The Wesleyan field hockey squad started out the 2010-2011 season on a high note, shutting out Williams College 1-0 on Saturday at home in the Cardinal’s first contest of the year. This marks an important victory for the Cards, as it puts an end to the Wesleyan field hockey’s seven-year loosing streak to the Ephs.
The first half ticked by slowly as both teams remained scoreless throughout the entire period. Shot attempts were near equal with eight strokes for Williams and six for Wesleyan. Determined to get on the board first, Wes stepped it up and took charge in the second half. Averill Roberto ’13 placed the ball over the left shoulder of the Williams’ goalie six minutes and 20 seconds into the second half. Her shot came after a Wesleyan foray on goal.
Jamie Thabault ’11 was granted a corner shot five minutes into the half, and her corner shot set Roberto’s scoring play in motion. Thabault passed to midfielder Blair Ingraham ’14, who failed to score after a Williams’ defender managed to get her stick in the way of the shot. Thabault retrieved the deflected ball and challenged, but again the shot was blocked. Ingraham salvaged the rebound, spotted Roberto in front of the cage, and sent the ball directly to Roberto to assist in the game-winning goal. The play gave Roberto her first career goal and Ingraham her first career assist.
On the board and refusing to let go of the lead, the Cardinal defense fought tough for the remainder of the game, working hard to prevent Williams from making it through the congestion in front of the cage. Cardinal goalie, Tori Redding ’13, finished the game with six saves, marking the fourth shutout of her career.
The Cardinals are back at it again for a mid-week game on the road against Mount Holyoke College on Sept. 15. The squad hopes to hold onto the energy from this past weekend’s win in order to take down the Mount Holyoke Lyons and continue to build upon their 1-0 record.
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