Field hockey falls to top seed in sectional semis

For the first time in four seasons, the CHS field hockey team will not be heading to the Eastern Mass. finals after the Bulldogs were eliminated by top-seeded Apponequet Regional in Friday’s south sectional semifinal round.

Junior Sam Nolte (Mike Barucci photo)

It was a disappointing end for the three-time defending south champions, as the girls played their hearts out and had multiple chances to win before yielding to the Lakers in overtime 2-1.

“They definitely were a strong and skilled team,” said assistant coach Dee Moritz of Apponequet. “But our girls take the field against every opponent expecting to be successful and win.”

Moritz characterized the game as a defensive battle, and she was very much impressed with the Bulldogs’ effort in that area, especially with the play of senior captains Meghan McKenna and Ali Martin as well as junior Casey Considine.

“They all made stops that prevented good scoring opportunities,” said Moritz, adding that McKenna, in particular, “played an incredible defensive game.”

Arguably the team’s most valuable player, McKenna made plays all over the field and also accounted for the only offense, scoring the Bulldogs’ lone goal midway through the first half.

Moritz said it was the first time all season that the undefeated Lakers had been scored on first, but they continued to battle and eventually tied it up with a goal in the second half.

Both squads had a handful of chances to grab the go-ahead goal in regulation, but neither one could capitalize as the buzzer sounded with the game even at 1-1.

Apponequet went on to score the game winner about halfway through the 15-minute overtime period. In retrospect, Moritz said she wished she spent more practice time working on overtime drills, which is played with six players per side plus a goalie (seven vs. seven). Nevertheless, she was pleased with the team’s performance and thrilled with the effort they put forth from start to finish.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the effort they gave,” she said. “Everyone gave 110 percent.”

“I think this team was a great team,” Moritz added. “They came out early in the season and had a lot of ties, but they worked hard to overcome that and got better every day in practice. They were a very intelligent group of girls. They were a lot of fun and filled with a lot of enthusiasm.”

Overall, the team enjoyed another outstanding season, winning the Davenport Division and finishing with a record of 14-2-4, including a 2-1 mark in the postseason.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Nov 15 2012. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.