This past week, the Yeshiva League girls floor hockey championship game took place in the Ma’ayanot gym, which was filled with a packed crowd. The game featured the number one ranked, undefeated Frisch Cougars versus the SAR Sting. It was an intense game that featured smothering defenses and great goalkeeping, but Frisch won 1-0 in double overtime.
In the first period, both teams traded penalties but neither was able to score. SAR had an intense defense that kept Frisch’s prolific offense quiet. Shift after shift, both teams seemed to be dumping the ball deep into their opponent’s corner and then chasing after it with no success.
The second period was more of the same. As the game continued, the intensity increased. Both teams seemed to understand how crucial one goal would be and were determined not to let the other team score.
Fans for both teams were on the edge of their seats imploring their players to keep clearing the puck and taking shots on goal. In the third period, both teams had chances, but tremendous goalkeeping by Lily Acton of Frisch and Jordana Rudolph of SAR would push this 0-0 game to overtime.
As you would expect in sudden death, both teams were going 100%, despite being drained. Coaches and fans were on eggshells every time the ball was near their goal and implored their players to shoot when it was near the opponent’s goal. With one minute left in the first overtime, a crucial penalty was called on SAR. Coach Yaakov Lisker of Frisch sent out his power play line consisting of Emma Hornblass, Gaby Hoffer, Hannah Bensley and Adi Benharush. With moments left in the period, Hoffer fed a pass to Hornblass for a shot but Rudolph made a great save.
Frisch started the second overtime with 34 seconds left on the power play. Frisch was determined to take advantage of the extra man. From the face-off Frisch moved the ball into the offensive zone. SAR tried to clear but Benharush kept the ball in at the line with her hand. The ball clipped the stick of the SAR defender, negating the handpass. With only 11 seconds elapsed, Hornblass corralled the loose ball and rifled a shot toward the net. The SAR defender got a piece of the shot but the ball deflected up and past the SAR goalie. Hornblass’s goal won Frisch the Yeshiva League championship by a score of 1-0. Lily Acton was named the championship MVP for her great goaltending.
Congratulations to the undefeated 2023 Frisch Cougars on becoming the MYHSAL girls hockey champions! Everyone on the team worked hard to accomplish this great achievement.
By Jewish Link Staff
