Coventry knocks Housy out of Class S tourney

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School soccer lost 1-0 to Coventry High School in the second round of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Class S tournament Nov. 4.

Coventry scored in the 10th minute and held on to the lead through effective ball control and precision passing. HVRHS’s defense played strong to keep the Mountaineers in the game despite the possession disadvantage.

HVRHS entered the tournament as the 2nd seeded team in Class S with a record 13-2-1. The Mountaineers earned a bye for the first round and opened the tournament in round two against Coventry.

Coventry (8-6-2) was ranked 15th entering the Class S tournament. The Patriots defeated 18th ranked Canton High School 2-1 in the first round.

Coventry came to Falls Village for round two on a cold, gray and windy afternoon Monday, Nov. 4. The game was well attended with students let out of class early to watch the 2 p.m. game.

HVRHS was without striker Ava Segalla, who broke her ankle Oct. 31.

Possession was dominated by Coventry through most of the first half.

The goal in the 10th minute came from striker Mazie Cox on a fast break. She snuck a shot past HVRHS goalie Madison “Maddog” DeWitt.

HVRHS’s defense started to click as the game went on and seized possession. The Mountaineers had a scoring chance late in the first half that ultimately did not connect.

HVRHS Coach Don Drislane encouraged his team. “Be positive girls. We can win this.”

Coventry resumed ball control in the second half and sent several shots at the net. DeWitt saved the shots-on-goal and several others flew high above the crossbar.

With time ticking down, HVRHS pushed everyone forward but could not find the net. Coventry hung on for a 1-0 win.

The decision knocked HVRHS out of the tournament. Coventry advanced to play 7th seed Morgan High School (10-3-3) in the quarterfinal round Nov. 7.