The Ma’ayanot Rapids extended their undefeated season with a nail-biting 3-2 win over the Ramaz Rams (3-2) on Tuesday night. The game was Ma’ayanot’s home opener after two wins (Flatbush and Central) on the road.
Ma’ayanot jumped out to a quick lead on a goal by sophomore defender Yakira Keiser in the first period. The Rapids’ two other goals came in the second period from junior Sarah Hanian (on an assist from senior Eden Schechter) and freshman Kira Jacobs (assisted by senior Batsheva Dattlekramer).
But Ramaz would not give up. They scored two goals in the third period in a barrage of shots at junior goalie Tamar Pasternak, who made several remarkable saves. In the final minutes, the Rams pulled their goalie and put in a fifth player instead. But the home team held off the visitors for the win.
Ma’ayanot hosted the North Shore Stars two nights later. The Rapids defeated their previously undefeated visitors 2-1.
Schechter scored in the first period on a picture-perfect pass from new linemate, senior Esther Avidan. Avidan was filling in for an injured Hanian.
The Stars evened things up in the second period on a power play breakaway. However, goalie Pasternak shut down the opposition with dozens of saves throughout the night.
With only a few minutes remaining in the final period, the Avidan-to-Schechter combo worked once again. Eden had a wrist shot goal that was the deciding factor as the Rapids kept their perfect record.
At the end of the game, Rapids players mobbed their goalie in recognition of her brilliant outing (which was also acknowledged by North Shore’s coach). A chant of “Pas-ter-nak” went up as the players shook hands for an excellent effort by both sides.