CLAREMONT- Two Division-3 archrivals mixing it up was a great way to open up the field hockey season on Wednesday night, as Stevens stood their ground at home to defeat Newport, 2-1.
Newport opened the game with a furious rush and controlled play for a bit but the Cardinals gained all the momentum and limited play to the Newport end of the field before the skies opened up. The heavy rain didn’t stop play until thunder and lightning made a visit, and the game under the lights was suspended for almost an hour with no score.
When play resumed, it was instant offense for both squads, as Newport’s Eliza Bates ripped a goal for the Tigers, giving them a lead as they celebrated in the goal cage. On the very next rush, the Cardinals’ Brianna Frisbee knotted the game 1-1 less than 30 seconds later.
That score would stand for the remainder of the first half and deep into the second frame as Newport’s Kelsey Wheeler was under constant attack. She ended the game with 14 saves. With Stevens having a big edge in corners (15-2), the offensive attacks finally paid dividends for the Cardinals, as a Carrie Faro blast found the back of the net, putting Stevens up 2-1 as Newport couldn’t clear the ball out of their own end.
Newport’s best chance to tie the score late in the game came off the stick of a Selena Coronis breakaway-chance that ended up loose in front of the Stevens goal, Jenna March came up huge with a great save for the Cardinals. March ended the night with 3 saves while Newport’s Wheeler had 13 saves.
Stevens will travel to Conant on Friday, August 31 while the Tigers will play on Tuesday, September 4th at Kearsarge.
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