A new season means a new start, and after posting a 7-8 record last year, the varsity field hockey team came into the year looking for a chance to rebound.
The team has a new coach and returning stars and rising talent, causing mixed feelings among the group. “We were all feeling a little uncertain since we have a new coach again this year but we were definitely excited,” junior center back Kayla Hill said.
The first game served as a reality check for the squad as they fell 2-1 in a home game against Sherwood. The game got off to an even start and in the first half both teams had their chances but neither were able to net anything, resulting in a score of 0-0 at the middle break. After that the game took a turn for the worse. Sherwood came out of the half on fire, scoring two goals in the opening minutes and changing the outlook of the game in an instant. From that point on, the Patriots dominated possession of the ball in an attempt to generate offense. A great shot by star junior Chloe Perel netted them their first goal of the season, but they were unable to score an equalizer thereafter, resulting in a loss.
They hoped to for better luck on the road against Northwest on Sept. 11 and they once again got off to a good start. The game again was tied at the break, but in the first half the Patriots showed encouraging signs of life on the offensive end, controlling possession throughout most of the period. The score continued to be locked until Northwest scored with 10 minutes left to put them in the lead. Northwest then scored again off a penalty with 30 seconds left, resulting in a 2-0 loss for the Patriots that was much closer than the box score suggests. “We gave it our all but the combination of their physical team and the grass field got the best of us,” senior goal keeper Alyssa Robinson said.
The team then faced Richard Montgomery desperate to fend off falling into an 0-3 hole to start the season. They came out on fire, as both Perel and junior Caity Greenspun found the back of the net in the first half to give the Pats a 2-0 lead. The goal barrage didn’t stop there. The second half was an encore of the prior period, as seniors Julia Stern and Jordyn Taylor scored to increase the lead, resulting in a forceful 4-0 victory.
After getting off to a rocky start, the Pats turned in a dominant showing to salvage their season and get back on track. “Even though we were off to a rough start this season, we are going to keep working hard and hopefully end with a winning record,” senior midfielder Allison Geringer said.
So far, Perel leads the team with two goals scored, followed by Greenspun, Stern, and Taylor all with one goal.
The season is still young, and the team looks to keep the wins rolling in their next game at Bethesda Chevy Chase on Sept. 19, too late to be covered in this issue. After that, the team plays Whitman on Sept. 23 and then Walter Johnson on Sept. 26. The team will hope to keep their winning streak alive and gain some momentum.

Peter Hechler

Managing Editor