After last year’s devastating loss to rival Thomas Worthington in the state final, Academy’s field hockey squad was raring to get back on the pitch and dominate once again. Although the team lost many key players, including long-time goalie Kelley-Marie Antoine’18, the fresh, talented players the Vikings have brought up from lower grades have already proven themselves to be a formidable force.
Our girls’ opening week began with a game against Upper Arlington on Thursday, August 23. CA crushed the Golden Bears 7-0, quickly getting back into another shut-out streak. The Vikings then faced Saint Ursula Academy at home on Saturday, August 25, dominating the field and winning 9-0.
On Wednesday, August 29, Academy welcomed Worthington Kilbourne to the Carlin Fields for an intense match. After numerous rain delays caused by a massive area thunderstorm, the game finally progressed, and both teams gave their A game. The Vikes fought hard and fast, swiftly defeating the Wolves 6-0. Seniors Carolyn Bowman, Callista Popp and Avie Smith, as well as sophomores Regan Cornelius and Charlotte Adams put in goals to raise Academy’s scoring total for the year-thus far to 22. Goalie Alex Phelps’20 was another powerhouse in goal, not letting up a single shot.
The Vikings then travelled to Lancaster the following day, Thursday, August 30, for a clash with the Gales. CA didn’t let up, barraging its opponent with a persistent offense and winning 10-0.
Rounding out their week, our girls travelled up to Shaker Heights on Saturday, September 1. The Vikings defeated the Raiders swiftly, echoing their state semi-final match from last year. Popp led the score count at 3 goals, and Cornelius and Abby Yakam’20 put in one each to net 5 goals while CA’s defense let in none, putting Academy’s score margin at 37-0 heading into September.
Under the leadership of coach Anne Horton and captains Sydney Hill’19 and Sammie Kass’19, our Vikes have picked up right back where they left off: as a well-oiled machine. Our girls’ only match this week is against Granville at home on Wednesday, September 5.
