How did North Kingstown girls soccer extend its unbeaten streak? Ellie Bishop, that's how
NORTH KINGSTOWN — Opposing defenses haven’t had much luck stopping North Kingstown this season. Mother Nature took a crack and was similarly unsuccessful Tuesday night.
South Kingstown looked bound for a point through 73 minutes when Ellie Bishop extended her blistering form in front of goal. The Rebels made a lone mistake and the gifted sophomore tucked it away beautifully.
The Skippers continue to roll atop the Division I girls soccer ranks. This 1-0 victory in a rivalry matchup extended their unbeaten run to seven games. A season-opening loss to Cumberland was put in the rearview mirror long ago.
“We grinded it out,” North Kingstown coach Mark D’Arezzo said. “It was going to be a hard game even without the rain.”
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Sheets of precipitation pelted the turf at Perry Athletic Complex and wind lashed the few spectators who huddled in the stands. North Kingstown knew before the kickoff this wouldn’t be pretty. The difference between the Skippers and most opponents thus far has been the ability to overcome seemingly any challenge.
“It was really gross weather,” Bishop said. “And it’s your rival — it's a big win to come out and get that last goal at the end.”
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Bishop scores lone goal despite 'really gross weather'
Bishop got some help from her strike partner to net the winner. Katherine Van Gorden’s cross off the left put pressure on the South Kingstown back line, and the Rebels couldn’t clear the ball from their own penalty area. Bishop pounced at the near post and snapped a right-footed shot just beyond the dive of South Kingstown keeper Addy Cook.
“We’re really, really fortunate,” D’Arezzo said. “We are grinding out the wins. We’re finding a way to win each time. It’s not the same person.”
The danger had been mounting. Cook made a terrific save on Bella Cambio just two minutes earlier, palming a left-footed shot off the crossbar. Van Gorden fired over the top within the opening five minutes of the second half, an early message that North Kingstown would continue to push forward.
“We’re unstoppable,” Bishop said. “And Bella behind us — we have, I think, the best trio in the state right now.”
The Skippers (6-1-1) kept their fourth clean sheet of the unbeaten streak — they've allowed just three goals over that span. That matches the total North Kingstown gave up in a 3-1 loss to the Clippers on Sept. 8. The Rebels (1-4-2) had their best chance in the 54th minute, but Sydney Allen raced off her line to smother a chance from Finley Carr.
“Since then, everything has been solid,” D’Arezzo said. “The ball is rolling. We’re going to keep going with it and keep building on it.”
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The Skippers have a rematch looming with Cumberland next week and finish the regular season with Chariho. The Chargers used a late goal by Emily Brown to nick a point against North Kingstown in their first meeting. The postseason will be within touching distance by the time both teams take the field for that Oct. 26 match.
“Can we get better? Yes, I think we can get better,” D’Arzzo said. “That’s what the next eight games are for — to get ready for the show.”
SOUTH KINGSTOWN (0): No scoring.
NORTH KINGSTOWN (1): Ellie Bishop.
Halftime — 0-0. Saves — Addy Cook, SK, 10; Sydney Allen, NK, 4.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On Twitter: @BillKoch25
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ellie Bishop extends North Kingstown, RI girls soccer streak
