The Reserve Field Hockey team started its season on a high note with a 3-0 win against Amherst. Veterans Emmeline Flagg ‘18, Cameron Heard ’19 and Jada Howard ‘19 showed leadership and experience from the opening whistle. Deerfield’s defense, anchored by Flagg, Heard and newcomers Saadhya Bahudodda ’20 and Acey Cai ’20, prevented Amherst from getting any shots on goal.
In the offensive end, Deerfield had to work hard against a solid Amherst defense that stopped 11 shots and 13 penalty corners in the first half alone. Midway through the first half, newcomer Janice Chen ‘20, who was also the inserter on penalty corners, scored first for The Big Green. Jada Howard followed not long after to make it 2-0 at the half.
The 2nd half saw more pressure from The Big Green’s offense and more tenacity from Amherst’s defense. Once again, Deerfield pressured Amherst throughout the 2nd half with 12 shots and 7 corners. Renee Ballou ’20 finally capitalized on a pass from Howard to make it 3-0. We saw impressive intensity and promise from novices Olivia Geraci ’19, Ally Kell ’20, Grace Mazur ’20, Helen Niles ’19 and Sarah Jung ’20 in their very first field hockey game.
Up next for The Big Green is Hotchkiss at home on 9/24.