HUDSON — The fleet-flooted Fivay forwards are fun to watch as they fly down the sidelines like they did Thursday. But sometimes, less glamorous plays are necessary.
Morgan Vidrine got her nose dirty on a pair of second-half goals to give Fivay the lead, and it went on to a 4-2 win over Springstead. Fivay wrapped up the No. 3 seed in Class 3A, District 7 while sending the Eagles to No. 4.
Vidrine outleapt two defenders on Alex Christianson’s corner kick, heading it home in the 48th minute for a 2-2 tie. Just three minutes later, Vidrine was denied by Jenna Booth. But she hustled for the rebound and poked it over the goalkeeper for a 3-2 advantage.
After a dominant start by Fivay (14-4-2), the Eagles struck for two goals over the last 10 minutes of the first half. Nicole Morolla used a couple of ball fakes to set herself up for a 20-yard shot. And Sasha Garcia’s throughball set up Erin Blackwell for the go-ahead goal one minute before halftime. Fivay trailed 2-1 despite a 12-4 shot advantage.
“They needed to get together at halftime, needed to push each other a little bit,” Fivay coach Christine Rizzieri said. “They know how to play the game.”
Vidrine’s two goals gave her a team-leading 17 on the season. Alex Mumma posted an insurance goal in the 60th minute on a pass from Aubry Hall.
Springstead (11-4-2) had its chances over the last 20 minute but could not convert, notably when Blackwell was taken down in the penalty box. She took the penalty kick after banging her head but missed wide left.
Falcons goalkeeper Katy Hurst (six saves) was quick off her line to end the two best remaining Springstead threats.
Early on, Hall and Mumma created consistent pressure with their speed. Hall outraced a defender to the ball to score seven minutes in. But the Falcons failed to finish other chances. One of Leah Neck’s six first-half shots, a half-volley off a Vidrine cross, hit the crossbar.
Springstead has a game Friday against Bishop McLaughlin then a lengthy break until the district tournament. The Eagles will have to knock off top-seeded Hudson to earn a playoff trip.
Nature Coast is the No. 2 seed and likely semifinal opponent for Fivay, which Rizzieri said is rounding into good form as it seeks the school’s first playoff berth.
“We’ve never been in this situation,” Rizzieri said. “A lot of these girls were freshmen last year. They’re growing up.”