This year’s Ma’ayanot Rapids hockey team is an especially young team. With only two seniors and a handful of juniors, the Rapids’ underclassmen have played a critical role in the team’s success. Tuesday night May 10 against the Westchester Wolverines was no exception as the contributions of freshmen and sophomores were instrumental in leading the Rapids to victory. Ayelet Marder ’18 opened up the scoring in the first period with a shot from near the mid-court line that eluded the Westchester goalie. Late in the first period, Jolie Levart ’18 scored and the Rapids led 2-0 at the first intermission.
In the second period, Chaya Ross ’19 assisted on a goal by Avigayil Shapiro ’16 and Chaya later scored a goal of her own to bring the score to 5-0. Sandwiched between those two goals, Jolie Levart ’18 scored her second goal of the night.
The defense was stellar as well, limiting Westchester’s scoring opportunities. Goalies Kayla Kalb ’18 and Shoshana Klein ’18 did not allow a goal all night. Shoshana made a superb save on a slapshot with 2 minutes remaining in the game to preserve the shutout.
On Thursday, May 12 the Frisch Cougars came to Ma’ayanot to play the last game of the season before the playoffs. These teams have competed so much in the past that the players greet each other with hugs and smiles. Once the clock started though, the smiles were gone and it was gameface time. Sophomore, Ayelet Marder knocked in the first goal for the Rapids. Frisch answered back with a goal in the first period.
The third period was just as intense. Goalie Kayla Kalb had dozens of saves to help keep the Rapids close. Luckily Jolie Levart scored the second goal for the Rapids with co-captain Rebecca Malech’s assist, making the score 2-1. With seconds left, Frisch knocked in their second goal, tying it up. In sudden death overtime, the Cougars were very eager to continue their rally. The Rapids, however, would not permit that to happen. With another key assist from Malech, junior captain Michal Rosenfeld knocked the game winner.
The Rapids are the third seed in their division and play at HAFTR on Sunday, May 22.
By Jen Sanders
