Field Hockey Picks Up First Season Win

The girls’ varsity field hockey team traveled down to Milton Academy this Saturday for its second game of the season. After starting the season with a 1-2 loss against Groton, the girls were eager to capture their first win—this eagerness and energy shined through in their offence as they topped Milton 2-1.

As the game began, Exeter brought vigor, fighting hard for every ball while also maintaining a high level of passion and intensity. Although the Milton field consisted of grass instead of turf, the girls were able to adjust and kept up well with their opponents.

Exeter controlled most of the game and worked well together. The girls were tenacious to get the ball and used the big field to their advantage by spacing out.

Senior Caroline Grace explained the team’s offensive success. “We do a good job of spreading the field and getting fast break always on offense.”

These fast breaks led to plenty of  shots on goals. As the team’s hustle up and down the field started to exhaust Milton, prep Allie DeCoste was finally able to put the ball past the goalie and give Exeter the lead.

“Milton’s only goal was simply lucky, because it wasn’t clear if their player had kicked the ball in.”

While the team’s offense remained strong, Exeter’s defense showed itself to be the biggest contributor to the team’s success. Both captains, seniors Bella Edo and Abby Yu, lead the team from the defensive end, allowing Exeter to hold their opposition to just one goal during the entire game.

However, Yu explained that the defense still held some flaws. “We had trouble with marking up players and communicating effectively… and defensive corners,” she said.

Any areas where Exeter’s defense may have slightly lacked were redeemed by lower Katie Young’s debut as goalie. She had no trouble stopping shots that slipped past the defense.

Yu said that Young “made plenty of close saves,” and added, “Milton’s only goal was simply lucky, because it wasn’t clear if their player had kicked the ball in.”

On offense, Exeter attacked the goal for the majority of the game, with DeCoste and lower Johna Vandergraaf’s scoring the team’s two goals. Lower Catherine Vandergraaf’s goal was the highlight of the game.

Along with her goal, Vandergraaf also threw many aerials, showing excellent accuracy as she passed the ball through the air.

The team had been practicing this skill during the week leading up to the game, and it proved to hold a big impact on Exeter’s offense.

The team is excited to have its first win in the books and are hoping many more will come in the future. It will take on Cushing Academy at 3:45 p.m. this Saturday.