Panthers pounce on Blazers

OCT 4, BLAZER STADIUM—

The Blair field hockey team suffered a disappointing loss to Paint Branch in double overtime. Despite numerous scoring opportunities and strong defensive play, the Blazers lost 2-1.

The two teams were evenly matched throughout. For every shot on goal the Panthers took, the Blazers countered with one of their own. Both teams were sluggish at some points and showed surges of aggression at other points in the game. Paint Branch was the first to score after about 15 minutes of play in the first half. With one minute left in the half, junior Rachel Feely-Kohl scored, tying the game.

The second half and first sudden-death overtime period were scoreless for both teams. While Paint Branch had a number of opportunities, co-captain Anna Benfield was a brick wall in goal, making a number of pivotal saves at key points in the half.

With two minutes to go in the second overtime the Panthers scored, ending the game.

Despite the loss, Coach Amy Von Schirach was pleased with the girls' performance and is optimistic about the future. "They played really well. Paint Branch is a team we seem to go into overtime with every year. This was their year, last year was ours," she said. "It's a hard loss, but if we keep playing like this we're going to win some games."

Blair's next game is Oct 8 at Kennedy High School at 3:30.