Jones' two goals spark undefeated St. Anthony's
St. Anthony's High School junior #4 Steph Paloscio, left, congratulates teammate #8 Maria Jones after scoring the game's first goal in the 26th minute of the first half. (Oct. 18, 2010) Credit: James Escher
You might say that St. Anthony's offense is the dog and its defense is the pony.
The Friars have adopted two slogans for the season. One is ''Are you ready to let the dogs out?'' - a one-liner made famous by the character Alan in the movie "The Hangover.'' Fitting because when St. Anthony's offense is unleashed, it attacks early and puts tremendous pressure on defenses, as it did in its 2-0 win over Kellenberg Monday in CHSAA.
The other being "Ride the Pony,'' which stems from a dance routine the team participates in prior to pregame warm-ups. Also fitting because if the Friars (12-0-1) are to return to CHSAA supremacy, they will ride a defense that hasn't allowed a goal in seven straight games to get there.
Put the units together, and the dog and pony combine to give coach Dave Prutting what he calls the best team he has had in years.
"The talent level on this team is astronomical,'' he said. "Put them up against almost any team in the nation and, player for player, they're solid.''
Maria Jones broke a scoreless tie with 14:52 left in the first half after Steph Paloscio set her up with a pass behind the defense. Jones turned to find nothing between her and keeper Sarah Wacik and angled a shot into the corner of the goal.
Jones later capitalized on a miscommunication between defender and keeper. As both hesitated to clear the ball from in front of the net, Jones charged in and sent a looping header over the outstretched arms of Wacik, who kept Kellenberg (9-2-1) in the game with 12 saves, for a 2-0 lead with 13:15 left.
"To get the second one in was very relieving,'' Jones said. "It was nerve-racking only being up 1-0 because Kellenberg is a strong team.''
Keepers Jensen Wiedmer and Danielle Maurice, who made a leaping save on a free kick by Sandra Morrongiello late in the second half, totaled 10 saves as the Friars recorded their ninth shutout of the season.
"We know how to work together in the back,'' defender Ariana Aston said. "We work for every ball and don't let anything behind us.''
Earlier Monday, Prutting's wife presented the team with two stuffed animals, a dog and a pony, reflecting the team's mottos. The two immediately became part of pregame rituals and have been named unofficial mascots. When asked about his wife's gifts, Prutting could only laugh.
"Hopefully,'' he said, "we ride the pony to the championship.''
