Blair varsity girls’ field hockey dominates Paint Branch in their third game of the season

On Sept. 14, the Blair varsity girls’ field hockey team (1-1) controlled the home field with majority possession and unflagging support, resulting in a 6-0 victory over Paint Branch (1-0).

Blair’s offensive line pounced immediately on the unsuspecting Panthers. Less than a minute into the first quarter junior Carmella Beach took control of the ball and passed to junior Ahntam Pham for the first goal of the game. Blair would have many more shots to follow.

Only twenty seconds later senior Ayli Stoebenau slickly slid by the Paint Branch defensive line and rocketed a cross to Pham who tapped it past the goalie for her second goal of the game.  

Blair Number 2 FH

Photo: Sophomore midfielder Claire Gunthert scored two of the Blazers six goals.

Sophomore midfielder Claire Gunthert scored two of the Blazers six goals. Photo courtesy of Thea Womack.

Hoping to gain some momentum, the Panthers began their third pass-back in two minutes with intensity. They barreled down the field but were quickly stopped, meeting the Blazer’s unstoppable defense. 

Blair dominated the rest of the quarter with four more goals, most notably two from sophomore Claire Gunthert, who managed to catch a rebound and a loose ball in the middle of the crease.

Paint Branch’s goalie was kept on her toes, and could not block the Blazers’ relentless offense. The first quarter ended 6-0, with the Blazers in the lead. 

The team made sure to demonstrate sportsmanship throughout the remaining three quarters. They practiced quick passing and communication, keeping the game entertaining and fun. Junior Eloisa Somodevilla facilitated ball after ball from her position in the mid-field, ensuring Blair kept control for the rest of the game.

Ten foot mark

Photo: Blazer defense and Panther offense class at the ten foot mark.

Blazer defense and Panther offense class at the ten foot mark. Photo courtesy of Thea Womack.

 The Panthers did not threaten the Blazer’s defensive third for the first three quarters of the game. The little opportunities they had were immediately shut down. In the last four minutes of the fourth quarter, a Paint Branch attacker managed to breach the defense and rip a shot off. Blair goalie, senior Malin Maguire, dived in front, saving the close call and officially sealing Paint Branch’s coffin.

Blair head coach Holly Stofa was proud of the sportsmanship and respect her team displayed. She attributed the success to the team's valuable practice time. “We used the time to practice some skills that you can't always practice against some teams because the intensity is so high but we also recognize that they were not going to give up, they are a hard fighting team…I think the girls did a great job today,” she said.

The Blazers girls will face Springbrook High School away on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be found online here.