Rockets blast the Blazers

Richard Montgomery- Oct. 28

The Blair girls' varsity field hockey team saw their season come to an end in a disappointing 4-0 loss against the Rockets of Richard Montgomery in the first-round of the county playoffs, finishing with a 2-11 record on the season.

The Blazers have struggled for much of the season, but did show some positive signs in their playoff loss. The game was back and forth with Blair threatening the Rockets defense on several occasions. However, the Blazers were shutout for the eighth time this season as they were unable to find their scoring touch in the final game of the season.

Richard Montgomery scored off a penalty shot shortly into the first half when freshman Claire Onley, who was just moved up from varsity, kicked a shot that would've scored. Blair would battle for the rest of the half but gave up another goal before the whistle blew.

Throughout the game the Blazers hustled after every ball and put in a valiant effort to keep their season alive. Still, missed marks and missed scoring chances were too much for the team to overcome.

The Blazer defense gave up another two goals in the second half as sophomore Maura Druhan replaced junior Jordy Goldstein in the cage. Junior Sydney Valdez led the defense and was superb on her free hits, which traveled well into Rocket territory helping to generate the offensive attack.

Playing in what turned out to be their last high school field hockey game, the seniors put in a strong performance. Senior co-captains Rachel Feely-Kohl and Alexa Gabriel led the team with their stick skills and intensity. Christina Do, the leading scorer for the season, played with tenacity but was unable to add to her season goal total.

Next season the team looks to build and improve upon their 2-11 record. Six seniors will be graduating and sorely missed. However, the Blazers have some young talent that can fill the holes next season.