Bromfield field hockey ended its regular season with two strong shutouts, a 3–0 win at Leominster on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and a 2–0 win at Murdock on Thursday, Oct. 29.
Against Leominster, Bromfield scorers included senior forward Suzy Opalka assisted by senior midfielder Lily Moore-Eissenberg, Moore-Eissenberg unassisted, and eighth-grade midfielder Ella Corbett assisted by sophomore midfielder Greer Jarvis. On Leominster’s senior day, the varsity played after the junior varsity game. Warming up in the freezing drizzle, Bromfield went on to play its first night game of the year in miserable weather. By the end, everyone was drenched and players on the bench were shivering in the cold. Nonetheless, Bromfield played its best turf game yet. Both of Bromfield’s losses thus far have taken place on turf against teams that the Trojans have defeated on grass, Lunenburg and Oakmont. Because Bromfield practices and plays most of its games on grass, it always takes the team some time to get used to the smooth, fast play of turf and to adapt its strategy and skills to the different game. At Leominster, Bromfield players passed well and kept up their intensity, quickly catching on to the different pacing and dominating for the entire game.
At Murdock on Thursday, Bromfield sealed its final regular-season victory. Moore-Eissenberg scored the first goal with an assist from junior forward Kate Connors, followed by a goal scored by Opalka off a pass from Corbett. However, the team did not play its best. After Wednesday’s rain, the field was a mud pit. About halfway down a sideline players had to dodge a large puddle, which broke up the play significantly on that side. Bromfield players struggled to keep their footing. Hits were weak because players could not find their balance in the slippery mud, and passing was choppy as a result. Though Bromfield maintained possession for most of the game, players struggled to put the ball in the net, ending with a score of only 2–0.
Finishing its regular season with a record of 11 wins, two losses, and three ties, Bromfield now prepares for playoffs. On Wednesday, Coach Sue Silver was to find out more about Bromfield’s first district game—namely, when, where, and against what team. Players speculate that Bromfield’s winning record may mean the first game will take place at home, but nothing is guaranteed.
Lily Moore-Eissenberg is a senior at the Bromfield School.
