The Deerfield varsity field hockey team celebrated their third victory of the season on Saturday, September 20 in Connecticut over Hotchkiss. The well-matched teams played with palpable energy and determination for all 60 minutes of the contest.
The Bearcats opened the scoring from a penalty corner early in the first quarter. The Doors responded by applying consistent offensive pressure and earning a penalty corner, which was successfully defended by the Hotchkiss defense. Less than three minutes after the Bearcat goal, Deerfield tied the score with a redirection from varsity newcomer, Alessandra Picard ’29, off of a pass from assistant captain, Chloe Cleaves ’26. With 2:12 left in first quarter, and after the Doors successfully defended a long period of Hotchkiss possession, Picard found the back of the net again with another pass from Cleaves.
Less than a minute into the second quarter, the Doors earned a penalty corner, and assistant captain, Lilly Oliver ’26, scored with a strong hit with assists from Erin Dunne ’28 and Eloise Hochberg ‘27. The Bearcats fought back and scored their second midway through the quarter, leaving the Doors with a one-goal lead going into the second half.
The Bearcats tied the game in the third quarter with an offensive drive into the left side of the circle and a tip in front of the net. Less than three minutes later, the Doors responded by converting on a penalty corner (goal – Cleaves, assist – Oliver). The scoreless fourth quarter showed impressive defense from both teams.
With Saturday’s victory, the Big Green improve to 3-0 on the season.
The Doors look to continue their success on the road this Wednesday, September 24 at Milton at 4:15pm.