Cohasset field hockey stays perfect, avenges 2019 loss to Sandwich

SANDWICH – When Cohasset’s field hockey program fell to Sandwich in the 2019 Div. 2 South semifinals, there were plenty of questions as to who was going to step up, and whether or not the Skippers would ever again be as truly dominant as they had been.

Flash forward almost exactly one year later, and the Skippers aren’t simply keeping up their outstanding play, but also earning payback as well.

Ainsley Allen and Maddie Miller each tallied a goal, while Molly Stephens registered two assists, as Cohasset handed Sandwich its first loss of the season, 2-0, on the Blue Knights’ turf.

“It felt a lot better,” Cohasset coach Lauren Giuliano chuckled. “Last year was tough, and we were really excited to be able to play (Sandwich) again, mostly because they’re just such strong competition, just a great team. And they were generous enough to play us, in this funny season that we’re having.”

For most of the opening half, it didn’t appear as though the Skippers (11-0) could find any momentum, as the Blue Knights (6-1-1) dominated possession. It wasn’t until Stephens made her first key play of the evening, as she fed a pass through traffic to Allen, who then turned her attention to the net. From there, the sophomore forward put one past Sandwich goalkeeper Sarah Currey. Out of nowhere, the Skippers had taken a 1-0 advantage, with 13:43 left in the second quarter.

“I feel like once we get the first goal, the whole team’s morale goes up,” Allen said. “And everyone on the sideline is screaming. It makes you just want to work harder to get another (goal), and keep that lead going.”

With 10:00 remaining in the third, Stephens made another key play. After creating some separation from the Blue Knights’ defensive front, the junior picked a spot, then rifled a pass to the waiting stick of Miller, who easily tapped in a shot to give Cohasset a 2-0 lead.

Currey finished with four saves in the net for Sandwich.

To this point in the year, Cohasset has relied on senior Kate Cunning to play the lead role, especially with the departure of Molly Greer.

This time? It was her younger teammates who powered the team to victory. With one game left to play in the regular season, Cunning thinks the best is still to come for Cohasset.

“That showed a lot about our team,” Cunning said. “And it shows a lot that we have so much to offer. It’s not focused on a few girls, but rather, our whole team has a wide range of skills, young and old. We have a lot of talent coming up with all of us graduating. That’s a big win for the future of Cohasset field hockey.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3869qVi