Second straight shutout lifts Canton field hockey into Class S semifinals

The Canton High field hockey eliminated Berkshire League champion Nonnewaug Thursday to earn a spot in next week’s Class S semifinals. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

WOODBURY, November 8 – The Canton High field hockey got off to a quick start and never looked back in Thursday’s Class S quarterfinal match against No. 5 Nonnewaug.

The Warriors scored with just 1:49 gone in the game and sophomore goalie Michaela Gay had her second consecutive shutout as No. 13 Canton eliminated the Chiefs, 4-0 to earn a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2015.

Canton, which has won six of their last seven games, advances to face top-seeded Granby (17-1) in next week’s semifinals.

“These wins came from the girls,” Canton coach Margaret Bristol said. “It was due to hard work, positive attitudes and their focus on the field.”

Leading scorer Abby Charron had two goals and an assist to lead Canton (10-8) with junior Ashley Huff and junior Fiona McNally also scoring goals.

Canton’s Ashley Huff (10) controls the ball in Thursday’s Class S quarterfinal win over Nonnewaug in Woodbury. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

Charron, who has scored 17 goals this season, scored with 1:49 gone in the game to give the Warriors a quick lead. Charron added a second goal with 9:25 gone in the second half on a penalty stroke to extend the lead to 2-0.

Huff scored her eighth goal of the season just 17 seconds later to boost the Canton lead to 3-0. McNally scored in her second straight tournament game with 10:07 left to give the Warriors a 4-0 advantage.

Gay stopped five shots in net to earn the shutout. The sophomore hasn’t allowed a goal yet in the tournament. It was the first time this season that Nonnewaug (14-4, 11-1 BL), which won the Berkshire League, had been shutout in a game. In Wednesday’s second round game, Canton eliminated Shoreline Conference champion Westbrook, 2-0.

Canton 4, Nonnewaug 0
At Woodbury
Canton (10-8)                        1  3  — 4
Nonnewaug (14-4)              0  0  — 0
Goals: Abby Charron (Ca) 2, Fiona McNally (Ca), Ashley Huff (Ca); Assists: Charron, Madison Bahre (Ca); Saves: Michaela Gay (Ca) 5; Penalty corners; Canton, 9-6; Shots on goal: Canton, 12-5

Canton’s Leighton Antarsh (26) dribbles the ball toward the goal in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Nonnewaug. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)