On Saturday, Sept. 7, the girls’ varsity field hockey team battled against Archbishop Mitty in an intense, fierce matchup. Despite their remarkable hard work during the fast-paced game in the blazing heat, the Giants fell to Mitty with a 0-2 score. The opposing teams showcased precise stick skills and astonishing defense, keeping the game low-scoring in the first half. Mitty scored the first goal in the third quarter on a swift forward attack and their next goal was scored shortly after. Mitty sustained this lead for the rest of the game, never losing momentum.
Despite not having the lead, Redwood executed tactful plays with seniors Lucy Tonderys and Maya Saibel, competitively pushing the ball forward and out-maneuvering the opposing players. Juniors Mimi Wood and Caitlin Titcombe fortified Redwood’s skillful performance by possessing the ball despite Mitty’s relentless pursuit. Redwood showcased grit and determination throughout the match against this aggressive team, but they weren’t successful in completing any shots into the back of the net.
To remedy this, Tonderys suggests that the Giants must work on their shots in practice.
“[We need to make] sure that when we get the ball up the field, we’re able to make it into the goal. I feel like that’s something that we’ve been struggling with, [and] we’ll work on it in practice next week,” Tonderys said.
A fine-tuned offense will be essential for the Giants when they play other skilled teams like Marin Catholic and San Francisco University High School.
Although the game was fair and relatively clean, a player on Mitty’s team received a red card early in the third quarter when she hit a Redwood player with her stick. The opposing coaches disputed the deliberateness of this move, but regardless of whether the hit was intended or not, Mitty’s player got ejected from the game, and the team had to play on with one less on the field.
Head coach Aline Copp was proud of her team’s behavior despite adversity.
“[The girls] showed determination and heart and kept fighting even when the sportsmanship from the other team was poor,” Copp said.
Redwood didn’t give up, held themselves to high standards and played the entire game with class and decorum.
Another obstacle Redwood faced in this match was players stepping into positions that weren’t their usual.
“We tried players in some new positions [today because] we had some absences and injuries on the field. Everyone stepped up and did [a great job] being able to adjust in-game and to play something they weren’t used to playing,” Copp said.
Despite the loss, Redwood emerged from the game with pride and the intent to seek to be even better.
“We’re a competitive sisterhood and we play to have fun, work hard as a team and put forth our best effort every game. Whatever the outcome, we just want to be proud of ourselves in the performance,” Copp said.
Redwood’s next match is at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at Tamalpais.
