By COURTNEY LEWIS
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
