JV girls field hockey arrived at NMH ready to step up their game—and play better, more coherent field hockey in comparison to a hard-fought, low-scoring, sometimes frustrating win against the same team the previous week. And we did it! From start to finish, the 4-1 win was a team effort. Though NMH scored first and early (managing to overtake our defense and sneak one past Luck Blake ’19 in goal), Lucy held them off for the rest of the half, making some great saves, while our own offense got to work. Within 12 seconds of NMH’s only goal, forward Sydney Gregg ‘20 scored on a beautiful pass into the circle from forward Katie Whalen ’18; and just a minute and a half later, Katie scored off an assist from forward Valerie Ma ’17, bringing the game to 2-1 at the half. Midway into the second half, Valerie Ma scored—again with an assist from Katie Whalen, and in the last two minutes of the game, with a gorgeous reverse sweep to the opposite corner of the goal, Sydney Gregg scored her second goal to put the game away. The girls agree that our second game against NMH marks a turning point in the season for the team: we’re communicating more effectively, we’re moving the ball better through consistent passing, and we’re keeping our width on the field. With speed, tenacity, and a growing field sense, Hunter Keller ’20 played a great game at left mid, while Emily Henderson ’19 stepped up from the backfield (for the first time) to do an admirable job at right mid. Forward Raegan Hill ’19 kept the ball in our offensive circle, while Ashley Manning ‘19 did a relentless job in transition at the midfield. Sabrina Satirhos ’18 at sweep came through in clutch moments, as did Lily Faucett ’20 in the backfield. Center back Anna Scott ’18 brought her signature fierceness and competitive spirt to the game, joining forces with backfielders Aurora Devereaux ’20 with her strength and blocking ability, Lynnette Jiang ’18 with her effective tackles and steals, Emma Jaskolski ’20 with her booming drives, and Hanna Deringer ’19 with her consistent hustle and smart passing. In the cage during the second half was goalie Niyafa Boucher ’18 who did a fantastic job organizing the defense and making several clutch clears. Minor-ly injured captain Maddie Blake ’17 cheered brilliantly from the sidelines. Congratulations on a true team win!