Bromfield’s Caroline Mazzola charges past her Oxford opponent in the district quarter-final game on Nov. 5. (Photo by Vishwa Rasania)
The Bromfield varsity field hockey team narrowly defeated Oxford last Friday on their home field, marking the Trojans’ first victory in the district playoffs this year. The relentless Trojans pressed Oxford and refused to leave the game without a victory. Bromfield and Oxford played a back-and-forth game, with several goal attempts in the first half rebuffed by the strong defense on both teams. The Trojans’ superior speed, communication, and teamwork ultimately pushed them ahead of Oxford, to end the game with a 1-0 victory.
Bromfield’s quick defense rejected all goal attempts made by Oxford throughout the first half. Bromfield’s left halfback, Nissa Maki, played an essential role in defending against the powerful Oxford team, lunging and sprinting to the ball, completely focused and consumed by the game.
Tensions rose, as neither team could penetrate the powerful defenses of their opponent. The Trojans attempted to score several times throughout the first half; all opportunities were silenced by Oxford’s goalie, Lauren Puishys.
The second half began with the Trojans holding out against Oxford’s never-ending offensive strikes. Bromfield’s opportunities against Oxford began to diminish as the Trojans struggled to hold their opponents in line.
The referee called the one-minute mark, and the Trojans stepped up their coordination, speed, and determination. Bromfield left forward Caroline Mazzola carried the ball down the entire field, alongside several Bromfield players, then smashed the ball into the goal with an assist from Haley Newsham, ending the game with a 1-0 Trojan victory.
Mazzola, the game-winning scorer, commented after the game, “Bromfield has always been a strong team, but I think this year, especially, the dynamic of the team is really great. I honestly don’t think there is one person responsible for the success of the team—I think each one of us has our own special skills and together it makes us undefeatable… Our ability to work together is what makes us successful. We also wouldn’t be where we are today without the guidance and help from our coach ‘Silv’ [Silver]”
Bromfield senior and team captain Jordan Davy said, “This victory shows our strong effort and determination. This is the farthest Bromfield has ever made it in Districts. We played a fast game and constantly used both sides of the field. I feel our game was unpredictable because both sides of the field had opportunities to carry the ball towards the net.”
Tuesday the team took on Auburn at Foley Stadium in Worcester, but lost, 2-0.
