Blazers unable to get first win

The Blair Blazers varsity girls field hockey team was finally able to score more than a single goal, but they gave up eight goals to the Springbrook Blue Devils losing 8-2 on Monday, Sept. 27 as the team remained winless at 0-5. The Blazers showed more of an offensive threat, but were plagued by a porous defense.

The Blazers showed signs of improvement in their ability to mount successful offensive drives and put pressure on the Springbrook defense. Unlike the Blazers previous losses against Damascus and Poolesville, they were able to control the ball and get out of their defensive half.

Still, the Blazers were unable to stop the Springbrook attack as they lacked organization in front of the goal and allowed Springbrook players to knock in close shots. The Blazer defense had several strong individual performances, but lacked cohesiveness. Senior co-captain Alexa Gabriel had an outstanding game in the back disrupting the Springbrook attack and sparking Blair's offense with her powerful hits. Junior Sydney Valdez also had a strong game on defense.

Springbrook scored early in the first half and was able to expand on their lead the rest of the game. The Blazers went into half time only down 3-1 on a scrappy goal that the Blazers were able to sneak in past the Springbrook defense after the ball ricocheted off several players. The first half was a solid showing for the Blazers who were hustling and creating offensive chances.

According to Blair coach Julie Nation, there were a few good goals by each team, but many of the Springbrook goals were the result of missed assignments by the Blazers. Still, the team showed improvements as they were spreading out and starting to understand the game.

Senior Christina Do had an impressive second half as she scored a goal off the passing and work of several Blazers, including senior Caitlin Garlow. Do also had a brilliant individual run up the field dribbling past Springbrook defenders. However, the Blazers defense gave up five second half goals, but the team never gave up and continued to hustle. Senior co-captain Rachel Feely-Kohl was the example of hustle and hard play in the midfield and fellow captain Julia Penn provided accurate passing and helpful runs.

Do feels that the team needs to work on their midfield play and structure. "We had trouble transitioning from defense to offense. We need to push up more," said Do.

Nation thinks many of the Blazers mistakes can be easily corrected and that the team's rigorous training is starting to pay off. " This is the beginning of a change in Blair field hockey," said Nation.

The Blazers will next travel to take on the Wheaton Knights on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 2:00 pm., a game in which the Blazers believe they can end their winless drought.