Wellesley ends title drought in style

WORCESTER — Dominating play for most of the 80 minutes on Saturday at Coughlin Field against fourth-seeded Bishop Feehan, No. 2 seed Wellesley scored twice against a gusting wind in the first half and added another in the second half to beat the Shamrocks, 3-1, for their first title since 2004.

“I didn’t know what kind of season it was going to be for us when we started,” said first-year Wellesley coach Dave Wainwright. “But as the season went on, we knew that we could get to this moment.”

The Raiders (19-3-1) held the potent Feehan offense to only one quality scoring chance thanks to dominating the midfield.

“The girls know how to play the ball on the floor and our midfielders had a plan and they executed it to perfection,” Wainwright said.

After a cautious start on both sides, Feehan got the game’s first break when a handball inside the penalty area resulted in a PK for the Shamrocks (17-3-3). Megan Vieira delivered a low rocket past Cameron Walsh in the 11th minute.

Just under 10 minutes later, it was the Raiders’ turn to get a penalty as another handball was called. Peyton Keyes fired one past Abigail Marsolais with 20 minutes left in the half.

Then with stoppage time just beginning, Wellesley’s dynamic duo gave the Raiders the lead for good.

Annie Comella got a little room down the right side and was able to work into the box where she delivered a perfect feed to Emily Burnham. The junior midfielder didn’t miss from point-blank range and the Raiders led 2-1 at the break.

“Those two just cause havoc for opposing defenses,” Wainwright said.

Wellesley kept the pressure up with the wind now at its back for the second half. Comella’s bid in the 46th minute ended with a diving stop from Marsolais.

But with just under 19 minutes left, Wellesley’s Leila Eccher ran on to a long pass in the box and headed a shot home to make it 3-1.

Feehan had chances late to make it interesting but a pair of corners and a free kick were cleared away.

“My girls were very determined,” Wainwright said. “A lot of them had never been to this level but they handled it so well.”

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