(Frisch sports) The Frisch Cougars took on the Ramaz Rams on Sunday June 9, at Maayanot High school. While not perfect, Ramaz came into the championship as the #3 seed going 6-0-2 without a loss all season. Frisch on the other hand came in as the #1 seed after going 7-1 in the regular season. Their one loss came at the hands of Ramaz, a 1-0 nail biter back in mid April. Goalie Evie Rosenfeld shined in that game and the Rams were hoping for a repeat performance.
Ramaz’s path to the championship went first through Maayanot the #6 seed with a 2-1 win in the quarterfinals. Then they went on the road in the semis to the #2 seed HAFTR Hawks, (the East division winner) where they pulled out a 3-2 win. Frisch had a bye in the quarterfinals and then faced off against the SAR Sting in the semis (a rematch of last year’s double overtime championship). Frisch pulled out a 1-0 win once again.
On offense Frisch has been led all season by senior captain Emma Hornblass who had led the team in scoring alongside senior assistant captain Rachel Schwartz. Senior Hannah Bensley and sophomore Gabby Hoffer have proven to be tenacious in the offensive zone with and without the ball. Seniors Aviva Kleinhaus and Izzy Meyers have provided support along with strong contributions from four freshmen; Yocheved Nagel, Gabriella Butler, Emma Abish and Laya Rosenberg.
On defense Frisch has boasted three shut down lines. Senior assistant captains Adi Benharush and Tali Abacassis, senior twins Meira and Yaffa Pressner, and freshman Talia Hamburger and Jordana Rosenfield. Senior Sophia Esses also contributed all season slotting in seamlessly covering for a myriad of injuries or whenever called upon.
In goal is sophomore phenom Lily Acton who gave up just three goals all season.
The anticipation for the championship was high as everyone knew the top two goalies would be squaring off.
The game got underway with both teams fired up. Just over a minute later Frisch would be called for a high stick and their number one penalty killer was heading to the box. Hoffer, Hamburger and Rosenfield killed off the penalty, beautifully keeping the ball in the offensive zone for much of the minute and half. Play continued for the next seven minutes or so with constant battles and few good scoring opportunities but nothing to show for it. With a little over three minutes left in the first, Frisch had a dominant shift which Rosenfeld stood tall making save after save. Rosenfeld was finally able to freeze the ball but not before Ramaz was called for a roughing penalty in front of the net. The Frisch powerplay got some great looks and some prime shots but could not get one past Rosenfeld. The period ended 0-0.
Frisch was determined not to have a repeat of their loss earlier in the season and with 8:15 remaining in the second period they finally broke through. Hornblass battled on the boards behind the net and was able to gain a step on the defender. She came around the net a few feet from the goal and wristed the ball to the far side top corner for the 1-0 lead. Frisch never looked back after that. With energy levels soaring and using their depth, Frisch pinned Ramaz in their own zone for extended portions of the remainder of the game. Frisch wore down Ramaz and never let them get close. Frisch’s defense was superb, keeping Ramaz to the perimeter all day and was quick to clear the zone. Acton was focused and poised in-net and handled everything thrown at her. In the end she had pitched her second straight shutout in the championship. MVP honors went to Hornblass for her second straight Championship game winning goal. Despite 10 seniors graduating, Frisch’s future looks bright.
