Windham varsity field hockey ties Greely in preseason match

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity field hockey played Greely at home on Friday, Aug. 28 during its final game of the preseason and the Eagles held off the Rangers to end the game in a 2-2 tie.

Windham sophomore Hayley Johnsen moves to stop an
opponent's ball during a preseason field hockey game
against Greeley at Windham High School on Friday,
Aug. 28. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham scored early and led 2-0 after the first quarter but Greely came back and tied the game 2-2 by halftime. Neither team scored after the first half.

“I think the preseason has prepared us really well,” said Windham senior Morgan McLain. “We’ve been doing a lot of conditioning; our agility and speed is way better than it was last year. We played our best. Our passing went really well up the right side of the field and the left side of the field. I think our defense are really starting to understand. We’re also starting to click as a family; we know where we’re going to be. We know how to get the ball up. Looking before we pass (needs work), moving the ball to a spot where our players are going not to where they are making it easier for them to run at the ball rather than stop their feet and go get the ball.”

Early in the first quarter, Windham junior Sarah Smyth scored after a penalty corner. Windham moved the ball well. Moments later, Windham sophomore Hayley Johnsen also scored.

The Eagles’ defense kept Greely from many scoring opportunities. Windham was aggressive and we tied 2-2 at the halftime break.

“Really working on the foundation of the team (is the preseason goal),” said Windham varsity field hockey coach Maddy Perfetti. “We ran them hard during the preseason and asked a lot of them and they stepped up and they are exhausted. If you can play tired, then we can do anything. Really working on those foundational 1 v. 1 skills, passing the ball and how to be a good teammate. Their positive communication on the field was just miles ahead of where it’s been. Teaching them that you can have your negative emotion, but not to put it onto everybody else. Working from the back, having a strong defensive unit needs to work. Making sure they have chemistry with each other, that they can play as a team ... they need to have that awareness of their teammates around them and building from that.” 

The second half was a strong defensive battle for both teams. Windham stayed with the ball and defense prevented any scoring for a full 30 minutes.

In the fourth quarter, Windham pressured and took several shots at Greely’s goal, but nothing got by for a goal.

“I think we’re in really good shape,” said Johnsen. “With what today held for us I’m really excited to see what we have ahead of us. Passing is looking really strong. Our defense and midfield have worked the ball up to forward line and if forward can finish it, we’re in good shape. Getting to the sides and the sideline in midfield (needs work). Greely is strong, they have a good foundation set, but if we had worked harder to get to the sidelines, we could have broken the tie.” <