HHS hockey season ends vs. familiar foe

Loss at B-R follows huge emotional win

By: Rudy Brandl
   
   FLEMINGTON — The Hillsborough High field hockey team reached its emotional peak and couldn’t find a way to get it back. That’s what ultimately prevented the Raiders from moving on in the state playoffs.
   The HHS girls avenged one major source of frustration but couldn’t find a way to exorcise all their demons in last week’s North Jersey Group 4 state playoffs. After enjoying one of the program’s most exciting and emotional victories in recent memory in a 1-0 double overtime triumph at Hunterdon Central in the first round, the Raiders suffered their fourth defeat of the season against Bridgewater-Raritan in the sectional quarterfinals.
   "It didn’t feel the same today," said Raider goalkeeper Ellyn Griggs, who made 11 saves in the 2-0 loss. "We didn’t set the tone. We didn’t come out as strong."
   The Raiders may have left too much emotion on the field at Central. It’s hard to blame them after all the frustration they’ve endured against the Red Devils in recent years. Central ended Hillsborough’s previous three field hockey seasons, including last year in the sectional finals and two years ago in a game decided by penalty strokes.
   When Michelle Cilenti drilled a shot into the cage with 3:24 remaining in the second sudden death overtime, the Raiders felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off their shoulders. Finally, they could celebrate a huge victory against a top-notch team. The HHS girls had lost two overtime games during the season and also were eliminated from the county tournament in strokes, so it was their time to savor a meaningful triumph.
   "It just feels incredible finally to run out and jump on the pile," HHS head coach Peach Draper said. "They played their hearts out. This was long overdue."
   Cilenti had drilled a shot off the left post on a similar set-up in the first overtime. When given another chance to win it for her team, Cilenti ripped the ball toward the cage and blasted it past Central goalkeeper Stephanie Loizeaux.
   "Oh my God," Cilenti said. "I just hit it as hard as I could. I was hoping someone would knock it in."
   "It just feels like it all finally paid off," HHS senior forward Liz Tafaro added. "It’s the best feeling in the world. I can’t believe it. Every year, they end our season. This year, we ended theirs."
   Unfortunately for the Raiders, they couldn’t sustain that emotional energy and take it to the field in Bridgewater. The Panthers (18-2-1) took control from the opening whistle with a series of penalty corners. Hillsborough had some chances while playing from behind but fatigue set in late in the game and allowed B-R to add an insurance goal. The 2-0 loss marked the first time all season the Raiders lost a game by more than one goal.
   "Things weren’t clicking," Draper said. "I don’t know if Bridgewater was playing really well or if we were a little sluggish. I don’t think we had our best game today. Something just wasn’t there."
   Hillsborough link Lauren Griggs felt her team had trouble establishing tempo and continuity. They were hoping to create more opportunities up front but couldn’t get anything past B-R keeper Liz Driscoll, who made seven saves.
   "It felt like there were gaps and there were so many Bridgewater girls blocking them up," Griggs said. "We just couldn’t penetrate their ring."
   The Raiders were hoping the fourth time would be a charm after losing three very tough games to B-R during the season. The first two gave the Panthers sole possession of the Delaware East Division title. HHS then lost a heart-breaking Somerset County semifinal game in the rain in penalty strokes after 100 minutes of scoreless play.
   "It’s difficult playing a team four times," Draper said. "Maybe they were thinking about that too much."
   At least this year, the Hillsborough girls wouldn’t allow their season to end at Hunterdon Central.