Sports

FH falls to Tufts in Senior Game

By Ben Fields '15

The Hamilton field hockey team braved the clouds and blistering wind last Saturday as the senior members played their final home game in Clinton. The Continentals took on the Tufts Jumbos, but ultimately fell 2-0.

Tufts came into the match with a 12-1 record on the season, and a 1-8 NESCAC record. The Hamilton team was unfazed by their opponent, and the Continentals were able to play out a scoreless first half, holding Tufts to just six shots on goal.

Hamilton’s offense also had a strong first half, taking four shots on goal and drawing two penalty corners. The Continentals had a surge of energy towards the end of the half, keeping the action in the Tufts defensive area.

In the second half, Hamilton put up a good battle. Goalkeeper Victoria Trentini ’15 recorded eight saves. However, late into playing time, Emily Cannon ’14 and Stephanie Wan ’14 netted two goals for Tufts.

This year, the Continentals were able to improve on their 2012 season and build upon their precious successes. They have challenged many teams and played competitive games down to the last minute numerous times.

Coach Gillian McDonald said, “This season was a step in the right direction for us and has allowed us to start to get back on track in being competitive in the NESCAC. To date, we have had 5 one goal losses that all came down to the last couple of minutes of the game and could have gone either way.”

Looking forward, McDonald expressed that “We are looking forward to learning from this season, working hard in the off season and moving up in the NESCAC standings next fall.”

Despite the outcome, the Continentals were all smiles after the game against Tufts as they celebrated the time they have had with their senior class.

“Field hockey has completely enhanced my time as a Hamilton student, and I can’t believe that my time as a student-athlete is almost over,” said Caroline Clarke  ’14. “Though we lost on Saturday, I am so unbelievably proud of how our team played, especially as we held the defending national champions to a tie for the entire first half. Our team has faced many challenges over the past few years, but these hurdles have only made us a closer family.”

McDonald commented on the role of the members of the senior class on the team, expressing that “All of the seniors have had a big impact on our program. They have worked hard and have been great leaders for our underclassmen.”

Merisa Dion ’17 also stressed the leadership of the senior class. “The seniors have definitely been leaders and have made me feel such a welcome part of the team,” stated Dion. “They’re not just teammates, they’re friends, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of friends.”

The Continentals ended their season on Wednesday night with a 1-3 loss to the Williams Ephs. Although the Conts were down for the majority of the game, they kept fighting until the end. “Although we didn’t win,” Hannah Bacon ’14 said, “we’re proud of how we played.” Though it is especially difficult for the seniors like Bacon to know that this was their last collegiate game, there is still a feeling of contenment amongst them. As Bacon put it, “I’m proud to have been a part of this team, and I think I speak for all the seniors when I say that.”

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