Girls Hockey Falls to Morristown-Beard

MORRISTOWN—The Summit girls ice hockey team faced top-ranked opponent Morristown-Beard on Tuesday evening. While the Hilltoppers showed many signs of progress, they were outplayed by the Crimson. Summit lost the game 11-0, but that is not the story of the game.

"I told the girls we're going to put out 100 percent effort no matter what the score is," said head coach Matt Stanbro, "and they did that.  They played really hard."

The Hilltoppers have come a long way since the beginning of the season. Summit played a strong game. Their puck handling skills have improved noticeably, as have their skating abilities and general awareness of the game. The girls clearly set up plays, effectively passed the puck, and held their positions throughout the game.

Freshmen Marion Sayre and Emma Olcott's efforts did not go unnoticed as Stanbro was quick to point out their dedication to the game.

"Both of them are wingers who usually play a third line role," Stanbro said. "They've been improving with every single game and tonight they played their positions very well. They did what I asked them to do; they played hard, and because of that they earned a lot more ice time in the second and third period."

Sophomore Grace Berkery stepped up yet again, and played her heart out.  She has consistently been commended by Stanbro for the effort she puts into every single game.

"She steps up her game," Stanbro said. "She gives 100 percent every single shift."

Senior Clare O'Malley stood out as she broke away from the Crimson attack and seriously challenged Morristown-Beard's goalie several times with well-executed movements of the puck. O'Malley also had a hand in stopping several plays that the Crimson attempted to build.

The first line of O'Malley, and freshmen Stuart Humphrey and Jen Stabler continues to get better. While O'Malley will be leaving after this season, Humphrey and Stabler have three more years to work together. It is a promising combination.

"They played hard every single shift," Stanbro said. "Every single girl actually played hard and skated their heart out. I'm really happy with that."

Senior Tory Round and freshman Kirsten Gargiulo shared goaltending duties.  Gargiulo was included in the game for a reason: she needs to know what it is to be up against the best. Morristown-Beard is, without question, the best team the girls will face, and that experience will be key in the future with Round graduating this year. Despite allowing 11 goals, they were credited with 26 saves.

"They're growing and getting better," Stanbro said, "so, despite the score, I'm happy and I'm proud of their effort."

The other amazing thing about this Hilltopper team is that they are improving with very little ice time. The girls practice, on average, about two times per week.  Sometimes not even that.  The amount of progress they have made, without really being able to practice, is very impressive.

The Hilltopper's Saturday game at Hill School has been canceled.  Dates and times for rescheduled games have yet to be determined.