ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (May 10, 2023) -- Rocky River closed out its regular season with a hard-fought 14-6 loss to a talented, senior-laden St. Joseph Jaguars squad Wednesday.
After what was a taut 10-15 minutes at the outset -- a stretch that was, appropriately enough for the two sides decked in black and white, akin to a chess match -- the visitors methodically pulled away, generating significant possession time, a big edge in free-position looks, and an eventual 31-14 edge in shots.
A goal by senior Iris Polly at 12:31 of the first untangled a 2-2 tie. Polly's netfinder -- the second of five she would have on the night -- was the opening salvo of an 11-and-a-half-minute stretch that saw the Jaguars (13-3) outscore the Pirates 5-1.
St. Joseph went into halftime leading 7-3. River got within three briefly in the second half, but SJA rolled advantages in draw controls, ground balls, and turnovers into an eventual and first-period-matching 7-3 edge in the second half.
Solid Jaguar defense and more than a few unforced Pirate errors held Double-R clearing attempts to a 64.7% (11-of-17) success rate. But River had standout moments with big defensive and goalkeeping plays. Senior defender Annika Mocho was especially impactful with a 6-and-6 game in the scoop-and-spill department.
Polly finished with five goals and an assist but was not SJA's leading point producer. Senior Sarah Scott logged 4G and 3A, alongside eight ground balls. Senior Elise Larsen chimed in with a goal, four assists, and nine draw controls. Senior Kelsey Niehaus filed a goal, five ground balls, and six caused turnovers.
The Jaguar win extended what is now a seven-game win streak.
Rocky River (13-3) was led offensively by Olivia Konopka (1G, 2A) and Daisy Thompson (2G, 1A). Reagan Connelly registered 1G, 1 GB, and 2 CT and was in the middle of several key defensive plays.
River has the No. 1 seed in
Region 5 of the upcoming DII state playoffs. The Pirates will host the winner of No. 21 Highland/No. 13 Toledo St. Ursula on May 17.