by Steve Bradley
The number one seeded HFCS field hockey team took on the fired-up number four seeded Warrensburg Burgers Wednesday afternoon on the home field. It was exciting action from start to finish. Both teams had plenty of vocal supporters and, with the play of both teams providing great field hockey, the cheering was non-stop. Both teams were aggressive, but the Panthers outscored the Burgers 3 – 1 to move on in sectional play.
For much of the first half, it was an equal match. The Panthers did get a couple of chances but were unable to capitalize on them. During one of the assaults Caytlyn Springer, Liz Ryan and Olivia Schneider literally drove the goalie back inside the goal trying to get the ball in. Warrensburg had a shot on goal during this time that goalie Ashley St. Onge swatted out of the goal to end the threat.
With just under seven minutes left in the half, the Panthers ganged up on the Burgers, and Liz Ryan powered the ball into the goal, giving the Panthers a 1 – 0 lead that they carried until the half.
When second half action got underway, the Burgers took the ball to the Panthers’ end of the field and got one past the Panther goalie only a couple minutes in. Tie game, 1 – 1.
The Panthers retook the lead a couple of minutes later when Elise North-Kirkman made a shot from the side of the goal that bounced off the Burger goalie’s leg and ricocheted into the goal for a score. This gave the lead back to the Panthers at 2 – 1, and all was right in the world again.
The Burgers tried to gain the momentum. They came back at the Panthers, but the Panther defense stopped their attacks, and the ball moved into the Burgers’ end time after time. With 10:30 left in the game, Liz Ryan put another goal in the record books and gave the Panthers a lead the Burgers could not overcome, and they certainly tried.
Class C Final
The Panthers now advance into the Section 2, Class C final. That game is scheduled to be held in Schuylerville, on Sunday, November 3, at 2 pm.
Greenwich Is Next
With number two seeded Greenwich taking the semi-final win Wednesday, they will be the Panthers’ opponent. The long range forecast is calling for a sunny day with temperatures in the upper forties, perfect for field hockey. Schuylerville has a fast turf field which makes for a faster game. Come out and support the girls, they’d love to see you.