Sussex Academy slips by Beacon 2-1 as rivals clash in rain

A former Cape district student scored Sussex Academy’s first goal in the Seahawks’ 2-1 victory over Beacon Middle March 27.

Sixth-grader Garrity Cox, a Milton Elementary School product, finished off a helper from Lyla Fox during a rain-drenched first half. Beacon wouldn’t be held scoreless though as Ashlynn Panyko netted an opening half goal for the Vikings to make it 1-1 at the end of one.

“The first half kept going back and forth,” Sussex Academy coach Holly Zorn said. “They possessed mainly in the first half. We couldn't get past their midfield, and once we did a little changes, it seemed to shine. We were able to go off and release more often and have better possession.”

Although the sun didn’t come out in the second half, the rain stopped and the Seahawks seemed to open up. Beacon started the half with quite a few chances and looked like they were about to break through after sustaining possession in the final third for a few minutes. Sussex Academy seventh-grader Patricia Lara Nieto, however, didn’t like the way the script was playing out and decided to do a little rewriting herself. 

As the Seahawks began to clear the ball out of their defensive third, Lara Nieto gained possession at midfield and spotted a seam. Darting toward the goal, outpacing the pack, the defensive midfielder put on her offensive boots and gracefully finished off her run by beating the goalie one-on-one to give Sussex Academy a 2-1 lead.

Beacon, facing the clock and the Seahawks, tried to respond as quickly as possible, but Sussex Academy’s Savannah Hope had no interest in giving up a second goal. She stoned a one-on-one breakaway and secured the ball to prevent what would have been an easy rebound goal.

With the Vikings faithful urging an equalizer and the Sussex Academy fans pushing for denial, the girls battled until the bitter end in the blossoming rivalry. As the final whistle blew, the Seahawks celebrated a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a skilled Beacon squad.

Zorn praised the efforts of Jordan Blades, Grace Ippolito, Lara Nieto, Cox and Fox for their work on the front lines, and commended Maggie Roblero-Chavez, Cat Ellis and Hope for a dominating defensive performance.

“It’s a great rivalry,” Zorn said. “We tied them last season, so we knew we had to get them this season.”

Sussex Academy will take on another Cape school when they welcome Mariner at 4 p.m., Monday, April 22.