Women’s field hockey team brings blazers to victory

By Maegan Green

The Hood Blazers finished strong with a victory over the Bryn Mawr Owls 5 – 1 in the first game of the 2011 season. 

The nonconference matchup was played inBryn Mawr,Pennsylvaniaon Sep. 2.  This victory marks the first time the Hood field hockey team has won a season-opener since 2005.           

Staci Brennan, who has been coaching field hockey at Hood since 2002 said, “We have been working on a lot of strategy in preseason and had confidence coming into our first game. We’re looking forward to the dedication, passion, and commitment of our players.”

Maria Smith scored Hood’s first goal of the game.  Junior forward Megan Cahill of the Blazers scored two goals.  Ashley Darling and Rachel Gannon each scored one goal. In the latter half of the contest, Manya Steinfeld of Bryn Mawr scored the first and only goal for her team. 

The Blazers are starting the season with an experienced line up.  

“About 85 percent of our roster is returning students,” said Brennan.  “I think that the experience and overall speed of our team are our biggest strengths heading into this season.”

The Blazers outshot the Owls 20-12.  “The players have really been working hard,” said Brennan.  “I am very pleased with their work ethic and I see nothing but success.” 

Hood hosted Goucher in the second game of the season on Sep. 8.  The score was tied at 1-1, when thunder and lightning storms forced the contest to be postponed.