Girls Hockey Defeats Norwood on Senior Night
February 20, 2026
• The Rockets outshot Norwood 32-28 in the win.
Needham girls hockey closed their season with a 3-2 victory over Norwood in a non-conference battle on Wednesday.
The win was a positive way to close the season for the Rockets, who finished 4-15 on the year.
Prior to puck drop, seniors Martha Han, Ceci D’Amelio, Megan Sgroi and Olivia Leschinski were honored for their contributions to the program. Each senior received flowers and took photos with their families on the ice before the public address announcer congratulated Norwood’s seniors.
The Rockets started off with a few solid shots on goal, before Bella D’Amelio had a breakaway opportunity. She capitalized on that chance, scoring her team-leading 10th goal of the season by burying the puck in the top right corner off a pass from Kelly Groden to put Needham up 1-0 with 8:33 remaining in the first period. But Norwood answered late in the period with a goal at the 2:29 mark after the Rockets turned the puck over in their zone.
Tied 1-1 to start the second period, the Rockets wasted no time retaking the lead. Freshman Kathryn Brinkhaus scored her second goal of the season, sneaking a shot in nearside on the Mustangs’ goalie after stealing the puck from a Norwood defender. With 3:03 left in the period, Norwood committed a high-sticking penalty, and Needham went on a power play. It didn’t take long for them to score, as Megan Sgroi redirected a shot over the Norwood goalie for her fifth goal of the season, giving the Rockets a 3-1 lead.
The third period was quieter, but Needham goalie Jackie Lancaster made plenty of impressive saves to keep the 3-1 lead intact. The Mustangs outshot the Rockets 12-8 in the period and eventually added a second goal with 1:18 remaining in the game. Norwood pulled their goalie for an extra skater after that, but Lancaster was strong in net, making a few more stops to preserve the win.
With their 4-15 season finish, it is unlikely that the team will qualify for the postseason. Brackets will be released by the MIAA on Saturday, Feb. 21.
