Girls soccer: Avery Savage’s first half goal lifts Mahar past Athol, 1-0 (PHOTOS)

ORANGE —After a slow start to the season, the Mahar girls soccer team is beginning to find a rhythm. 

The Senators opened with five consecutive losses, then earned a tie against St. Mary’s before winning three-of-four to gain much needed momentum heading into Tuesday’s showdown against rival Athol. The Bears entered with an unbeaten 8-0-1 record. 

Mahar was able to find the back of the net 14 minutes into the game and rode its defense the rest of the way, keeping the Bears off the scoreboard to walk away with a 1-0 independent victory at the Woodward Complex. 

The win avenged the Sens’ loss to Athol earlier in the season, as the Bears won the first matchup, 2-1. 

“The girls knew Athol was undefeated so they were certainly looking to get a big win in a rivalry game,” Mahar coach Chad Softic said. “They beat us the first time around so getting the win today felt good. I thought we tipped the field on them pretty good. They’re so dangerous — all it takes is one quick counter and they almost got us late in the first half. Good quality win. We’re playing good soccer during the second half of the season and you can see we’re going in the right direction.” 

It’s not easy to keep an unbeaten streak going, with the pressure mounting as the season progresses. 

Athol coach Tim Cleveland said after the loss that his team can get back to focusing on playing the type of soccer that’s given it success this season without the burden of keeping the unbeaten streak alive. 

“The team has been playing really well,” Cleveland said. “Now the pressure is off. You crack that egg and get it out of the way. Now that’s off our back. Now hopefully we can get back to playing. This wasn’t our greatest performance. We didn’t control enough of the ball. The result is what it is.”

It was Avery Savage who capitalized for Mahar (3-6-1) to give the home team the early lead. 

Lexi Ares put a shot on goal that was stopped by Athol goalie Ava Adams, but the rebound deflected out to Savage and the eighth grader slotted it home to give the Sens an opening lead — something that hasn’t happened often this season.

“We haven’t played with a lead very often this season,” Softic said. “With our struggles offensively, when the other team scores it’s demoralizing for us. Today to get the first one, even after missing a couple opportunities early, to finally get one felt pretty good.” 

That early advantage helped Mahar through to the finish line, as its defense and midfield kept the game on the Bear side of the field for the majority of the game. 

Athol finished with just two shots on goal, both being saved by keeper Alivia Patch. 

“You get to play with more confidence when you’re up,” Senators midfielder Logan Burke said. “It’s a nice rivalry win. We communicated more in the back. They stepped up and were able to get the ball out more.”

As the season heads down the stretch and postseason play is on the horizon, both teams are hoping to close out the season on a high note. 

Athol is still in the driver’s seat to take home at least a share of the Bi-County League title with just one tie in league play thus far. Cleveland said that success can be attributed to the players’ energy and chemistry on the pitch. 

“Overall, this is a good team,” Cleveland said. “We have a lot of good players and good enthusiasm. We’ll come back. We’ve had good chemistry. The kids are playing well with each other and making plays. They’re keeping positive. I think that’s been the best part of the season so far.”

Mahar was ranked No. 41 in the latest MIAA Div. 5 power rankings, and Softic said he’s hoping his team can make a charge down the stretch to earn a spot in the dance. 

“It’s coming down to the wire,” Softic said. “It’s gone by quick. Once it gets colder, it slows the game down. It bring everyone to an even playing field. You have those ugly 2-1, 1-0 games you’re surprised by. I’m hoping we can be one of those teams on the right end of that.”