After a slow start to the season, field hockey was more determined than ever to secure their first win on Oct. 1 when they faced off against Sage Creek. This was their first win of the season and this was the first league game this season. Early in the first quarter, Brooke Lanski (11) and Camryn Warren (10) took charge on offense to score two goals en route to a 3-0 victory to open league play.
Center defender and captain Harper Schwartz (11) said the team was ecstatic after the final whistle blew.
“The energy was so good,” she said. “We were all so happy and felt like a stronger team because we knew that we could work together so that we could actually win. At the end of games when we lose, we jog to the goalie, but [this time] we were so happy that we sprinted. We just felt so accomplished because we worked really hard at practice even when we didn’t have school on [professional growth day].”
According to Schwartz, the team vigorously trained in the practices leading up to the game. They worked on tightening their corner strategy, a play given to the offensive team for a defensive foul in the shooting circle..
“We really focused on corners during practice so that’s why I feel like we did so well on them in this game,” she said. “Normally, our team plays very defense-heavy games, but this game we showed we really wanted it, especially with our corners.”
Schwartz said that the team’s preparation and mindset played a major role in their performance.
“If you looked at Sage Creek’s game stats, they were pretty similar to us,” she said. “We were going into this game with a strong mindset and just went in with a good attitude and started out the game really strong. We dominated with ball possession, and the first corner is when we scored our first goal.”
Schwartz also emphasized that enjoying the game is just as important as strategy.
“For defense, I feel like sometimes we just [want to] have a fun time,” she said. “When we have fun, then it really shows our passion for the sport and we’re able to show our skills more, which I think is important.”
Not only is enjoying the game important, but Schwartz also said the strong communication and trust in the goalies, Alina Doble (10) and Sarah Harris (11), make the defense more efficient.
“Me and the goalies all have a lot of trust in each other,” Schwartz said. “That’s what helps us work together so well, because they can see stuff that I can’t see and I can see stuff that they can’t see and just communicate to help each other when we’re in different situations.”
By honing in on fundamental skills and offensive strategies, the team worked together to successfully execute their game plan and dominate on the field.
“This was the first game of the league, so winning the first game is really good,” Schwartz said. “We really locked in and focused on practicing the basic skills. I feel like in practice we worked on using them, and it helped us achieve our goals. The offense got open more, went to the ball more, and just really wanted it.”
