Varsity Field Hockey vs Berkshire School

Score/Result: 2-0 W

This was an interesting match-up today as both Berkshire coaches had Taft connections; one was a former varsity field hockey coach and the other a four-year varsity player.  So Berkshire was clearly well coached and it proved to be a great game.  Berskshire’s defense was formidable and while we able to move it down the right side of the field we had a great difficulty in getting into the circle.  When we did their goalie was able to make a number of great saves so we knew were going to have to move her or get a rebound in order to score.  Our first goal came with less than 9 minutes left in the first half.  Audrey Quirk picked up the ball out side the circle on the left and she carried the ball to the top of the circle and passed it off to Lauren Drakeley who received it and she was able to take a super quick hit that rocketed into the far corner.

We dominated much of the game, but Berkshire fought hard in the second half and we really struggled getting out of our defensive end.  Finally at one point Mary DuBois sprinted from across the field and picked up the ball and carried it 75 yards down the right sideline and that really changed the momentum of the game back in our favor.  Coco Tautkus played an absolutely amazing game.  The timing of her tackles was perfect and she was so effective at finishing her plays. 

Our second goal came with 4 minutes left on the clock and it began with a corner.  The best way to describe it was it looked like a pinball game.  Audrey inserted the ball up to Mary who passed it to Caroline who took a shot, which then Collins deflected right and then Audrey deflected it back left into the goal.  It was pretty darn cool. 

One of the best things we did in the game today was transferred the ball very well.  It was initiated on both sides of the field, and Sarah Lindenberg, Maggie O’Neil, and Coco Tautkus all worked very well together.  Sarah also played a great game and just like Coco was on her mark with her tackles today.  Maggie was dominant in the middle as usual and in support of her teammates all over the field.  She was so deceptive with her dodging today even putting the ball between her opponent’s feet.  Audrey and Caroline Queally controlled the midfield and Laura Feidelson had her best game since coming back from her injury.  Amy Feda had 4 saves today.