The Cranston-EG-Scituate girls hockey co-op is gearing up for the back half of its regular season schedule and is hoping to get in the win column by season’s end.
The rebuilding team has a balanced lineup which includes five seniors and a handful of key underclassmen that have made a splash. The team’s top scorer to this point has been freshman Sofia Nardelli, who leads the way with five goals.
“She’s unbelievable. A great, great skater, great hands and she’s unbelievable to watch. She’s going to do big things,” said coach Matt Davis, who has also seen a few others emerge as of late. “Lindsey Rowe has put some pucks in the net and plays very aggressive, she has a great connection with Sofia. Elsa (Ilteris) plays like she’s (an upperclassman), she’s a tough defenseman.”
Another difference maker has been freshman goalie Cora Dempsey. After taking the reins as the Cranston field hockey goalie in the fall, Davis recruited her to suit up for the hockey team and assume the goalie position once again. Not only has this been her first season playing hockey, but it’s also her first experience skating altogether.
“We’ve got a couple lines with good skaters, but the problem this year was that we didn’t have a goalie. Cora was willing to throw the pads and skates on and be our goalie, she had never skated before. Without her toughness and dedication, we wouldn’t have a team, so I give her a lot of credit for that. She’s learning on the go and doing a good job,” said Davis.
As the co-op continues to rebuild for the future, Davis and his coaches hope that the team continues to learn, improve, and hopefully finish with a win or two.
“I give them a lot of credit. It’s not an easy sport, it’s not a sport that’s easy to say, ‘I’m going to throw some skates on and play against these other girls that have been playing all their lives.’ They’re willing to learn and we’re teaching them the game. They’re working hard in practice and we’re very proud,” said Davis.