Another loss brings field hockey to 2-7

The varsity field hockey team was defeated by Churchill High School in an intense game which ended with a score of 1-0. The Blazers dominated the majority of the game but they struggled to score, a flaw which has become a bad habit that the team just can't seem to shake.

Although the final score did not reflect it, the Blazers' offense was a decent challenge to the Bulldogs. Unlike the offense displayed by Blair previously this week (against Watkins Mill and Springbrook high schools), the Blazers were consistent in their passes and drives, and they relentlessly hustled on every play.

As usual, Blair set up some beautiful scoring opportunities for themselves but could not capitalize. Coach Amy Miller recognized that her team has a problem with simply putting the ball in the goal after they spend so much effort getting it in the circle. "We need to figure out how to score still," she said. "That's what's killing us."

The Blazers worked extra hard today to get the ball up the field and prevent Churchill from scoring. Both teams played a very physical game; the officials called third person, obstruction and pushing fouls on both teams throughout the game. Junior Carly Vieira was injured just before half time when a Churchill player knocked into her. Vieira, who complained of pain in her head, said that the Churchill girls were too rough. "They were out of control; they'd just run through you," she said.

But Blair kept the Bulldogs from scoring until the second half when a Churchill shot slipped under sophomore goalie Anna Benfield's right leg. The Blair coaches were unsure if the goal was illegitimately shot from outside the circle, but the officials called it a goal. Benfield used her legs in a crucial save in the first half and she totaled seven saves for the game.

After their loss the night before against Springbrook, the Blazers improved their ball movement strategy. They dribbled less, drove more, worked the ball less inside the circle, and took more shots. Their game looked better today, according to Miller, but it didn't help them score.

Miller reiterated to her team that they are focusing on post season. "We could be 0-10 and still win states," she said. "That's the great thing about field hockey." The loss to Churchill brings Blair's record to 2-7 with only two games left in the season. Playoffs begin Oct 25.