By JEREMY TEPPER
MVI Sports
With 31:10 left in the game, Hannah Henn approached the ball, ready for her penalty kick. With the score tied at 1-1, this was a chance for her Oakland Catholic team to take the lead over Thomas Jefferson.
But Jaguars keeper Maddison Sippey had other plans.
The senior goalie handled Henn’s strike, diving and saving a potential game-winning goal. The momentum shifted and Thomas Jefferson was filled with energy and confidence.
“That’s the moment in that game where we knew we could take the reins and we were the team to beat. I think they walked into here and they thought they were the team to beat and we looked at them as the team to beat,” Jaguars coach Sean Richter said.
“That’s the moment for us that we knew we had to grab it and take it.”
Thomas Jefferson didn’t waste its newfound life.
Just over four minutes later, Natalie Lamenza ripped a shot past OC keeper Deryn Bagley for her second goal of the night. It proved to be the difference, as the Jaguars claimed a 2-1 win. It was the first time the Jaguars (3-1, 2-1) beat Oakland Catholic (2-1, 2-1) in three seasons. Before that, they had lost four straight times.
“We knew if we could come here tonight and do what we want to do against them, we’re a contender and we can play,” Richter said.
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