The Women’s Field Hockey Team christened the new turf field with a strong victory over Sacred Heart. With a 2-0 score, the girls improved their record to two wins and three losses.
After their three game losing streak, this win surely proved the team has what it takes to be a successful force in the league. The Catamounts dominated the field for most of the game, keeping possession and passing efficiently.
They took advantage of several breakaway opportunities, driving toward Sacred Heart’s defense, out-shooting their opponent 10-5 in the first half alone. With just under fourteen minutes left in the first half, the girls scored their first goal of the game. After senior Emily Fitzgerald crossed the ball right into the middle of the circle, forward Kelly McClintock received an assist from Junior Liz Berry and skillfully put the ball straight past Sacred Heart’s goalkeeper.
At halftime, the turf got sprayed with several sprinklers, keeping the temperature of the field cool and making a softer ground for anyone who bites the dust. Unfortunately, the turf was not the only thing sprayed, as these reporters also got a little wet.
When asked about playing on the turf field as opposed to the grass, Ariel Eber, the goalie for the Catamounts, explained “I love it. It is a much faster and all around better game.” Most would think that turf makes it harder for a goalie, but Eber’s versatility was valuable in blocking the shots during this shut out- she had many impressive saves.
Freshman Kim Striegler, also played a big role in keeping Sacred Heart from scoring. “The turf is amazing. We have been practicing hard all pre-season,” she said after the game.
Striegler added that the communication between the players, especially in the defensive zone, is remarkable. “I can go to any of them with questions or concerns,” she noted. In the second half, the Sacred Heart goalkeeper, Ashley Del Greco, blocked many of the Catamounts shots. Unfortunately for Sacred Heart, Vermont managed to break through after sixteen minutes of playing during the half. Danielle Collins made it look easy as she came in from the right side past the defenders and put it right into the goal.
Her stick-work and speed are important assets that make her stand out as one of Vermont’s top forwards. With only four minutes left in the second half, Collins had a similar break away that looked like it could have led to a third goal, but was deflected by Del Greco who had nine saves throughout the whole game.
After watching Vermont shut out Sacred Heart, it seems as though they are on the right track to playing an exciting season. Stay tuned to upcoming home games on the new turf field. There are two more in September, when the Vermont Field Hockey Team plays Cornell on Sunday the 25th at 1:00 and Dartmouth on Wednesday the 28th at 4:00. GO CATS GO!
