Scoreboard doesn’t reflect Lawrence’s effort

FIELD HOCKEY

By Tim Falls, Sports Editor
   Sarah Gilbert didn’t care what was on the scoreboard Monday night at Mercer County Community College stadium.
   To the Lawrence High School junior, the Cardinals were the winners.
   Still, officially, the Lawrence varsity field hockey team lost to Allentown, 3-1. It was the third straight loss for the Cardinals.
   The Lawrence field hockey team has been getting their shots, they’ve just not been getting the goals. The Cardinals led in shots in each of the losses in Lawrence’s last three games.
   Despite the recent setbacks, Gilbert was rather proud of her team after facing the Redbirds.
   ”We’ve had some tough games these past couple days,” said Gilbert, “but tonight we proved ourselves. Sometimes the scoreboard doesn’t reflect the game.”
   Katie Birkbeck scored with an assist from Alison Coffman to give Lawrence a one-goal lead at halftime, but Allentown answered back with three goals in the second half.
   ”We came out so ready,” said Gilbert happily, still brimming with excitement after the game. “We were on fire. There’s a big rivalry between Allentown and us and we gave it our all.”
   Lawrence out shot the Redbirds, 13-5, but could not convert those opportunities into goals.
   Lawrence coach Kristin Shields said she thought her team came out with confidence and worked well together. The Cardinal coach said Lawrence played more offensively and stuck to the game plan.
   ”Everyone pushed themselves to the limit,” said Gilbert. “We worked together and played a smart game. We used our heads and stayed focused.”
   Lawrence also led in shots in a 2-0 loss to Montgomery on Saturday.
   The Cardinals out shot the Cougars, 10-7, but gave up two second-half goals.
   Likewise, Lawrence had an edge in shots in a 3-0 loss to Princeton on Thursday.
   ”We’re on the right path,” said Gilbert. “I’m really proud of these girls and I think we’re ready to win some. We’ve learned three big lessons and in each game we’re learning more. It’s going to bring us to victory no matter what the numbers are at the end of the season.”
   Lawrence will look to end its losing streak in a game against Hopewell today, but regardless of the outcome, Gilbert will be happy as long as the Cardinals keep working.
   ””We’re really working hard and having a blast,” said Gilbert. “That’s what matters most.”