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CCHS field hockey posts shutout victory in Sticks for Cancer match

The Patriots notched a sparkling Saturday night under-the-lights victory, 4-0, over North Andover on October 3.

By David Clancy ·

Abby Ruhmann scores on a penalty shot during the Patriots’ Sticks for Cancer match against North Andover on October 3. Photo by David Clancy
Abby Ruhmann scores on a penalty shot during the Patriots’ Sticks for Cancer match against North Andover on October 3. Photo by David Clancy

The Acton-Carlisle field hockey team’s weather-delayed Sticks for Cancer match was worth the wait as the Patriots notched a sparkling Saturday night under-the-lights victory, 4-0, over North Andover on October 3.

Lindsay Cain fires a goal to open the scoring in the first quarter of Acton-Carlisle’s Sticks for Cancer match against North Andover on October 3. Photo by David Clancy
Lindsay Cain fires a goal to open the scoring in the first quarter of Acton-Carlisle’s Sticks for Cancer match against North Andover on October 3. Photo by David Clancy
  • Team record: Overall 4-2-1; Dual County League 1-2-0
  • Big game: Goaltender Lexie Ramirez and her defensive line — co-captain Zoë Bonzagni, Maddie Minkin, and Emerson Ambrose — achieved their second shutout of the weekend. 
  • Turning point: After some murky sparring in the opening minutes, forward Lindsay Cain lit the path with a fiery first-quarter goal.
  • Unsung hero: Abby Ruhmann, Skyla Rigazio, and Bridget Fivek followed with goals of their own, highlights of a dominant overall offensive effort by fierce forwards and swirling midfielders. 
  • Up next: The Patriots were to host formidable league opponent Waltham on October 5.
CCHS’ Lizzy Sproule attacks the Algonquin defense October 2. Photo by David Clancy
CCHS’ Lizzy Sproule attacks the Algonquin defense October 2. Photo by David Clancy

CCHS 4, Algonquin 0

Bouncing back briskly from a tough midweek loss, the Patriots’ October 2 shutout was satisfying payback for the Titans’ playoff elimination of CCHS in 2024. 

The Patriots’ Julie Reynolds works past an Algonquin defender during their October 2 game. Photo by David Clancy
The Patriots’ Julia Reynolds works past an Algonquin defender during their October 2 game. Photo by David Clancy
  • Big game: The Patriots’ clockwork offense scored one goal in each quarter: Julie Reynolds first, then Fivek, then Ruhmann, and finally Lizzy Sproule through a goal-line scrum. 
  • Game changer: Ramirez made sure the momentum never shifted, recording the Patriots’ first shutout of the season.
  • Unsung hero: Defender Maddie Minkin had a banner night, disrupting repeated attacks from Algonquin’s aggressive left wing.
CCHS’ Emerson Ambrose threads the ball between Algonquin defenders on October 2. Photo by David Clancy
CCHS’ Emerson Ambrose threads the ball between Algonquin defenders on October 2. Photo by David Clancy
Maddie Minkin heads upfield during CCHS’ October 2 game against Algonquin. Photo by David Clancy
Maddie Minkin heads upfield during CCHS’ October 2 game against Algonquin. Photo by David Clancy

Lincoln-Sudbury 6, CCHS 1

The Patriots fell to the undefeated Lincoln-Sudbury Warriors, battling hard on their home turf against constant pressure on September 29. 

  • Big game: A gritty Acton-Carlisle defense held the Warriors to a one-goal lead (2-1) until late in the first half, before the Warriors’ relentless, crafty offense took control with two pre-halftime goals. 
  • Turning point: Ruhmann’s goal brought things tantalizingly close until the Warriors pulled away. 
  • Unsung hero: After facing down a torrent of shots in the first half, starting goaltender Ramirez received well-deserved relief in the second half from Emma Flynn, who turned in an admirable rookie performance against one of the top-scoring offenses in the state.

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