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Methuen/Tewksbury starts fast, rolls to tourney win

METHUEN — With 14 days between its regular season finale, and lone loss of the season, and playoff opener, could Methuen/Tewksbury girls hockey have lost its dominant edge?

It took the Red Rangers just a few minutes to prove that definitely was not the case.  

Kelly Golini erupted for three of her squad's four first-period goals as No. 1 seed Methuen/Tewksbury rolled to a 6-1 victory over No. 17 Longmeadow in the Division 2 first round on Saturday at Methuen High.

The Red Rangers (21-1-3) advance to the Division 2 quarterfinals, to face No. 9 Notre Dame of Hingham (15-4-2) on Saturdy at Gallo Arena on Buzzards Bay. The time is TBA.

"We are extremely happy with the team's performance," said Rangers coach Sarah Oteri. "The whole team came out and played an excellent game."

Methuen/Tewksbury started out blazing fast, with Golini potting three goals, giving her 36 for the season. Reigning Eagle-Tribune All-Star Kat LeFebre (9 goals) followed with the team's fourth goal before the first frame was finished.

"I think we were prepared for a very tough Longmeadow team," said Oteri. "We wanted to come out strong because the girls were ready for a big game.

"Kelly is such a dynamic goal-scorer that is also a great playmaker. And Kat leads our defense, which had a great game, and also scores big goals."

The Rangers weren't finished there. Star eighth grader Eryn Tabor netted two goals in the second period, her 15th and 16th of the season, to lock down the victory. Classmate Kaia Hollingsworth made 18 saves for the win.

The victory gives Methuen/Tewksbury a second straight trip to the Division 2 quarterfinals, and third in four years. That in its first season without record-breaking Amanda Conway. 

But the Rangers know they have a tough task ahead in Notre Dame. The Cougars are unbeaten against Division 2 teams, with all four losses coming to Division 1 top seed Arlington Catholic and No. 2 seed Austin Prep.

"They are a very good team," said Oteri. "I have seen them play and they are fast, physical and came make plays. It will be tough, but we will rest, then make practices as competitive as possible."