Blazers struggle against Poolesville

The Blair Blazers varsity girls' field hockey team remains winless at 0-3 as a talented Poolesville Falcons team beat them 5-0 on Tuesday, Sept. 21. The Blazers were unable to muster a threatening offensive attack and were forced to camp down on defense.

The Blazers opened up the game making a drive at the Poolesville goal following the opening face-off, but the Blazers wouldn't see that end of the field for while as they remained on defense for much of the first half. Poolesville scored early in the first half on a hard outside shot that flew into the corner of the goal out of the reach of Blair goalkeeper Jordy Goldstein.

Poolesville looked like the better team as their passes were on target, their shots were hard and their runs were well timed. Poolesville was the 2002 Maryland state champions in field hockey and the team played like one of the top teams in the county. Still, the Blazers played admirably attempting to counterattack and limiting the relentless Poolesville attack to five goals, the Blazers had allowed seven goals against Damascus.

The Blazers would go into half time down two goals after Poolesville scored off one of their many corners. The second half would be more of the same for the Blazers who hardly mustered a shot in the game.

Senior captains Julia Penn and Rachel Feely-Kohl played well in the midfield making several runs down the flanks and hitting nice passes. However, it seemed the Blazer forwards and midfielders were always alone and double-teamed. Senior captain Alexa Gabriel also played well in the back and was excellent on re-start hits.

Feely-Kohl felt the team still has not reached their peak. "We aren't playing up to par, we could play harder," said Feely-Kohl.

The Blazers next take on Springbrook at home on Monday, Sept. 27 at 3:30 P.M.