By: Neil Hay
It took a week or so, but the Hightstown field hockey team appears to be getting its sea legs.
After dropping their first three games, the young Rams have come back with three straight wins.
But the Rams’ pursuit of win number four was put on hold when Tuesday’s game against Ewing was rained out.
After losing a 1-0 decision to visiting Lawrence back on Sept. 14, Hightstown posted its first "W" of the season, 2-1 at Steinert on Sept. 18. Adrienne Bini, from Justine Postorino, enabled the Rams to take a 1-0 lead at the half. The teams traded goals in the second half, with Postorino’s unassisted beauty the game winner. Following a steal by Laura Spingler, Postorini weaved her way upfield through four Steinert defenders before she freed herself to get the shot off.
"It was a beautiful shot," recalled coach Julie Tamutus.
Hightstown had 10 shots on goal to six for the Spartans. Kristen Ewer’s eight saves preserved the win.
After three losses, the Rams were finally able to taste a win.
"They were thrilled. In their eyes it was long overdue. They played well. We had some good passes down the field. It is starting to click," said Tatumus.
Postorino’s two goals and one assist paced the Rams to a 6-1 win over visiting Hamilton last Wednesday. Postorino’s first one, unassisted just three minutes into the game, set the tone for this unusually high-scoring affair. Two minutes later Bini passed to Sara Yaeggy for a 2-0 lead. Adding to the scoring were Lena Wong (from Postorino), Bini (from Danielle Eckstein, playing her first varsity game), Postorino again, and Angie Conti, the sweeper who had a chance to score when she was moved to the front line once the outcome was decided.
"She has a great, hard drive. She is a tremendous player," said Tatumus of Conti.
37 shots (to nine for Hamilton) shows how the Rams controlled this one. Ewer made four saves.
"To their credit Hamilton had beautiful drives," Tamutus said. "We had good ball control."
The Rams evened their record at 3-3 last Friday with a 4-1 win over Nottingham at home. Again Postorino (from Sarah Mitchell on a penalty corner) scored three minutes into the game to give the locals an early edge. Bini (from Spingler), Postorino again (from Bini), and Holly Freeman (her first varsity goal, from Bini) helped secure the win for Hightstown. Ewer made only two saves as the Rams outshot the Northstars, 20-6.
"We had control," said Tatumus.
The coach has been very impressed with Ewer, the sophomore goalie, who has been so solid in the cage.
"She is playing well. Nothing can ruffle her feathers. She is very calm. I feel very secure with her. She calls the shot, makes the save, and clears the ball."
