Sadie Lopez, Notre Dame Academy hand Walpole first defeat

WALPOLE It felt like everything was going against them An undefeated squad and intense weather still proved no match for Notre Dame Academy Hingham on Friday Sophomore standout Sadie Lopez finished with five goals as the Cougars - handed Walpole its first loss with an epic - supremacy on the road We rely on each other so much Lopez announced I think that really revealed in this competition We were really trusting each other especially in the clear just on offense and defense I think it really came together well in the present day It was a clash between two of the state s top-tier schools and this panned out as such in the early going as they traded goals during the opening three minutes Then the Cougars returned to their dominant form scoring four straight as Notre Dame constructed a - advantage As the second quarter progressed Notre Dame began to heat up as Lopez registered two more goals in the closing minutes to provide the Cougars a convincing - lead at the break Multiple were expecting Walpole - to make a run and the Timberwolves staged their pursuit as the second half commenced As the skies opened up and the downpours began Sophia Fruci opened the third quarter with a goal before UMass commit Caitlyn Naughton buried two straight tallies Then Jenna Wong potted a goal and Walpole was back in it trailing - with to go in the frame When it felt like things were coming apart for Notre Dame Lopez sniped a free position shot to restore order giving the Cougars a - edge with to play in the third We just got a timeout Lopez disclosed We knew we could stop them and we went on a run there which was great We were just able to pull ourselves together and play the challenge we know how to play With seconds to play in the third Emma Whoriskey tallied a goal for Notre Dame Academy to make it - and the Cougars were off and running Taylor Watts added a pair of goals in the conquest to aid Notre Dame After a tough stretch is it feasible that we are seeing the Cougars starting to regain their spot as the state s top-ranked crew I think there s pressure in every battle Lopez noted We want to win every match and I think we are thinking about ourselves But yeah Walpole was a great club that we want to see again