WESTPORT – In the first round of the FCIAC playoffs, Staples roared out of the gate. In the third minute of play, Maddie Sansone passed to Katharine Shackelford who passed to Evelyn Chudowsky, whose shot found the back of the net but Staples was called offsides. No goal.

New Canaan gained possession and rolled down the field, took an excellent shot that was snagged by goalkeeper Cami Kolek. Staples took over and ambled into New Canaan territory, passing to Evelyn Chudowsky, who shot and scored the game’s first goal. 

Seven minutes in, Sami DeWitt had a big defensive header to block a shot by New Canaan.

At eight minutes in, New Canaan took a corner kick and goalkeeper Cami Kolek made a big save.

With 14 minutes left in the first half, Staples takes a corner kick, which was cleared by New Canaan. Then Staples had another corner kick. Maddie Sansone took the kick, toward Gaby Gonzalez, who headed the ball into the net. At the half, 2-0 Staples.

At four minutes into the second half, New Canaan scored their only goal.

Thirteen minutes into the second half, Coco Crombie passed to Maddie Sansone, whose shot from the right side screamed into the net. Final: 3-1 Staples.

Next up, Staples moves on to play #1 seed St Joseph, Monday at 4 p.m.