Even though Rivers was clearly the better team on the day, the best player on the ice was wearing the black and orange for Thayer.  Junior goalie Mae Planert stole the show and almost the game for the Tigers stopping an unbelievable 44 out of 46 shots.  The best of the lot came in the second period when a River’s player stood alone in front of the net, received a pass and shot on what she thought was an empty net, only to find Planert reaching behind her with the glove save.  Even in the heat of battle, the Rivers players and coaches were able to recognize and tip their hat to greatness.  Mallory Collins gave Thayer an early lead as she was able to knock home a rebound from a Kristen Aiello shot from the point.  Rivers responded minutes later to knot the game at 1-1 after the first period.  In the second, after a Thayer fore-checking breakdown, Rivers was able to capitalize on a breakaway to take a 2-1 lead.  Although Rivers had many more chances than Thayer, neither team was able to score again. 

Groton scored quickly to start the game, but Thayer responded and took a 7-4

lead after 2 minutes of play.  Groton then went on an 8-0 run giving Groton

a 5-point lead.  Thayer responded and with 8:40 to play in the first half

held a 1-point lead over the Lady Zebras.  Groton tightened up on the

defensive end and pulled ahead of Thayer with a 12-2 run.  Thayer once again

fought back and scored 6 points in the final 1:36 of the half helping to

close the gap.  Groton entered the break up by 7.  Thayer came out of

the half ready to play and tried to cut into Groton's lead.  Thayer got

within 3 (42-39) with 7:26 to play.  Groton decided to dig in on defense and

behind the defensive play of Gabby Flibotte (3 steals in the final 5

minutes) Groton was able to hold Thayer scoreless for the remainder of the

game.

Thayer Academy gymnasts performed very well against Notre Dame scoring a 108.6 for an overall team score.  Notre Dame, one of the stronger programs in the state, finished with a 127.4.  Sara Silk and Micayla Evans performed all-around for Thayer.

Stand-outs for Thayer were:  Micayla Evans (7.7), Sara Silk (7.5), Sara Balinger (7.0) and Sarah Bookstein (6.8) on vault.

Sara Silk (7.0), Alex Sanford (6.9), Micayla Evans (6.9) and Paige Desisto (6.7) on beam.  Micayla Evans (7.0) and Alex Sanford (6.2) on bars.  Micayla Evans (7.7), Sarah Balinger (7.3), Sara Silk (7.0) and Ayla Rosen (6.6) on floor.

Allie Bookstein (bars), Sammie Miller (bars), Sarah Middleton (beam, floor), Erica Limont (vault), Victoria Hasenfuss (floor, beam) and Molly Caffrey (floor, vault) also competed for Thayer and all had terrific meets!