Rochester closed out the regular season Thursday night with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against U-High in a physical, high-transition battle.
The Rockets were forced to adjust their lineup with Kate Goss unavailable, but Rochester responded with one of their grittiest performances of the season. Both teams looked to counter quickly and exploit defensive gaps, creating an intense back-and-forth matchup from the opening whistle.
In the first half, Abby Mehring was dominant at center back, shutting down U-High’s attack and controlling the back line. On the other side, U-High’s left back #17 was equally impressive, refusing to let anything get past her defensively. The two sides went into halftime scoreless at 0-0.
Rochester faced adversity early in the second half when standout center back Abby Mehring exited with a knee injury. Cami Berberet slid into the middle alongside Myra Gibson, and the Rockets defense continued to battle. U-High eventually broke through when #4 poked in a goal to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead.
Less than two minutes later, Rochester answered. Star striker Brooklynn Lowder buried a beautiful pass from Alaina Stock to even the match at 1-1.
The physical contest stayed tight the rest of the way as both teams battled through challenges and counter attacks before settling for the draw.
Rochester finishes the regular season 10-5-3 overall and now turns its attention to postseason play. The Rockets open their playoff run Monday at 4 p.m. in Quincy against Lutheran High.
Brooklynn Lowder GOAL for Rochester
Cami Berberet & Myra Gibson talk tie against U-High
#17 Scout Minnaert was dominant today for U-High. She did not let anything through on her defensive side.
#15 Abby Mehring shows off the wheels for Rochester to make a great defensive stop.
#21 Taylor Kavanagh with a great defensive stop for Rochester.
#18 Harper Funk gets through a tough tackle for U-High.
#0 Grace Webb makes a fantastic save for Rochester tonight.
#2 Mia Connor makes a tough physical tackle for Rochester.
#9 Myra Gibson stays strong to make the defensive stop for Rochester
#0 Grace Webb makes a great save in goal tonight for Rochester.
#9 Myra Gibson with the great defensive stop for Rochester.
#21 Taylor Kavanagh with an impressive stop on defense for Rochester.
#18 Harper Funk showed some speed to stop a Rochester attack tonight for U-High.