Field Hockey on a roll
The Castleton State College field hockey team has been on a roll this season, along with several other of the Spartans’ fall sports teams. As playoffs are upon us, the field hockey team started their quest for the championship steam rolling over New England College 9-3.
Senior Blake Wardwell started the Spartan scoring in the 13th minute when she finally finished the ball after NEC goalie Courtney Duquette saved multiple shots in the seconds prior. She commented on her thoughts after giving her team the lead and setting the pace for the game.
“We finally broke the tension so scoring will be a lot easier from here on out,” she said.
That proved true, but not without an answer from the Pilgrims first.
Nine minutes later, NEC’s Cody Kent tied the game when she beat Castleton goalie Jess Galatioto. However, the even score didn’t last long, as Rachel Preusser answered 1:10 lateroff a pass from Shawna Pinsonault.
The Spartans added on another goal from Stephanie Bardell in the 32nd minute when she scored off a penalty corner, which the team has been working on.
“We have been working on our corners because those will be a key in these last few games,” said senior Stacy Sullivan.
That practice has seemed to pay off in the past few games.
After the half, Castleton used their momentum to continue their dominant play. They scored five unanswered goals, including two from Pinsonault, Preusser, Kristy Pinkham and Annie Towslee.
The visiting Pilgrims tried to rally a comeback, but fell short after only scoring two more goals. They ended their season with a 3-17 record overall.
In the win, Galatioto made five saves while Duquette stopped 21 Spartan shots. Both Pinsonault and Preusser each finished the game with a pair of goals and an assist.
The Spartans move to a 12-6 overall record. They will face Maine Farmington today in Spartan Stadium in the NAC semifinals.
“We’re just focusing on one game at a time,” said senior Stacy Sullivan on the playoff mentality.
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