Even in loss, varsity field hocky has positive finish
BY LINDAWILLAIMS
Nantucket's varsity girls' field hockey team had to fight through the last few games of the regular season just to get into the post season show and did just what they had to do. But, perhaps the train just ran out of gas in the preliminary round against a strong Seekonk team last Wednesday.

The team got off to a slow start on a very small field that was in poor condition with varying grass depths and large bald spots, throwing Nantucket off their game for the entire first half. Seekonk took advantage, being used to the poor conditions, and got on the board early at the ten minute mark after keeper Katie McInerney had deflected the initial shot. After a scramble in front of Nantucket's net, McInerney was forced to cover the ball. Seekonk capitalized and converted the opportunity with two minutes left in the first half to go up 2-0. "Happy that the team made it to the playoffs my first year", head coach Lori Moran said "it was hard to have good skills, which we are known for, on heavy grass". She felt that Nantucket teams are spoiled in general as "we play on excellent conditions and with shorter grass you can develop great skills".

That would be how the game would end as Seekonk did not get another chance to score in the second period. Nantucket finally got their hockey legs under them and began to dominate the field and the game shutting their opponent out in the second half and only allowing Seekonk a few forays into the Nantucket end of the field. Unfortunately, it was too late with the two goals already on the board for Seekonk. Moran gave the team a pep talk at

the break and reminded the team "how far we had come and all the work the girls had put into the season". It must have worked because they came out firing. Because the field was in such poor shape with the taller grass down the side line areas on the wings, the team changed up the game plan and began to carry the ball down the center of the field and used Nantucket's speed and skill to beat the defense. Moran was disappointed. "It worked for the full 30 minutes but we could not buy a goal."

The team racked up 11 corners in the second half with two great chances at goals, with one just missing wide by about six inches from Shelle Dyer while another just cleared the crossbar over the top. Erin Lindsay provided two well placed crosses to open girls in front of the cage but Nantucket was unable to convert. Moran was proud of the way the

team ended the season and the game was indicative of the girls' dedication. "The second half was how these girls have played all year long". With all the players contributing in the game it was hard for Coach Moran to single any one player out. She had high praise for Cassie Moran and Karina Ramirez and their outstanding ability to carrying the ball; Fraser Long, Sarah Nabulsi and Shelle Dyer who consistently found opportunities in the circle to score; mid-fielders Lia Newman, Grace Ann Tornovish and Erin Lindsay who controlled the play and transitions; and the critical defensive play of Taryn Dilworth, Rachel Siegel, Emily Pitts and Marissa Moran who continued to take chances to keep the ball out of Nantucket's end of the field. "It was indeed a positive ending, even though a loss, for a great season and the girls never gave up and fought to the last minute."

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