Blue Devils knock out Blazers

OCT. 27, CANNON ROAD—

The Blair varsity field hockey team finished their season with a 1-11-1 record after being soundly beaten in a 7-1 loss against the Springbrook Blue Devils in the first round of county playoffs. The Blazers have struggled for much of the season, and were clearly outmatched by the Blue Devils, who were divisional champions last year and are seeded first this year. Springbrook's crisp, aggressive offense overwhelmed the Blazer defense, and Blair's offense could put enough pressure on the Blue Devils.

In the beginning of the game, the Blazers came out strong and took possession early. However, the Blue Devils quickly turned things around and scored their first goal on a long hit that flew past the Blair defenders and into the cage. Springbrook went on to score three more times in the proceeding five minutes by relentlessly following up on their shots and not giving the Blazers a chance to clear the ball.

After this frustrating defensive lapse, the Blazers stepped up their play and had several chances on offense. However, their drives were disrupted by penalties and sloppy passing, and they were unable to score, ending the half trailing 4-0.

After halftime, the Blue Devils continued to dominate the game. They converted on a corner shot and again on a long hit, capitalizing on their opportunities with excellent placement and tenacious attacks on the cage. Minutes later, they drove up the field on a fast break that came too quickly for the Blazers to recover, and made an easy shot past the unsupported keeper to bring the score to 7-0.

Frustrated with the team's lackluster performance, coach Brook Franceschini called a timeout with 10 minutes left in the game. In a cutting but realistic speech, she implored the team to avoid being shutout for the ninth time this season. "We've lost this game already, but we need to score."

Responding to their coach's pleas, the Blazers made a renewed effort on offense. In the final minutes of the game, sophomore Maya Damato-Calabrese tipped the ball in from just in front of the goalkeeper.

Although Franceschini and the team were disappointed that their season was over, they were candid about their chances of beating Springbrook, a perennial powerhouse. "We were dominated. They're just an extremely strong team, and I think we were intimidated, " said Franceschini.

Next season, the team hopes to continue with the improvements made this season. Seven seniors will be graduating and will leave large holes, especially in the defense. However, the team has some promising young talent, and the Blazers are optimistic about their chances for next year.