Bobcats Field Hockey Wins 6th Straight Game in Double Over Time
“I had a positive vibe knowing Alex was taking the shot, but hearing that clank off the back of right corner of the goal post was the best sound I think I’ve ever heard,” says 5th year head coach Carly Sweeney when asked about Senior Forward Alexandra Darrow’s game winning goal against Washington & Jefferson on Wednesday.
Darrow scored the first goal of the game with an assist from junior Taylor Bowen. Washington & Jefferson then tied the game at 1-1 with just over 1 minute left in the first half of play. The 2 teams would remain tied through the second half as well leading to overtime.
Junior goal keeper Jackie Gover had a last-minute save that took the team into a second OT. Darrow sat out the final 5 minutes of the first session and the first 5 minutes of the second OT because of a penalty. The Bobcats maintained the lead with just 6 players on the field.
Senior forward Jackie Best mentioned, “I just tried to hang back and help my other teammates, it was a big difference in gameplay while Alex was out.”
In the 96th minute of the game, Darrow raced to the goal for a shot and was fouled by Washington & Jefferson goalie Morgan Brozena, she was then awarded a penalty shot. “I just remember Jackie yelling to me ‘Keep it simple’ before the shot, and I shot it to the corner,” says Darrow.
The team stormed the field and celebrated with Darrow immediately after the shot went in the goal.
With the win, the Bobcats extended their win streak to 6 games (at press time), topping their season total from last year. “The biggest difference is trust. Everyone plays hard on both sides of the field,” says defender Ashley Johnson. “There is definitely trust, I trust that my sub will come in and play well.”
“We learn from our coaches and each other, everyday in practice, says Johnson. The Bobcats have given up just 5 goals during the win streak. Goalkeeper Jackie Gover registered 9 saves in the game.
“The key elements to our success this season is everyone is doing their part… we’ve been focusing on each team one game at a time,” says Coach Sweeney. “Even our back up players have been a big help, whether it be filling in holes during the games or in practice.”
“Many of our younger players have been gravitating towards players at their position and learning from each other. We’ve developed a bond,” says assistant coach Veronica Jacober.
The Bobcats go on the road to face Bethany on Wednesday, and then return home to play Sweet Briar on Friday night at 7:30. Their first conference game is against Salisbury on Sunday.
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