Published in the February 16, 2017 edition

SISTER ACT. Sammie Mirasolo (left) celebrates her goal against Oakmont while her sister Cassie Mirasolo (No. 13, right), joins in the celebration that eventually led to a 4-1 win for the Tanners’ co-op team. (Mark Grant Photo)

SISTER ACT. Sammie Mirasolo (left) celebrates her goal against Oakmont while her sister Cassie Mirasolo (No. 13, right), joins in the celebration that eventually led to a 4-1 win for the Tanners’ co-op team. (Mark Grant Photo)

By DAVID McCOUBREY

ASHBURNHAM — The girls’ co-op hockey team continues to receive excellent play from young talent, as they beat Oakmont 4-1 on the road on Saturday at Cushing Academy.

Already a good team, the Tanners, comprised of players from Peabody, Lynnfield and North Reading, have a bright future ahead with so many freshmen and sophomores contributing at a high level.

Sophomore Abby Buckley, an aggressive and gymnastic goalie, continued her excellent run.

“Abby is a consistent force in net this season,” said head coach Michelle Roach.

With a veritable brick wall defending the goal, the Tanners were able to pull away from Oakmont early. Freshman forward Sammie Mirasolo drew first blood, scoring at 3:34 with assists from her sister, Cassie Mirasolo, and Jess Robert.

EXUBERANT teammates Kat DiGiulio (No.17, left), Carolyn Garofoli (center) and Elise Murphy (right) celebrate one of Garofoli’s three goals in the co-op hockey team’s 4-1 win over Oakmont Saturday. (Mark Grant Photo)

EXUBERANT teammates Kat DiGiulio (No.17, left), Carolyn Garofoli (center) and Elise Murphy (right) celebrate one of Garofoli’s three goals in the co-op hockey team’s 4-1 win over Oakmont Saturday. (Mark Grant Photo)

Hat trick for Garofoli

Starting in the second period, though, another freshman, Carolyn Garofoli, took over the game. She scored two goals in the second, with assists on both from senior forward Elise Murphy. Not content with two scores, Garofoli completed the hat trick in the third, scoring unassisted.

In hunt for tourney berth

The Tanners are playing well, but there is still a lot on the line for this group. A trip to the tournament would be a huge deal for this team.

Roach said, “We have a tough league game against Medford on Wednesday night. We’ll have to continue to play with a sense of urgency and make sure we’re doing the little things over the next couple of weeks if we want to get to where we want to be. We are looking for four points over the next four games to qualify for the first tournament berth ever.”

Four points in four games is certainly doable with this potent offense and a puck stopper like Buckley. The Tanners take on Beverly at home on Saturday, February 18 at 7:20 p.m.