WOODSTOCK — Behind a shutout from senior goalie Lola Herzog, the Burr & Burton Bulldogs upset the top-seeded Woodstock Wasps, 1-0, in the VPA Division II girls ice hockey quarterfinals on Wednesday afternoon.
Despite coming into Woodstock’s Union Arena with just 1-6-1 record, the Bulldogs came out swinging in the first period. Boosted by Herzog’s eight saves, they were able to keep the Wasps scoreless and progressed from there.
“We got a lot of shots on goal; you’ve got to give that goalie props for stopping them,” said Woodstock coach Ian Coates. “We knew coming in that she was a good straight-on goalie, and we just kept shooting shots straight at her. Got to give her credit.”
On the offensive end, Burr & Burton could only muster three shots during the first, but that was enough to take the lead. With 9:39 remaining, freshman forward Penelope Francomb, with assists from senior forward Annette Zilkha and freshman forward Mia Paligo, was able to find the back of the net to put the Bulldogs up, 1-0.
Woodstock’s offensive woes continued into the second period. While the Wasps were able to put another nine shots on goal, and Herzog blocked them all.
However, Burr & Burton did not find much luck either, as the Wasps’ defense continued to stifle any offensive opportunities, allowing only three shots to reach senior goalie Ava Dodson. Dodson would finish the game with 10 saves for Woodstock.
“Our game plan is always to own the middle of the ice and keep everything to the sides,” Coates said of Woodstock’s defensive approach. “The girls had good position all game.”
With an upset on their minds, the Bulldogs went into the third period clinging onto their one-goal advantage.
The two teams battled throughout the final frame, with Woodstock attacking the goal at every opportunity. Herzog stood strong, finishing the game with 28 saves.
“When you are a 9 seed like us, you need that X factor out there, and she (Herzog) was that for us,” said Bulldogs coach Edward Lewicki III. “She has done that all season. She just doesn’t get the credit she deserves.”
In the closing minutes the Wasps were able to create multiple scoring opportunities, even hitting the posts on several shots, but none would tie it up.
As the buzzer sounded, it was the Bulldogs taking home the upset victory.
“That one early goal was because we made a mistake on defense, when we just could not clear the puck,” Coates said. “They (Burr & Burton) are a good team, and against a good team, one mistake can cost you.”
With the win, the Bulldogs will move to the semifinal of the D-II tournament. For Woodstock, a promising season ends with a loss and a 6-2-0 overall record.
“I am just happy we had a season,” Coates said. “We thought it would be a rebuilding year, but we played well. It was a great season. I give all the props to the kids.”