Field Hockey Caps Off Their Season in Dramatic Fashion

It was one for the record books in a remarkable match-up against unbeaten #1 seeded Hotchkiss. The Martlets rose to the challenge as they controlled the pace of a fierce game that went through a remarkable sixty minutes of regulation, two 10-minute sudden-victory overtimes, and two rounds of penalty strokes. The Martlets fought every minute and at each opportunity of the game in impressive fashion, but were ultimately defeated by a single penalty stroke to end the contest in favor of Hotchkiss.

This game was unquestionably the best game of the season for the Martlets, who dominated an undefeated Hothckiss team with their quickness, smart passing and resilient team-oriented play. The drama of the event was only enhanced by the weather and the unprecedented fan support: Over 100 students, faculty, parents and friends made the trip to Greenwich to vocally cheer on the team from the sidelines.

Team Play Enhanced by Impressive Individual Performances
Goalkeeper Carmen MacDonald '11 had a stand-out performance in goal for the Martlets. She was supported by Alie Philip '09, Ali Bragg '09, and Sara Nolan '10, a strong defensive unit who kept Hotchkiss's offensive threats at bay with their stellar marking, smart decisions and composure. All of them stepped up to play their most impressive defensive effort seen all season, holding Hotchkiss to only 2 shots on goal despite their 5 penalty corners and a few breakaway opportunities.
Pacing the Martlets in the midfield, Emily Walsh '09 continued to supply her tireless effort and astounding stick skills to distribute the ball to the forward line and create scoring opportunities for her teammates. In her final field hockey game at Westminster, Walsh's leadership, passion and determination led the team to a remarkable finish to the 2008 campaign.

Also in the midfield for the Martlets was the strong play and skill of Mallory Mason '11, who played strong defense while also supporting the offensive momentum for the Martlets with some incredible feeds as well as two perfectly executed penalty strokes once regulation and overtime had concluded.

Sixth Former Caroline Scott contributed her aggressive play on both ends of the field, putting forth a second effort on every play and setting herself up to be first to ball and intercepting Hotchkiss passes at critical moments in the game. Her tenacious style and intensity on the field kept the Martlet momentum intact.

Forwards Caroline Moran '09, Maddie King '10, Rachel Farrel '11, Paige Decker '10 and Rachel Kennedy '12 used their speed and aggressive play in the offensive end to create some great scoring opportunities. King scored the lone Martlet goal off of a scramble in front of the net to tie the game in the first half. Sara Ugalde '10 also stepped into the forward line and supplied some critical plays, including one incredible diving shot that was saved by the impressive speed of the Hotchkiss goalie.

Down to Penalty Shots
It was unfortunate the neither team could pull out the win in overtime, as penalty strokes, especially the second round of sudden-victory strokes, is never a fun way to conclude or decide a game after 80 minutes of exhausting play. Hotchkiss did score the sudden-victory stroke and to advance to the final round of the New England tournament where they defeated Exeter.

A Remarkable Season
The Martlets wrapped up an epic 2008 campaign that earned them a 16-3 overall record, an historic regular season 4-1 victory over Greenwich Academy, a 2-0 New England tournament quarterfinal upset over 4th seeded Andover on the road, and the program's first trip to the class A semi-final round of the New England tournament. The Martlets graduate nine Sixth Formers this year including two-year captain Walsh and four-year first team players Philip and Moran. Each has been instrumental in building the strength and depth of the First Field Hockey team throughout their seasons on the team. The Martlets also lose the strong defensive skill and leadership abilities of Bragg and Juliette McComb. The team will miss Margot Lieblich's fantastic one-touch stick skills, ever-present positive energy and work ethic, as well as Julia Simons' speediness on the forward line and wonderful supportive nature. Hannah Dimmit's strong work ethic and insightful observations supplied the team with positive energy and encouragement throughout the season. Scott's tenacious play in the midfield, determined attitude and positive leadership will also leave a void as she concludes her Sixth Form field hockey season.

The team concluded their season on a high note, and is thankful for the support of so many parents and fans along the way.