They did not need a reminder. The memory has stayed with Whitman for a year.
But when Vikings coach Mary Pat Veihmeyer mentioned the three-goal lead that evaporated in a playoff loss to Springbrook last season, her players let out a collective scream. This time the outcome would be different.
Whitman slipped two goals past Springbrook star goalie Lauren Kessler in the first half and held off a late charge by the Blue Devils for a 2-1 win in a 4A South Region semifinal game in Silver Spring.
One year earlier, Springbrook erased a 3-0 halftime deficit in a region semifinal game and beat Whitman in penalty strokes, 4-3.
“That was the only thing on our mind,” said Whitman junior Helena Nannes, who assisted on a goal by teammate Gabe McKenzie with just 6 seconds left in the first half for a 2-0 advantage. “A two or three goal lead can be a risky thing if you don’t keep attacking. We couldn’t let down.”
Springbrook still had its chances in the second half. Whitman goalie Emily Urciolo made two fine stops late in regulation to keep the Blue Devils at bay and Springbrook finally broke through when senior forward Melany Cox scored with just 1:09 remaining. That proved too late, however, as the Vikings defense prevented any quality scoring chances in a furious final minute.
“You could see in the second half that the last goal shook their composure a little bit,” McKenzie said. “But momentum is such a key part of the game and it can go away so fast. Last year was heartbreaking. We had to stay with it.”
Viking quest
» Whitman (8-5) plays either Blake or Magruder for the 4A South Region title. The Vikings won eight region titles from 1996 through 2004 and were state runners-up four times during that time.
» Springbrook, ranked No. 4 in the latest Examiner top 5 poll, finished its season 10-4. The Blue Devils were defending 4A South Region champions and state runners-up in 2005.
» The Vikings controlled play in the first half and struck first on a goal by Carrie Kincaid at the 12:31 mark. Julie Goodwin had the assist.
