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Hatzikonstantis posts 15th shutout, Central advances

Friday, November, 12 By Christopher Smith

ANDOVER — Central senior goalie Jane Hatzikonstantis has looked like a veteran in net all year for the Raiders girls soccer team despite this being her first season starting on varsity. And she credits her dad Steve — an ex-Greek professional soccer player — for much of her success.
Hatzikonstantis of Tewksbury had another big day yesterday. She made 14 saves to record her 15th shutout, as No. 3 Central beat No. 2 Masconoment 1-0 in the semifinals of the Division 1 North tournament at Andover High School.
Hatzikonstantis and the Central defense hasn’t allowed a goal in the past 10 games.
“I worked so hard and I couldn’t have done it without my dad,” Hatzikonstantis said. “My dad was a forward. He played in Greece. She was a professional and played Division 2. My dad, he has like so much knowledge of the game of soccer. He specializes in being a forward but he also knows from scoring on goalies, what I should do as a goalie, which helps me out a lot. He’s had a big influence on me.”
Hatzikonstantis made one stellar save in the first half yesterday on a shot off a cross pass.
“(The shooter) was a little outside the six and it was more like a reaction save,” Hatzikonstantis said. “I just stuck my hand up and got it.”
Central coach Casey Grange said Hatzikonstantis has stepped in this year like she had previous varsity experience.
“She is a legit, good goalie,” Grange said. “Her technique is phenomenal and she comes up with the big saves. She doesn’t bobble anything. She can go as high as she wants (to any level of college soccer). I think if any college coaches where here tonight they would try to get her information, for sure.” Hatzikonstantis, who has been playing goalie since she was 10, said some colleges have shown interest in her this fall and Quinnipiac is her top choice right now. She has yet to receive a scholarship offer. She wants to study either physical therapy or athletic training in college.  
 “Me and some coaches have been talking and they are going to come watch me in a tournament I am going to play in in December,” she said.
Hatzikonstantis also gave credit to her brother Bobby, a Central freshman, for helping her become a better keeper.
“Whenever I want to go to the soccer field, he will always come with me,” she said. “He will always shoot on me or help me with what I need.”
Central freshman Courtney Walsh scored the game’s lone goal. She was assisted by fellow freshman Stephanie May in the first half.
“Steph May crossed it in right from defense into the center of the 18 and I just kind of put it away,” Walsh said. “It couldn’t have been more of a perfect ball.”
Grange added about Walsh: “She’s probably one of the most composed athletes I’ve seen in a while. I think there’s a lot of pressure on you as a freshman to finish a breakaway. And that’s probably her third breakaway of the season. We actually had her on JV for a scrimmage and the JV coach was like, ‘Oh, no, she’s got to play varsity.’ And she’s really been a solid contributor.”