Olivia McKenna's OT goal gives Northport win in state field hockey semifinals
Northport celebrates their win in a New York State Class A field hockey semifinal against Scarsdale on Saturday at Centereach. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Olivia McKenna had a game plan: “Force a corner, dribble between defenders, shoot and score.”
It wasn’t until 78 seconds were remaining in the first 7-on-7 sudden victory overtime period that she would get the chance to execute that plan.
McKenna’s swift feet took the ball down the circle before she fired a shot to the back right side of the net following Northport’s ninth and final penalty corner. Her precise shot gave the Tigers to a 1-0 victory Saturday over Scarsdale in the semifinals of the field hockey state Class A playoffs at Centereach High School.
Northport (22-0) advances to the state final on Sunday against Cicero-North Syracuse (16-2), where the Tigers will look to defend their state championship title after clinching the program’s first state crown last season.
The Tigers, fueled by their powerful passing game and speed, met their match in Scarsdale.
It was the first time this season that Northport felt the pressure of a sudden victory overtime period and who has outscored opponents 99-4 this season.
Throughout regulation the Tigers went head-to-head with the Raiders’ powerful defense.
“I give their defense so much credit because they shut down our passes, which is our offensive strength,” senior forward Emma McLam said.
Despite McLam’s efforts to get the ball into scoring position, the Raiders hardly let Northport stay in the circle.
“We weren’t starting quickly enough,” Northport coach Gina Walling said. “To face a team that is just as fast as us isn’t something we’ve had to do this season, so to keep up on defense and play against their speed was an obstacle.”
Scarsdale’s attempts to capitalize on loose balls were prevented by the Tigers’ own obstacle in the net. Halfway through the overtime period, the Raiders fired their sixth shot on goal following a breakaway, but Northport goalkeeper Natalie McKenna (Olivia's twin sister) flew out to kick the ball away.
“Those kicks are crucial,” said Natalie McKenna, who made five saves. “It’s like fuel for everyone. [Olivia] just carried it down the field and it led to our goal.”
Olivia McKenna knows that it will be an uphill climb in the finals to defend the state championship title.
“You don’t get this far to not be challenged,” Olivia said.
