Plymouth North-Hingham kick off field hockey season with a tie

As the sun set behind the press box and the two teams took the field, one thing was clear: MIAA fall sports are officially back.

On Thursday afternoon, Plymouth North and host Hingham battled to a 3-3 draw in the first field hockey game for both schools this fall after a nearly one month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The game, like all that will take place across the Bay State this fall, was played under the new strict MIAA sport modifications put into place to meet the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) guidelines. Most notably the game was played with four 15-minute quarters, was seven-on-seven as opposed to the usual 11-on-11, and there were no corners.

“We always incorporate a lot of fitness into our practices but that has been a lot more of a focus this preseason,” Hingham coach Susan Petrie said. “This is an entirely different game than we’re used to. We usually count on corners so this has been a big adjustment for the girls, but they’re just so happy to be out here.”

In accordance with EEA guidelines, players from both sides wore masks while both on the sidelines and while participating in in-game action. Coaches, officials and all spectators in attendance wore masks. Spectators were limited to under 50 and those that were in attendance were scattered throughout the bleachers. Players were allowed to use the two-minute intervals between quarters as mask breaks.

“It’s really great to have the opportunity to play this year,” Plymouth North coach Janet Veracka said. “This is a dramatically different game. Playing seven-on-seven but also taking out the offensive advantage on a corner changes the game and changes the excitement level of the game.”

Plymouth North jumped out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Caroline Egan and Emme Jenkins. Hingham got back within a goal on Kyle Wilson’s shot off a feed from Kenzie Wilson, but the Blue Eagles stretched their lead back to two, 3-1, before the half on a second goal by Egan.

The Harborwomen, however, controlled most of the final two frames, evening the score at three on a penalty shot by Katie Harnett and Wilson’s second goal of the game with just under four minutes to play to come away with a tie.

“I can’t believe we’re out here actually playing,” Petrie said smiling. “It’s so great. It’s a beautiful fall day and it would not be fall without field hockey so we’re just happy to be here.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3l9ucXB