Blair varsity girls’ field hockey falls to Bethesda-Chevy Chase

On Friday, Oct. 20th, the Blair girls’ field hockey team (8-4) lost 1-2 against Bethesda-Chevy Chase (9-2) in a highly anticipated match on their senior night.

The Blazers came out blazing: flashy technique down the right sideline from senior Ayli Stoebenau made defenders fall left and right. Just thirty seconds into the game, Stoebenau rocketed off a shot, just missing the post.

For the rest of the half, Blair continued to keep BCC on the defensive. Their quick passes and give-and-go tactics demonstrated their offensive skill around the crease, but the Blazers struggled to crack open the Barons’ defense. The BCC offense was quick with their counter attacks and scored a goal three minutes into the first quarter with a fast break, making the score 0-1.

The Blazers’ spirit stayed strong, though, and they dominated possession for a majority of the first half. BCC had multiple opportunities that were quickly swatted away by junior goalie Keelin Pegg. The half ended with a frustrated underdog, Blair, and a shaken BCC, still up 1-0.

Senior forward Teddy Curtain works the ball up the left side of BCC’s half.

Photo: Senior forward Teddy Curtain works the ball up the left side of BCC’s half.

Senior forward Teddy Curtain works the ball up the left side of BCC’s half. Photo courtesy of Chip Somodevilla.

A slight mist, which settled over the field for the rest of the game, made quick changes of direction difficult due to the slick surface; however, the Blazers adjusted well to the inclement weather. The second half began the same as the first, with Blair dominant.

A foul against Blair put BCC down a player at the bottom of the third quarter, but an unexpected attack caught the Blazers off guard. The Barons scored their second goal of the night with only 10 players. 

This caused the Blazers’ energy to flag toward the end of the match, and they repeatedly got caught flat-footed. The fourth quarter began slowly, and both teams traded possessions. With five minutes left in the game, junior midfielder Carmella Beach managed to break the deadlock with a goal, reinvigorating the Blazers. Blair continued to attack BCC non-stop for the remainder of the quarter but were unfortunately not able to find the back of the net. The game ended 2-1, with BCC taking the win.

Junior midfielder Carmella Beach drives the ball forward.

Photo: Junior midfielder Carmella Beach drives the ball forward.

Junior midfielder Carmella Beach drives the ball forward. Photo courtesy of Chip Somodevilla.

The spirit and sportsmanship that Blair girls’ field hockey showed was commendable. Their final cheer represented their unwavering commitment to MCPS’ R.A.I.S.E core values: “Good game BCC, thank you officials, thank you fans, goooooo Blazers,” they chanted.

Head coach Holly Stofa explained how proud she was of the team. “It was more like Blair field hockey should be played. It was our spirit, and it was perfect for going into playoffs to be back at that level of play,” she said. 

The Blair Girls’ varsity field hockey team stands at the beginning of their game

Photo: The Blair girls’ varsity field hockey team stands at the beginning of their game.

The Blair girls’ varsity field hockey team stands at the beginning of their game. Photo courtesy of Chip Somodevilla.

. 

The girls will have their regional playoff semifinals this Thursday, Oct. 26th.