Field Hockey: Falcons already successful in pre-season

Although the field hockey team has not had any official games yet, the girls are already off to an impressive start, having won all three of their preseason games.

The team crushed Branham 7-0 in their third preseason game on Sept. 10. In the first half, senior midfielder Jordan Leonard scored off of a deflection from Branham’s goalie, followed by a goal from senior forward Sam Li off a pass from Leonard. At the end of the first half, junior forward Shea Sullivan slipped in a goal off of an assist from junior midfielder Vanessa Block.

In the second half, Li scored off of an assist from junior midfielder Ren Norris. Schroeder then scored two back to back goals, one off of a corner play and one off of a penalty stroke because of an illegal play by Branham. Senior goalie and co-captain Madeline Rothenberg held Branham scoreless with several saves.

“It was great to win by so much in our last preseason game,” said Block. “It gave us more confidence as we head into the real season.”

In their second preseason match at home against Willow Glen on Sept. 8, the girls dominated, also with a 7-0 victory.

Schroeder scored the first goal off an assist from Leonard. After that the goals just kept on coming in. Sophomore Anna Ashe tipped the ball into the goal after a short corner play by Block, Li and Schroeder. This was followed by another goal scored by Li off of an assist from Ashe. When the whistle blew for half time the Falcons already had a strong 3-0 lead.

With their intense teamwork, the team was able to score even more during the second half. Junior Whitney Hansen scored once off an assist from Ashe and Ashe scored twice with assists from Leonard and Block. Sophomore Annie Barco scored that last goal of the game to bring the Falcons to another 7-0 victory.

“I was very impressed by our passing and scoring which showed how easily we can improve and work together as a team,” said Schroeder.

Li and Ashe were a “powerful attacking force that helped lead the offense,” said new coach Kellie York who also was impressed by the improvement and “smoother passing” from her team, which led to the victory.

The team has come a long way since their first preseason game against Homestead on Thursday, Sep. 3. They won 1-0, with the lone goal scored by Sullivan with an assist from Ashe.

“The girls improved a lot since the first preseason game they had, and they scored some really nice goals,” said coach York.

The team hopes to continue its success in the first regular season game against league opponent, Archbishop Mitty on Sept. 22.