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Sponaugle lifts Cape to 1-0 field hockey win over Delmar

Goalie Lori Ferguson makes big saves in win
October 23, 2016

The Delmar Wildcats hockey program can’t shake the Cape sea monkey curse riding on its back since Nov. 6, 2008. That is the year the Wildcats eliminated the top-seeded Vikings from the state tournament in the first round in overtime 2-1 at Legends Stadium.

Cape has beaten Delmar 12 straight times since that sinking including Oct. 22 at Champions Stadium 1-0 on a second half goal by Amanda Sponaugle at 25:36 on an assist from Alia Marshall.

In contrast to the frantic whacks and slaps and goalie kickouts and failed corners by both teams, Sponaugle calmly settled the ball before dropping down low and lofting a shot over the left shoulder of goalie Madison Blewitt for the only goal of the game.

“We didn’t play great for the first 10 minutes, but after that every player battled all game long,” said coach Kate Austin. “All these fans came to see a show and that is what they saw. For many of our kids, it was first time in the pressure cooker of a big game where every hit counts. But it doesn’t get any easier. Milford is here Tuesday night and they are one of the elite teams in the state.”

Cape had a slight 8-7 advantage in shots, while the Wildcats controlled the corners 10-4. Lori Ferguson, who faced a shooting gallery of shots in practice preparing for the game, made three big saves to preserve the shutout.  

Madison Blewitt had six saves for the Wildcats.  

Delmar is 11-1 with three games remaining, while Cape is 9-1 with four games left on the schedule.

“Looking ahead, you hope Delmar is on the other side of the bracket in the state tournament,” said assistant coach Debbie Windett. “They are scary good.”

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