Field hockey deflated by Devils

The Blair field hockey team suffered their second 7-0 loss of the season, this time against Springbrook's Blue Devils. The Blazers consistently lost the ball in the midfield, a problem that has plagued the team since the beginning of the season.

Blair looked sluggish in the match against Springbrook, constantly getting to the ball late and falling behind the aggressive Blue Devils. The defense made strong drives but did not coordinate during corner penalties, enabling Springbrook to score the majority of their goals on free shots. During the first half, offender Julia Penn made numerous break-aways but was unable to score. So far this season, Blair has scored one goal, Penn's deciding shot in the victory over Einstein, the Blazers' only win this year.

The Springbrook game took place after a six-day hiatus due to Hurricane Isabel, a break that Coach Amy Miller believes severely hampered the Blazers' game. "The long weekend really took a toll on the team," she said.

Not only has the weather been against the girls this fall, the team is manned by only 16 players, an exceptionally short roster when most other county schools carry teams boasting over 20 players. Injuries and absences throughout the season have also stressed the field hockey team. Christina Do, one of the team's lead offenders, took a blow to the head in the Seneca Valley game, an injury that will keep her off of the field for at least two weeks.

The girls have shown moments of intensity in each match , but have yet to combine their skills into a cohesive game. Miller hopes that following the disappointing start to the season, the girls will be able to come together and "take the season back."