Falcons soar over Blair

Sept. 12, POOLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL -

Despite a positive turn-around in their offensive strategy and teamwork, Blair was unable to overcome Poolsville, last year's regional champions, who left the field hockey match with a 6-0 victory.

The first half showcased Poolesville Falcons' intensity and ball control in Blair's defensive zone. In addition to scoring two goals through standard game play the Falcons were also able to take advantage of their seventh corner in order to score a third goal on Blair.

While Blair let in another three points during the second half they were able to advance the ball into Poolesville's defensive zone far more effectively than in the first half. "We clicked at the end. We were really able to channel our frustration in the end and then we were able to see our full potential," said Captain Christine Kim.

This is Blair's second loss of the season after losing 0-2 to Northwest High School on Saturday, Sept. 9. Coach Brook Franchesschini remained optimistic, "Blair is in a highly competitive division due to its size," she said, glad that "Blair didn't give up, even after corner after corner." While Blair was able to pick up three corners of their own during the last three minutes of play, a successful game of catch-up proved difficult after the Falcons' 18 corners, one of which resulted in a goal.

The intensely defensive game offered good training for Blair's defensive team, which Druhan characterized as "very strong." Druhan did comment however that the man-on-man defense had some weaknesses. "At some points in the game it felt like no one was marking," she said. Franchesschini predicts a more normal, "back and forth" game on Friday, Sept. 15 against Blake, which would give the offense more in game experience.

Junior varsity lost to the Falcons earlier that night 0-3. Sumih Chi, Junior Varsity Captain, proclaimed that, "The game was amazing. We played really well against a team as good as Poolesville."

Regina Grubb, Poolesville Varsity Field Hockey Coach, had no comment on either of the team's two victories.

Field Hockey plays their first home game today, with varsity playing at 3:30 p.m. and junior varsity at 5 p.m.