The Elizabethtown women’s field hockey team played off against Catholic University women’s field hockey team for the titular playoff spot on Saturday, Oct.29
Head Coach of the Etown women’s field hockey team Brandy Michael was optimistic prior to the game, sharing that the team was excited. When asked how she thought the team might pull out Blue Jays a win, Michael had this to say. “The seniors are probably the ones to step up today. We lean pretty heavily on our seniors.” The coach also shared that the opposition was formidable. “They’re a very good team; this is gonna be a very good game and we’re both gonna battle to earn our playoff spot!” she said.
The visitors team certainly was formidable, opening the game extremely aggressively, putting the Blue Jays on the defensive, and finishing the first quarter with a score of 1-3. They kept up the pressure through the second and third quarters as well, with the home team keeping up a strong defense, but seemingly unable to turn the tables. Entering into the fourth and final quarter of the game, the Blue Jays faced impossible odds of winning with a score of 1-7 in favor of their opponents. Yet, despite the odds, just as Michael said, they fought to the very end,scoring one more gratifying point in the final minutes of the game. The game was still lost, though, as the two offensive players who spearheaded that score embraced, it was clear that the second point was a win in itself.
The game ended in Catholic University’s favor with a final score of 2-7, though the Blue Jays seemed to take the loss in stride, with several senior players sharing their thoughts on the game.
Defensive player Chloe Smith said, “It was a bittersweet day, especially for the seniors and coaching staff. It was not how we planned to finish, but we left it all on the field.”
Such sentiments were echoed by forward and midfield player Grace Hardy.“While it’s hard to lose, it’s important to also be proud of what was accomplished this season. This team has so much potential, and I am excited to see what they accomplish in the next year,” she said.
Despite the bittersweet loss, the Etown women’s field hockey team remains optimistic about future seasons and come back all the better next season.
