The Lady Warriors couldn't overcome a blue wave on the ice Saturday, falling 3-1 to Darien on Senior Night at the Darien Ice Rink.
Darien had been on an eight-win run that began 17 days ago—interrupted only by an overtime loss to New Canaan, and that continued against the Warriors. Saturday's win improved Darien's record to 15-4-1 (10-3-1 FCIAC) as they head into the conference playoffs next Wednesday, while Wilton fell to 5-11-2 on the season.
The Warriors scored first with just 1:45 remaining in the opening period when Lara Schnitzler found some room in front of the net and poked it in behind Katharine Macomber. It was the only puck that got behind Macomber who made 17 saves.
The Wilton lead held up until midway in the second period when Darien had the puck at Wilton's blue line with a three-on none. Taylor Holcomb had the puck and a number of options: skate in on goal, keep the puck or pass to either of her two teammates. She opted to keep it and scored and the game was tied at 1-all.
"Our coaches tell us to aim at the goalie's stomach, since we probably won't be right on target—the near-miss will make the goalie move. It worked," Holcomb said.
Less than 40-seconds later, Darien struck again when Ellie Bullitt wristed one from the left circle that beat goalie Emily Tucker, top shelf, glove side for a 2-1 Wave lead.
"I saw some space up high, moved a bit to my right to get some room and fired," said Bullitt.
Captain Madeline Coburn and Sara Shaker were on the assist. The period ended with Darien up a goal and ahead in shots, 24-11.
With under a minute left in the third period, Emma Tuzinkiewicz completed the scoring. Shaker and Lauren Perkins got helpers.
With the season drawn to a close, the Lady Warriors will host their banquest on March 3 at the Trackside Teen Center.
SCORING
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1 period Wilton: L. Schnitzler (unassisted) at 13:15
2 period Darien: T. Holcomb from M. Coburn at 6:48
2 period Darien: Ellie Bullitt from Coburn and S. Shaker at 7:43
3 period Darien: E. Tuzinkiewicz (unassisted) at :54.
GOALIES
Darien: Macomber 17/18
Wilton: Tucker 38/41
