On the shoulders of its shortest player, Maple Grove went about reversing course in the second half of a game it trailed from the start.
After the Crimson had fallen behind by three goals Friday night in Plymouth, junior forward Tina Kampa went to work.
Three scores and eight minutes after halftime as Robbinsdale Armstrong’s lead melted in the scorching May heat, Kampa’s efforts had the game tied at 7-7, sparking a dramatic 9-7 come-from-behind victory over the rival Falcons.
“In the second half, we took advantage of our opportunities and buried some (goals) when it mattered most,” Kampa said. “We got the win because of it.”
Maple Grove followed with goals from Lauren Kaufman and Emily Herdine in the waning minutes, while the Crimson defense and keeper Coco Francis put a lid on Robbinsdale Armstrong's offense over the final 20 minutes.
“Our girls came out a little flat, but really our defense played great,” Maple Grove coach Haley Corradi said. “They used pressure to create some turnovers, and it really helped change the direction of the game.”
The Crimson defense was stout at midfield, but especially in its own defensive zone, forcing turnovers which led to crisp transition passing and rushes that proved costly for the Falcons.
Kampa, also a Maple Grove blue-liner in hockey and Bemidji State commit, played a major role on the attack as the Crimson started pounding the net after shooting just 25 percent in the first half. She finished with a game-high four goals.
“We entered the second half (mindful) of the changes we wanted to make,” Kampa said. “In the second half, we played better as a team, and we turned things around. It takes an entire team effort.”
The win proves to be important in the Northwest Suburban Conference standings, as Maple Grove (6-1) remains in second place, chasing unbeaten Champlin Park (6-0). Robbinsdale Armstrong falls to fifth at 3-3.
Any win is welcomed of course, but earning this victory over a quality opponent in comeback fashion is something the Crimson appreciate.
“This kind of win will definitely give us a lot of confidence,” Kampa says. “We entered this season expecting to win games, but having a team that’s able to fight through adversity is good.”
