Field hockey team beats Sharon, ties Foxboro

It was an up and down week for the Canton High field hockey team as the Bulldogs scored an easy 3-0 win over Sharon last Monday before settling for another draw — their third already this season — against an improved Foxboro squad on Friday.

Junior Katie Kelleher (Mike Barucci photo)

Both games were played away from Memorial Field, while the Foxboro game was played in the rain and wind; however, head coach Fior Griffin was still hoping to see a “60-minute performance” from the Bulldogs, and neither game quite fit the bill.

Fortunately, the team did more than enough in the first 30 minutes against the Eagles on Monday, jumping out to a three-goal lead that they never relinquished. Senior Kate O’Brien scored her first varsity goal in the win, and several other reserve players saw extended game action, including promising freshman Emily Rizzitano.

“It was tough at times because the comfort level wasn’t there,” observed Griffin, “but it was a good game for getting different players experience and building our depth.”

The regular starters also made their presence felt as senior captain Meghan McKenna and junior forward Alex Dillon both found the net before halftime.

In the second half, the Bulldogs continued to generate scoring chances, yet they struggled to find their rhythm amid some questionable officiating calls.

“We just have to find a way to score and finish in spite of whatever adversity we have,” said Griffin. “We need to find a way to play around it.”

In one sense, the Bulldogs did just that on Friday against Foxboro, as they battled hard and “nobody complained” despite brutal weather and field conditions. But after a fast start and an early goal by McKenna, the team hit a rough patch and Foxboro capitalized to make it 1-1 at the half.

Refusing to quit, the Bulldogs went out and played a much better second half, led by forwards Mary McNeil and Dillon and first-year goalie Emily Buckley, who made a couple of outstanding saves. Foxboro (4-1-2) also played “really well” throughout the half, according to Griffin; however, neither team could find the back of the net when it counted as they settled for a 1-1 tie.

“Our forwards had some great runs, and we did better defensively,” said Griffin after the game. “But we need to capitalize in those situations. It’s not enough to just tie.”

This week, the Bulldogs (4-0-3) were due to host Stoughton on Monday and Hockomock newcomer Taunton on Wednesday. They will then travel to King Philip to play the Warriors tomorrow afternoon beginning at 3:30 p.m.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Oct 3 2012. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.