Deerfield Girls Varsity Hockey opened the season against St. Mark’s in our temporary home at Eaglebrook. Though the effort and heart was there from the get-go, our execution was lacking in all three zones. The second period was our best period, as the defense moved the puck quickly out of the zone and the forwards pressured hard down low. Aurora Devereaux ‘20 opened the scoring when she one-timed a pass from newcomer Elizabeth Hernberg ‘18 into the back of the net. We took our foot off of the gas pedal in the third period, and the visitors made us pay after we couldn’t clear the zone. With eight minutes to go, captain Meagan O’Brien ‘18 went down with a brutal injury, and, while shaken, the team was determined to find the winning goal for her. Though we had some good chances, it was St.Marks that found the winner with 20 seconds to go, and they hung on for the win. Liv Mikesell ‘20 was excellent in goal. Not the start we had hoped for, but this team has lots of potential, and we look forward to two good days of practice before taking on Loomis on Wednesday. Many thanks to the Dougal’s for the pasta, mac and cheese, salad, fruit and cookies after the game.