CHS field hockey team still unbeaten

With the Davenport Division already wrapped up, the Canton High field hockey team continued its undefeated streak with three strong performances last week: 7-1 over Sharon, 4-1 against North Attleboro, and 3-1 over Westborough. With two games left in the regular season, the Bulldogs’ record stands at 13-0-1.

Canton dominated Sharon from the start, scoring three goals in the first six minutes of play — six goals before the end of the first half. Junior Becky Lazaro netted two goals. Other scorers included seniors Nikki Wanless and Alli Guenthner, juniors Michelle McNeil and Haley Gaughan, and freshman Alex Dillon. Assists came from Lazaro, senior captain Emily Dillon, and sophomore Meaghan McKenna.

“The game gave us a chance to allow players to try out new positions,” coach Fior Griffin said. Guenthner tried a new forward position known as the cherry picker, while Emily Dillon spent a few minutes in goal.

The Bulldogs got their first stroke of the season against North Attleboro. A stroke occurs when the goalie steps outside the circle during game play and a defender commits a foul — usually by kicking away an attempted shot on goal. Griffin awarded the stroke to Emily Dillon. Other goal scorers included Wanless, McNeil, and junior Stephanie Rizzitano. Emily Dillon recorded two assists during the game, while senior captain Alli King had one.

Despite the Bulldogs’ good performances against Sharon and North Attleboro, Griffin said the team’s best performance of the week came against Westborough — a strong opponent with only one loss and two ties in a competitive league.

“We played phenomenal,” Griffin said. “The girls played like all stars. If they played like that from now on, I don’t think any team in the state could beat them.”

The girls were not beaten to the ball and pressured opponents when they had the ball. Griffin said Westborough never really had an opportunity to get possession and get comfortable with the ball.

McKenna scored the game’s first goal off an amazing set up by freshmen Dillon and Kelli Stigas.

“The fact that I had two freshmen sprinting down the field at full speed dodging defenders was incredible,” Griffin said. “They really stepped up to the plate.”

McNeil and Wanless netted the game’s two remaining goals.

With only two games left in the regular season, Griffin and the girls were beginning to practice for the postseason.

“This is exactly how we want them to be playing right now,” Griffin said. “We’re playing well, but the question now is how well we’ll hold up against better opponents we’ll see in the tournament.”

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Posted by Jeffrey Cattel on Oct 28 2010. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.