Thomas’ five goals send Downingtown West into Girls Flyers Cup semifinals
Westtown >> The West Chester East girls hockey team shocked Downingtown West by scoring the first goal Thursday evening. It wore off.
Ava Thomas had five goals as the Whippets scored eight unanswered times to waltz to a 12-2 victory over the Vikings in the quarterfinals of Girls Flyers Cup at PNY Sports Arena.
The second-seeded Whippets advance to the semifinals next Thursday at PNY against either Unionville or West Chester Henderson.
“It was a wakeup call. We weren’t expecting that,” said West coach Dave Schultz. “That was quick and decisive.”
The shot across West’s bow came right off the faceoff. Cynthia Aiken broke in on a rush that looked liked the West defense had contained, but Aiken fired a shot from the right wing that went into the net over the left shoulder of goalie Molly Rosenzwig.
The lead lasted less than four minutes, however, as Brianna Hinkle shoveled in a backhander past goalie Jacquilin Hudson for the equalizer.
Less than a minute later, the Whippets took the lead for good. Chloe Bogusch made a deke past the defense, glided in on goal and fired a shot top shelf for a 2-1 advantage.
Thomas got on board for the first time with 6:52 left as she broke in alone and went backhand to forehand to slip the puck into the net.
Thomas, who was the MVP when West won the championship in 2021, has played for Team USA in U-18 games against Canada.
“I think we played pretty well,” said Thomas. “Everybody came ready to play. It’s Flyers Cup, so everybody wants to win. Everybody got involved.”
Thomas scored again with 2:57 left to make it 4-1.
They wrapped up the first period as Bogusch notched her second of the frame, and West went from early nervousness to firm control with a 5-1 lead.
Sarah Goodman got the Whippets off to a quick start in the second with a goal to make it 6-1.
“Our superstars did (take over) and controlled the puck well and took it to them.”
While the offense was grabbing the headlines, Rosenznwig stood to keep East sitting at one goal. She made an initial stop on Rylee Gilbert, streaking in from the left side, then followed up with a stop on Brooke Bean on the rebound.
“Molly’s been strong all season, and this is when we need her the most,” Schultz said.
Thomas scored on a partial to make it 7-1. Then, Maddison Vitali followed to make it 8-2 after two.
Thomas score twice more in the third. When Riley Sagirs dented the twine with 1:49 left, the game ended due to the 10-goal rule.
The Whippets march into the semifinals firing on all cylinders, good goaltending, solid defense and extrodinary goal scoring.
“That was one of our better games,” said Schultz. “I would say we are playing our best hockey and it’s the perfect time to do it.”
Downingtown West 12, West Chester East 2
WC East 1 1 0 — 2
Downingtown West 5 3 4 — 12
West Chester East goals: Aiken, Bean.
Downingtown West goals: Thomas 5, Vitali 2, Goodman 2, Hinkle, Bogusch 2.
Goalie saves: Hudson (WCE) 25; Rosenzwig (DW) 19.
