FIELD HOCKEY
By: Tim Falls
The Hopewell Valley Central High School field hockey team built momentum before facing the Princeton Day School last Saturday.
Solid wins over Hamilton and Princeton helped Hopewell establish itself before facing the very tough Prep field hockey team.
The Bulldogs had cause to be wary of PDS, the team that knocked them out of the Mercer County Tournament last season. The Panthers (7-1) had a definite advantage since they are accustomed to playing on the turf field at Mercer County Community College.
Even without any advantages, PDS has proven itself to be a tough team to beat and put Hopewell to the test in 4-1 victory.
With the season approaching the midway point, Hopewell coach Jami Taranto said it was a good time to challenge the Panthers.
"It’s nice to see a team like PDS, who’s nearly unbeaten, now," said Taranto. "It shows what we are doing well and what we need to work on for the rest of the season."
The Bulldogs showed resiliency against the Panthers. Even after falling behind by three goals, Hopewell remained aggressive and Lena Klett managed to score for Hopewell’s lone goal that game.
Even though the loss dropped Hopewell to 4-3-1, the Bulldogs had built up their winning record prior to facing PDS with a victory over Hamilton last Wednesday and a win over Princeton.
Allison McGranahan scored twice and Klett added a goal as Hopewell recorded a 3-0 shutout over Hamilton.
The Bulldogs were even more aggressive in a 7-2 victory over Princeton last Thursday.
"They played well," said Taranto. "It’s nice to see them playing with a spark."
McGranahan provided another two-goal performance as Hopewell led in shots, 20-7.
Like McGranahan, Klett and Alex Walker each scored twice.
Whitney Harding scored and had two assists.
"The team is stepping up," said Taranto. "They are learning more with each game."
Hopewell took a six-goal lead in the first half. Princeton tallied twice in the second half but the Bulldogs were already firmly in control.
"They executed and controlled play," said Taranto. "We were able to capitalize on a lot of these goals."
Even though Hopewell lost to PDS, the Bulldogs maintained their level of play.
Hopewell rallied from the loss and defeated Nottingham, 3-0, on Tuesday with goals from Klett, McGranahan and Kaitlyn Gregory.
Hopewell led in shots, 10-4, while Rebecca Wood posted the shutout.
Hopewell takes on Ewing at 4 p.m. today, then hosts South Brunswick at noon on Saturday and travels to play Stuart Country Day at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

