Sunapee
Hannah Cooney had four goals and three assists as the two-time NHIAA Division IV champion Lakers handed the neophyte Knights a 13-0 defeat on Monday at Fisherfield Park.
Marybeth Groton had three goals and two assists for Sunapee, which remained undefeated at 7-0-0, and teammate Star Lucas added a hat trick of her own.
Mount Royal, in its inaugural NHIAA varsity season, is 3-6-1.
The D-IV bout started off with high-paced action from the visiting Lakers, who came out with a lot of energy and accuracy on their passes. It took them only five minutes to score. Cooney scored her first goal after she was awarded a corner kick from the right side and was able to curve it right into the net.
“She’s a big, strong kid,” Sunapee coach Myles Cooney, Hannah’s father, said. “She plays the ball direct and hard, which can make for a lot of offense.”
On Monday, that strength and size came into play. Cooney made her presence felt against the Knights, who struggled to keep up with her.
“We have a nice mix up top,” coach Cooney said. “We get a lot of skill from Marybeth and Abbey (Pollari). I like the diversity at the top with what we can offer from the forwards.”
Pollari had a goal and an assist for the Lakers who showcased their diverse offense by scoring in many ways. Crosses from midfield into the box, corners, breakaways and a direct kick from about 30 yards out from defender Ellie Frederick were among the ways the Lakers’ offense was able to score as they built a 7-0 halftime lead.
“You’d be right there if it wasn’t for four or five mistakes,” Mount Royal coach Derek Tremblay said to his team at halftime as he looked to light a spark for a stronger second half.
The Knights came out with a little spark, as they pushed a little early on with energy and much cleaner passing, which led to a corner kick and later, a shot on net. But, that was all the Knights offense could muster.
“We need to play through the ball and get more first touches,” Tremblay said. “Every single game is a learning opportunity.”
Mount Royal goalkeeper Sophie LaRose played the first half in net, having nine saves. Sophie’s sister, Evalynn, played a strong second half, finishing with seven saves.
Frederick also added one assist, and Skylar Hathorn scored once and had one assist for Sunapee, which looks to stay spotless today against Newport at home. Mount Royal looks to bounce back on Thursday as it hosts Portsmouth Christian Academy.