensity, with both teams fighting for the win. With two minutes remaining, freshman Charna Torres received a pass from sophomore Lia Carroll and sped past Chatham’s defense, creating a 1v1 with the goalie and burying the puck in the net. The goal sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory, sending the Rams into celebration mode and capping off an unforgettable game.
“We played aggressively, and everyone worked hard to keep the puck outside, which led us to get the win,” Dlugolecki said.
“The team really stepped up to the plate and executed a true team game,” Head Coach Scott Aiello added.
The Rams take on Kent Place next, on Friday, Dec. 13.
