NORTH EAST — Lackluster weather conditions couldn’t stop Rising Sun, as it cruised past North East with the help of stellar goalkeeping and offensive displays in Thursday's 1A East Region I Semifinals.
From the opening face-off, the Tigers demanded control of the contest. Within the first ten seconds of the game, Tigers attackman Logan Molitor scored two quick goals to put Rising Sun ahead. This would be a sign of things to come for the Tigers, as they scored 15 more goals in the game, while goaltender J.P. Tracey allowed only four goals through regulation.
“This game really showed how much our slides and cleats have progressed throughout the season,” Tracey said. “That was one of our biggest weaknesses throughout the season so to see us execute that well today was amazing.”
Justin Haelle led Rising Sun scorers with five goals in the contest, followed by Molitor with four and Sawyer Bell with three.
“This win was really motivating to us and I feel like we can ride this energy into the next round and hopefully pull out another win,” Bell said.
North East head coach Chip Beverung was proud of the unrelenting fight and growth his team showcased through the adversity of the season. Aaron Klinger led all North East scorers with three of the team’s four goals.
“No matter what happened this year and when games didn’t go our way, they always showed tremendous fight and really grew throughout the year,” Beverung said.
With the win, Rising Sun will visit top-seed Perryville on Monday at 6 p.m. in the 1A East Regional Final for a chance to compete in the state playoffs. Perryville topped No. 4 Elkton on Thursday in an 11-8 victory.
“This was definitely a big momentum win for us,” Rising Sun head coach Joe Bunk said. “Even though we have friends on the other side, it’s always sweeter when you can win one against another team in your county that you see often.”
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