South West United girls hockey team has great start chock full of nail-biters

SHELTON, Conn. — A good recipe for a successful playoff team is an ability to win close, hard-fought contests and play strong defense. So look out for the South West United girls hockey team, which includes Masuk High players.

The hockey team has had a propensity to play in tightly-contested games and come out on top, starting the season with a record of 4-0-1 with three of the five matchups going to overtime and all four wins decided by single goal.

The hockey team has beaten Trumbull and West Haven each by 2-1 scores, Woodstock Academy 1-0 and Hamden 5-4. The most recent close clash was a 3-3 tie with Mercy of Middletown at the Sports Center of Connecticut on Saturday.

Although a tie, this one felt pretty good for the team given it trailed in the late stages of the third before forcing OT.

“We’ve been on our toes,” said Head Coach Carly Bokina, who is assisted by Matthew Rowley.

Bokina noted that chemistry and communication are strong this season and goals are to win the SCC/SWC and make a run at the state title as well.

In Saturday’s comeback, with time winding down, Brooke McCoy was set up by Grace Douglas for the equalizer. Her slap shot with just 1:24 remaining forced overtime after Mercy had pulled ahead only two-and-a-half minutes earlier. Bokina’s team nearly got the win in overtime, hitting the post, but Mercy also had some solid chances. Masuk goaltender Jen Velky came up with big saves in regulation and OT.

South West United fought back three times after Mercy took and retook the lead, including twice in the third. Hannah Newman was assisted by Kira Bryant and Douglas scored when she roofed a perfectly-placed shot into the corner of the net, assisted by Josie Petherick.

In the OT game against Trumbull, Petherick had the winner and Karli Thompson had the decisive OT goal against West Haven. McCoy, a freshman, netted four goals in the Hamden game. Hannah Newman, a captain, has been a key player on offense. Velky has been outstanding between the pipes. She is joined by fellow Masuk players Joy Bray (backup goalie) along with Maya Abraham and Carly Leventakos.

The girls look to keep the winning ways going when they visit West Haven Saturday at 3 p.m.

Photo Gallery

Assistant Coach Matthew Rowley and Head Coach Carly Bokina talk to players during a timeout.

Carly Leventakos looks to break out of the defensive zone as Grace Douglas moves the puck.

Maya Abraham, of Masuk, defends.

Goaltenders Joy Bray, left, and Jen Velky both represent Masuk on the South West United team.

Lizzie Kennedy.

Photo Gallery 2

Josie Petherick.

Hannah Newman.

Grace Douglas.

Brooke McCoy.

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