Bromfield defeated Narragansett, 1–0, Friday, Oct. 13, bringing the field hockey team two points closer to the 18 it needs to qualify for the districts. Sophomore Ella Corbett scored the only goal of the game.
The first half began with the two teams trading possession, neither able to break through its opponent’s defense. “Too many diagonal passes,” Coach Susan Silver said 20 minutes in, shaking her head and calling a timeout, referring to passes that are more easily intercepted by the other team. The team huddled, exchanged insights, and cheered “Score!” before returning to the field, resolving to make better passes. Bromfield played better and did receive a corner, but then hit the ball out of bounds. Narragansett worked to receive a corner of its own, but also failed to score, ending the first half 0–0.
Senior Greer Jarvis controls the ball in Tuesday’s win against Burncoat. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
The two teams opened the second half still evenly matched, and the game began to look as if it would end in a stalemate. Freshman Claire Stoddard was able to get two breakaways but was stopped short of scoring each time, returning the game to one where each team was cut off at the 25-yard line.
Narragansett launched one especially aggressive attack on the goal, but senior captain Kiley Russell intercepted the ball and swept it up the field. Corbett then took the ball and dodged the defense, crossing in front of the goalie and pushing the ball to the opposite side, scoring. Bromfield’s fans erupted in cheers while the players on the field ran to congratulate one another.
Narragansett returned from the goal with aggressive plays designed to confuse and force a last-minute change in the game’s outcome. With 10 minutes left, Coach Silver replaced a forward with a second sweeper to strengthen the Trojan defense and prevent a last-minute goal. The intensity of the game increased until the end, with the Bromfield defense staying strong.
“We had an awesome game today,” Coach Silver said. “It’s always a battle against Narragansett. I know I didn’t get everyone in, and I feel guilty when I don’t. We have some games coming up where I hope I can give everyone some real good playing time.”
Following the Friday match, Bromfield had four games left in the season, needing to win one and tie one to make the districts. The Trojans scored one of those victories Tuesday, beating Burncoat 6–0. As of Wednesday, Bromfield’s record stood at 8–6–1. The last game is an away contest against Lunenburg, Monday, Oct. 23.
Kate Selig is a Bromfield junior.
