Despite an extremely tough matchup with No. 5 Hopkinton on Tuesday, the Conant boys’ soccer team was all smiles on the field. For one thing, it was senior day, and the team’s seven elder statesmen were honored before the game. But the Orioles were breathing even more rarified air – after all, they’d just made the playoffs for the first time in years.
“I’m encouraged and the guys are really pumped to make the playoffs,” said head coach Dan Bemis. “It’s nice to have a senior-laden team like this with seven seniors to make the postseason and give a crack at it.”
The Orioles dropped Tuesday’s game with the Hawks 6-0, but after falling behind early, Conant made a few key adjustments to settle into their playoff form. Bemis moved senior captain James Record from defense to midfield, and that tilted the pitch a bit.
“That gave us a lot more possessions because he’s one of the most intelligent players on the team,” Bemis said.
Conant’s 7-9 record not only gets them into the playoffs, it reflects the caliber of their opponents; two games against DII’s top team, ConVal, and battles with DIII powers Stevens, Hopkinton, Fall Mountain and Campbell should have the Orioles ready for playoff soccer.
“Everyone’s 0-0 when you get into the playoffs,” Bemis said. “All you need is one ball to roll your way.”
Conant will be on the road next Thursday.