With a score of 0-0 throughout the entire first half and well into the second, it seemed to most that the two varsity teams would have no choice but to go into overtime. However, with Spartan determination, Sparta Field Hockey moved the ball down the field. With an assist by junior Lauren Groff, senior Captain Bella Tracey shot past the Ranger goalie and made for an impressive goal with only four minutes remaining on the clock.
Spartan offense awaits an insert from midfielder Lauren Groff.
With six shots stopped by sophomore Emma Cerra, the Spartans held a shutout against the Rangers and reached the .500 mark, now 3-3 in the conference with the win. “This was a very aggressive team and we stepped it up in the second half. Scoring in the last four minutes really motivated us to push through and win!” says defensive back Taylor Canfield. Canfield, along with the starting lineup Ashley Nyhan and Captain Caroline Kepler, held a tight defense against the Rangers and drove the ball out of the circle numerous times during the match.
Freshman goalie Carley Hoover prepares for a shot on goal.
While varsity came out with a victorious win, Sparta JV team ended the match with a score of 1-2. “The JV team had a tough battle... My teammates rocked it and we’re all very supportive of each other no matter the score,” says JV Captain Haley Capeci, a current junior at Sparta. Splitting time in the cage were goalies Morgan Denmead and Carley Hoover; the duo in total saved 6 shots on goal. On the offensive, freshman forward Casey Coleman (with an assist from sophomore Kayla Collinson) got a shot off and came out with Sparta’s only goal that game.
Both teams are set to play the Kittatinny Cougars on Saturday.
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