Stevenson, Salisbury hope they got the sluggishness out
Salisbury and Stevenson survived closer-than-anticipated contests on Wednesday to advance to the Capital Athletic Conference tournament final on Saturday at Caves Athletic Complex in Owings Mills.
The No. 3 Sea Gulls (15-1) didn’t score their first goal against Mary Washington until more than 11 minutes had elapsed in the first quarter. Salisbury eventually won, 15-5, after routing the Eagles by 16 goals on March 26.
“I think there was a logical letdown because it was such an emotional day on Saturday,” coach Jim Berkman said, referring to Salisbury’s 16-12 loss to the Mustangs. “The stands were packed, and it was a chippy game, real physical. It was a battle for 60 minutes and not only physically, but mentally. So I think there was a logical letdown in that regard, especially when both teams had beaten their opponents handedly a couple of weeks ago. … But both teams got done what they needed to get done.”
Top-ranked Stevenson (16-1) didn’t wait nearly as long in beating St. Mary’s, but the 16-7 final score wasn’t nearly as convincing as the 13-goal thumping the Mustangs had applied on April 9.
“I think it was good to get it out of us,” coach Paul Cantabene said. “We needed to play again before we play those guys and get some things out of us because if we had to play them back-to-back, the intensity for both teams would have been kind of tough. So now we’re able to regroup, get a little rested, and gear up for Saturday.”
There's a lot at stake in Saturday's contest. Salisbury had won 16 consecutive conference tournament crowns until last season when Stevenson won its first.
