Taft hosted Deerfield on a rare off-day game and an even rarer game under the lights. It was a buzzing atmosphere with the fans on top of the hill and the Rhinos came out from the opening whistle mentally aggressive and ready for a Class A challenge. Taft would put 16 shots towards the Deerfield net and cede just one to earn a 2-0 win. Having learned from past games and not wanting to start slowly, Taft almost put the opening possession into the net. Taking the kickoff, the Big Red worked the ball to captain Emilee Adami ’19. Adami took her player inside and fired a cross to the center. Halle Wagner ’20 charged the ball and sent it just over the bar. While the ball was not on frame, the tone was set for the match and Taft carried that throughout the game. Amanda Graziano ’21 played one of her best games all season and was moving at a different gear. Elly MacKay ’20 and Piper Desorcie ’20 played their best game anchoring the defense and squelching opportunities towards the Rhino net. It would be Sophie Webb ’19 that would break through and score the first goal of the game. Despite many opportunities to score earlier it would take Webb running through two 50-50 challenges inside the Deerfield 18-yard box. Once goal-side of both defenders, Webb would bury the opportunity and Taft would go into halftime up 1-0. The second half saw Taft take control of the pace of the game as they did in the first. The Deerfield defense was strong and made the Big Red work relentlessly for opportunities. Kayla Thomas ’20 had her best day of the season in the air and got on the end of seemingly ever goal kick, punt, and set piece. Anna Koziol ’20 fired a shot off the crossbar from about 25 showing her range in the center of the field. The atmosphere of parents and school supporting at night buoyed everyone in a Taft jersey. Graziano would add a second Taft goal on a great shot from distance to close the scoring in the game. Taft put their best 80 minutes together and will need to learn the emotional investment it takes to be successful. It was a great night and demonstration for the entire Taft community. Taft will look to continue this form on the road when they travel to NMH on Wednesday for a long trip mid-week. Kickoff is at 3:15.