By Dee Stephan, Coach
(September 10, 2021) The Haddam Killingworth High School Varsity Field Hockey team was defeated by Morgan at the Indian River Complex, on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, with a final score of 0-2.
The HK field hockey team traveled to Clinton to take on Morgan on their home turf. After, a slow start in the first quarter the Cougars began to find success moving the ball down the field. Hard hits by Captain Kami Narducci helped the team advance the ball into Morgan territory.
At the end of the first quarter the score was tied 0-0 with no team dominating play at all. In the second quarter the Cougars came out with a new determination and generated 3 corners. Although we were unable to convert on the corners it did boost the team’s energy and confidence. Morgan unfortunately took a breakaway down to goal and caught the Cougars slow in transition leaving a player wide open to put the rebound off an initial save into the net with 3:25 left in the second quarter.
Down by only one, the HK offense came out ready for the third period. Caroline Ignatuk showed some strong stick work while carrying the ball down field for the Cougars. Supported by strong play in the mid-field from Captain Maddie Keithan, and supported on the front line by Jamie Dinapoli, HK advanced the ball into Morgan territory repeatedly. The third period ended in a 1-0 lead for Morgan.
During the last period HK came out with some strong defensive stops, Kelsie Piela and Olivia Wettermann held the back line strong and were able to redirect the ball into our offensive side. Lexi Wettermann showed strong stick work and hustle when she was moved from back to the midfield, providing much needed support to the forwards.
Tea Norman started in goal and played the entire game in net for HK. Tea is a new goalie and did an outstanding job. She had 8 saves on the day. Morgan was able to sneak a second goal in with just 2 minutes left in the game off an unfortunate misread play by HK.
Although this was a disappointing loss for the Cougars, they recognize they have managed to draw key corners, and shots on goal. Better conditioning and second efforts will help the team finish in the win column this year for sure. Overall, this was an outstanding effort by all players, working with a new coach and new system of play.
Photo of team by Wendy Adamczyk.
Photo of game in play by Heather Pach.
