This wasn?t supposed to be Garrison Forest?s year.
The Grizzlies graduated much of the core that led the team to an 18-3 record before losing to Bryn Mawr in the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference finals last season. But with a more defensive-minded team that included 10 sophomores this year, Garrison Forest rebounded with a 17-2-1 record, capped with a 2-0 win over Spalding in the league championship game on Sunday.
With the win, the Grizzlies earned their first league title since they won consecutive Association of Independent Schools championships in 1994 and 1995.
“This team exceeded all of my expectations,” said Garrison Forest coach Traci Davis, whose team did not allow a goal in three tournament games. “Our players never looked ahead toward any games, and we got great defense all season, especially against Spalding [Sunday].”
On Sunday, sophomore forward Martha Plack contributed a goal and an assist and Alex Goldstein scored once to give the team all it needed to post its 13th shutout of the year.
Junior midfielder Christine Knauss said Sunday?s win was not just for the players on this year?s team, but also for those who came up short last fall. Last year, the Grizzlies outscored opponents, 64-15, compared to a 33-10 scoring advantage this season.
“We were starting over this year, but the team just grew up so much through a lot of hard work,” Knauss said. “This year was more of a challenge than last year because the league is so unpredictable.”
As for Spalding (11-8-1), it was the latest setback for Cavaliers coach Leslee Brady as her team is now 0-3 in A Conference championship games.
“Garrison Forest took advantage of their opportunities,” she said. “Still, I feel like we are one of the top 15 teams in the state.”
IAAM NOTES
» In the B Conference final, Alissa Polino scored the game?s lone goal less than a minute into the second overtime as McDonogh (16-1-1) defeated John Carroll (13-6-1).
» In the C Conference final, the Institute of Notre Dame (16-2) edged Baltimore Lutheran (17-4), 3-2. The game was tied a 1-1 through regulation and two overtimes before the Indians won in strokes.
