On Homecoming day, the girls varsity field hockey team fell short to Latin by a score of 2-1. Alexis Sarnoff opened the scoring for the Colonels in the second half but the team fell back to a late goal scored by senior Ellie O’Shea and a final goal scored in overtime by freshman Caroline Gaines.
A key to Parker’s loss was the unmarking of players in the final third of the field which led to the second goal. Marking players defensively is essential to preventing any chance at goal. “They made the goal on a corner, and we always have to practice on corners defensively. Nobody was on the back post, and that’s where she shot the goal,” senior Captain Ellie Alden said.
Despite the loss, Alden praised the team’s effort and determination. “We played an amazing game,” she said, “so I am really proud of everybody on the team and so not getting our heads down after the loss and keep going and playing with an even playing field.”
Senior captain Natalie Drake highlighted the team’s control for most of the match. “We dominated most of the game,” Drake said, “however, it came down to a few consecutive mistakes in the final quarter that led to the OT. It was tough knowing we had the ball in their half for probably 75% of the game and a rough final quarter cost us.”
Alden was ready for the team to come back stronger as the Colonels paid a visit to Latin’s homecoming on Saturday, September 30. “I think we need to focus on working together as a unit,” she said. “Latin is good at being cohesive with each other.” Parker won the Latin homecoming game two to zero.
