When Plattsburgh High took a lead in its regional playoff game Tuesday, instead of being energized, the Hornets lost some intensity.
They know they need to keep the pressure on today.
The Hornets (17-2-1) face Section II's Mechanicville in a quarterfinal game at Stillwater today. The winner advances to the Class B final four.
"We came out with a ton of energy the first 10-15 minutes Tuesday. We need to sustain that for 80 minutes," Plattsburgh coach Tim Mulligan said. "I'm not saying press for 80 minutes, but we need more consistent pressure, consistent intensity.
"We had a great defensive performance the whole game against Potsdam, but we did get on our heels a little after we went up, and we can't do that against a team like Mechanicville."
Mechanicville (15-2-2) beat Watertown's Immaculate Heart Central 2-1 Tuesday. They reached the NYSPHSAA tournament by winning three games in the Section II playoffs, including the title game against Stillwater.
"They're a well-coached team, I know that," Mulligan said. "I know up top they have a very dangerous forward, a sophomore. She's not a big girl, but she's fast and can finish.
"It sounds like they're an aggressive team."
Mulligan added that the Hornets scrimmaged in the preseason against teams from Mechanicville's division and did pretty well.
Mechanicville goalkeeper Kelsey Desadore has made 124 saves and allowed 17 goals. Sophomore forward Abbey Maiello scored both of the Red Raiders' goals Tuesday and has 25 on the year, along with seven assists.
Mulligan said the Hornets will have to keep a close eye on Maiello.
"Typically we've had success when we've been able to shut down a team's leading offensive player," Mulligan said. "So we'll give her a little special attention, but I've made our formation so we're pretty much able to do that without changing the way we play. We'll make sure we know where they are and do our best to contain her."
The Hornets beat Potsdam 1-0 to reach today's quarterfinal. Sarah Carter leads Plattsburgh with 25 goals and 10 assists on the season, and Marle Curle is next with seven goals and six assists.
Plattsburgh lost a close game to Ravena in the quarterfinals last year.
"We're very young, so I don't see a lot of nerves — more anxiousness. They're excited," Mulligan said. "I think we've had some success the last two years and that has prepared us ... so we know can we compete.
"I think they all know we can do it. It's just a matter of putting it together in the game and coming out focused."
E-mail Courtney Lewis at: clewis@pressrepublican.com
Sports
PHS needs complete effort
- Local Sports
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Cadieux earning time in net
The sophomore newcomer has been Plattsburgh State's main goalie in the second half of the season.
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Cards can clinch playoff spot tonight
The Plattsburgh State men's basketball team visits Potsdam.
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Payne chasing Cards' single-season points record
The Plattsburgh State women's basketball star needs 22 points to equal the school record.
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Beekmantown girls hosting final four
The Eagles will meet Alexandria Bay in an Upstate Girls' Hockey League semifinal game today at the Plattsburgh State Field House.
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Peru pulls away from NCCS in fourth
Saranac, Beekmantown, AuSable Valley and Moriah also won CVAC girls' basketball games.
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Marcotte leads Willsboro past Chazy
Elizabethtown-Lewis, Minerva/Newcomb, Crown Point and Indian Lake/Long Lake also won in MVAC girls' basketball.
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Keegan Ryan nets 38 to power Beekmantown
The Eagles defeated Saranac Lake in overtime in CVAC boys' basketball.
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Chateaugay girls claim East Division
Tupper Lake also picks up a victory in Northern Athletic Conference basketball.
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Sports Shorts: February 10, 2012
Rec department to offer programs; Colby Classic Fishing Derby March 3, 4; Visconti grabs another rifle match win
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Area Sports: February 10, 2012
A schedule of sports events this weekend involving area teams and venues.
- February 9, 2012
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Cadets sink Cards in overtime
Plattsburgh State falls to No. 2 Norwich in a high-scoring contest in women's college hockey.
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Womens' hockey photos: PSU vs. Norwich (2/8/12)
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Plattsburgh grabs share of Div. I title in win
Hornets, Sentinels, Eagles. Chiefs, Vikings grab wins in CVAC boys' basketball.
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Boys' basketball photos: Peru vs. Plattsburgh (2/8/12)
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Eagles capture CVAC title
Beekmantown defeats NCCS in overtime to win second straight hockey title.
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Lions hold on against Bombers
Indians, Panthers win in boys' basketball; Westport captures victory in girls' basketball.
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Goddeau gets 150th win to lead Peru
Indians, Eagles grab victories in CVAC wrestling.
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Bouyer, Carder lead Saints over Cougars
North Country Community College gets revenge victory against Clinton Community College in men's college basketball.
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Sports shorts: February 9, 2012
Sapp places seventh in nordic race; Volleyball teams compete in tourneys; Beekmantown to hold volleyball academy; Winterfest curling results announced
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Area sports: February 9, 2012
A schedule of sports events today featuring local teams and venues.
- February 8, 2012
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Balanced Beekmantown beats Cougars
Emily Anderson led the Eagles past NCCS in CVAC girls' basketball, while PHS, Seton Catholic, AuSable Valley and Saranac Lake also won.
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Girls' basketball photos: Beekmantown vs. NCCS (02/07/2012)
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Peru's Lennon headed to Syracuse
Peru senior Dan Lennon signed his National Letter of Intent Tuesday to attend Syracuse University, where he will compete on the cross country and track team. INCLUDES VIDEO OF SIGNING.
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Cardinals get rematch with Norwich
The PSU hockey team will host Norwich in a battle of ranked ECAC West squads.
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Cadieux earning time in net






