Field Hockey Wins Against Thayer
In its third to last game of the season, the girls’ varsity field hockey team played an exciting game against Thayer Academy this past Saturday. The girls were slightly tired from their game just one day prior, but they went into this game feeling ready to win. After a dominant performance from the entire team, Exeter was able to walk away with a 1-0 win and snapped their five-game losing streak.
The girls played with intensity right from the opening whistle and were determined to crush their opponents. The team quickly gained possession of the ball and formed the first of many attacks on the Thayer defense. Lower Catherine Griffin explained how important a win in this game was for her team. “We were definitely hungry for a win, especially because we have struggled in our past couple of games.”
Even though Exeter controlled the ball for most of the half, they were still not able to score. However, the opportunities kept piling up and late in the first half the team finally broke through. With the clock counting down the end the half, prep Ally Decoste put the ball past Thayer’s goalkeeper with four seconds left to put Exeter up 1-0.
“We were definitely hungry for a win, especially because we have struggled in our past couple of games.”
Scoring late in the first half definitely helped boost the team’s momentum, and they continued to play strong throughout the next half. Exeter had many chances to score again, but Thayer’s defense remained strong. Although the team didn’t play too much defense, the few Thayer attacks Exeter’s cage were thwarted by the girls to put up a shutout.
One of the major successes for Exeter during this game was that they played incredibly well together. On offense they worked the ball around with crisp passes and improved their play inside the circle. Also, on defense they communicated well and, as a result, forced a handful of turnovers. Team manager and upper Lili Hernandez noted that, “the team usually plays well together,” but they worked exceptionally well together against Thayer.
Big Red field hockey does not have much time to celebrate their win because they have two important games left this season. Following their game against Kimball Union Academy, the girls will take on their rivals Andover at E/a.
The field hockey game against Andover has been a much anticipated one for the team this season. After losing 0-1 in a tight game last year at home, the girls have some unfinished business to take care of. Senior and team co-captain Abby Yu said, “we’re pretty much out for revenge.” The Andover field hockey team is a force to be reckoned with, so the girls have their work cut out for them. Last year, Andover won the field hockey class A championships and this year, Andover’s record is 13-2-1. Although Big Red was not able to make the tournament this year, they still plan to end the season on a high note and upset their rivals in the team’s biggest game of the season.