Dowling Scores Two for McCann in Shutout Win

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- Mike Dowling the McCann Tech girls soccer coach is also Brian Dowling the McCann Tech girls basketball coach, and if his basketball team this winter rebounds nearly as well as his soccer team did on Tuesday, it could be a great winter in the Hornets Nest.

 

It already is a pretty good fall on the soccer pitch.

 

McCann scored three goals on putbacks Tuesday to beat Westfield Voc, 4-0, and improve to 5-1 this season.

 

Allexia Andrews got the scoring going in the ninth minute when she knocked home the rebound of a shot on goal by Jordan Budaj.

 

In the second half, Aimee Dowling cashed in the rebound of a shot by Cheyenne Alcombright, and Elizabeth Culpepper did the same with a Budaj free kick.

 

"They were in the right spot," Mike Dowling said. "They were right where they were supposed to be.

 

"We've got to have that. We've got to have that wing right there. And Aimee did good. She was in the right spot, waiting for the ball."

 

Westfield Voc tested the McCann defense early with three corner kicks in the first four minutes, but McCann's defense was up to the challenge. Later in the half, Alanza Quinones made back to back saves around the 22 minute mark after yet another corner kick opportunity for the visitors.

 

Westfield's best opportunity to tie the game came seven minutes into the second half when Heather Lannon appeared to break free going down the middle of the attacking zone for the visitors. But Culpepper caught her and shut her down to end the threat.

 

About 11 minutes later, Aimee Dowling gave the Hornets some breathing room, alertly jumping on the carom after Alcombright's shot from the right wing.

 

Moments later, McCann converted a corner kick. Monique Martel's entry dropped into the middle of the 6-yard area, and Westfield Voc was unable to clear. Alcombright played the ball to Dowling, who knocked home her second goal of the game to make it 3-0.

 

Culpepper capped the scoring after Budaj's free kick, which was awarded for a handball by the Tigers' keeper just outside the 18.

 

McCann is home again on Friday against Franklin Tech before playing three road games next week.

 

Mike Dowling said the team is progressing well and developing a deep bench.

 

"We're just building momentum to see what we can get done," he said. "I think the young kids are coming along. They're starting to get it. ... I've got a pretty good bench rotation going."