CHS field hockey team allows first goal of the season, but still undefeated

The Canton High field hockey team remained undefeated through six games after two more victories last week: 6-1 at Foxboro and 4-0 at nonleague Arlington.

On Wednesday, Foxboro jumped out to a surprising 1-0 lead with a quick goal within the first three minutes of the game, ending the Bulldogs’ season-long shutout streak.

“This shocked the girls,” head coach Fior Griffin said. “We haven’t seen much pressure on the defensive end this season.”

Despite their slow start, the Bulldogs managed to bounce back when junior Stephanie Rizzitano scored in the tenth minute to tie the game at 1. Senior captain Emily Dillon netted a goal before halftime to give the Bulldogs the lead.

After the half, the girls began to dominate game play, scoring four more goals. Scorers included senior captain Nikki Wanless with two goals, and junior Becky Lazaro and freshman Alex Dillon with one goal apiece. Lazaro and senior Cady Kelly aided the offense with two assists apiece.

Although the score indicates an overall dominant performance, Griffin said it seemed much closer from the sideline.

“I liked how the girls were able to come from behind after not being scored upon this season,” she said. “The game showed us where we needed to work and how to deal with situations where we’re under pressure.”

Canton had a similarly slow start in its game on Saturday as the team adjusted from Foxboro’s grass field to the turf at Arlington. Griffin said it took the girls 15 minutes to get into the game, but added the defensive players did a good job of holding their ground.

Scorers included Wanless, Kelly, Dillon, and senior captain Alli Guenthner. Junior Haley Gaughan provided the game’s only assist.

Griffin was particularly proud of Kelly, who scored her first goal of the season. After many shots on net that hit the posts or went wide, Griffin pulled Kelly out of the game for a one-minute water break.

“I told her she only had a minute to get some water, and then go back into the game and score her goal,” Griffin said.

As if on cue, Kelly went back on the field and scored the last goal of the game.

The girls had a tough week ahead of them with games against perennial Hockomock powerhouses King Philip and Mansfield, as well as Oliver Ames.

“We’re really hoping to come out strong against those teams and make a big statement in the league,” Griffin said.

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Posted by Jeffrey Cattel on Oct 7 2010. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.