Methacton snaps Boyertown’s 152-game PAC-10 winning streak
PHOENIXVILLE — The streak is busted.
After 152 straight PAC-10 victories, Boyertown’s perfect run through the PAC-10 for the past decade, for better or for worse, has come to a close.
Sara Hughes scored off a free position with 30 seconds remaining in the second half before Deb Peifer buried the game-deciding goal a minute into the sudden-victory overtime session as Methacton came away with a 7-6 victory over Boyertown Tuesday night at Phantoms Stadium at Phoenixville.
Cue the celebration.
“It feels awesome. I love all of them,’ Peifer said moments after scoring the game-winner, gasping between breaths as a smile beamed from ear to ear. Her teammates hugging her before heading over to the visiting side bleachers to gather for a team photo. “All of the girls are awesome.
“It feels great, it’s so great.’
While Peifer was at a loss for words after the momentous victory, Methacton head coach Laurie Markle could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Eight years had gone past since Markle took the helm. Also, eight years of defeat at the hands of Boyertown.
What a way to kickstart the 2015 season.
“Oh my gosh. This was the team that I thought we could do it with,’ Markle said. “I knew coming into this season that we had the people to do it. But I tell you what, I’ve been walking on air.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment. The only thing that would make it better was if it was in the PAC-10 Championship but I’ll tell you what, Boyertown is going to be extremely tough the second time around. It was so exciting for this group.’
Exciting for Methacton. Relieving for Boyertown.
“Nobody wants to lose games but I’m very relieved,’ Boyertown head coach Pam Wernersbach said. “It’s an extremely heavy burden (playing with the winning streak). It never let them create their own identity because they were always in the shadow of the other teams that came before them.
“I think (this loss) gives us the chance to create our own identity.’
However, the streak seemed it might live on throughout with both teams going blow-for-blow, seeing the score tied at three-all at the half before an equally contested second half.
With the score tied 5-5, Boyertown seemed to have put the dagger in the Warriors’ upset chances as Hannah Jaskuta scored off a free position to make it 6-5 with under a minute remaining.
However, Methacton won control of the draw before Hughes made her way down the right sideline earning a free position as she was jostled by the net. Hughes rang true in her attempt, running in two steps before firing one past the Boyertown goalie to tie it at six with 31 seconds remaining.
Peifer then answered the call in the overtime period, taking a feed from Hughes before firing a shot through traffic that found the back of the net, prompting instant euphoria on the Methacton bench that led to a dogpile by the goal line.
“This year we have the personnel to be relentless,’ Markle said. “We have skilled players that actually go to the goal and aren’t afraid to shoot.
“This win was all about mental prep. We put our pants on the same way that they do. Boyertown is a great team and so many times we’ve keeled over against these guys, and faded away.
“Tonight, we didn’t.’
NOTES — Sam Rothman made 11 saves on 17 shots for Methacton. … Hughes finished with two goals and three assists while Jackie Cerchio and Peifer each scored twice and added one assist. Daria Lucchesi scored for Methacton. … Boyertown was led by two goals apiece from Kristi Gilbert and Sydney Fox. Hannah Wentzel and Jaskuta each scored.
