Two tough ties keep CCHS field hockey undefeated
The Pats held on against Acton-Boxborough, 4-4 on September 19, while tying Reading 1-1 on September 15.
Acton-Boxborough put the Acton-Carlisle field hockey team’s undefeated record in jeopardy with a stunning second-half surge, but the Patriots held on for an essential tie in their September 19 contest.
Team record: Overall 3-0-4; Dual County League 1-0-1
Big game: The Patriots powered to a promising lead in the first half on two goals by Lindsay Cain and one by Scarlett Mirak. AB’s four-goal second-half explosion would have stolen the game away, but for a crucial fourth goal by co-captain Brynn Chaffee.
Game changer: Goalie Lexie Ramirez was under constant pressure in the second half, but gave as good as she got with many saves, each essential to the outcome.
Unsung heroes: The JV and freshman teams have also turned in strong early-season performances, with shining offense and staunch defense. As of September 19, the JV team was 6-1-0 with 20 goals and only four against. The freshman team was 5-0-1 with an extraordinary 45 goals and only one against.
Up next: The Patriots varsity was to travel to Nashoba Regional on September 25.
CCHS 1, Reading 1
The Reading Rockets launched to a 1-0 lead a mere minute into the action, but the visiting Patriots held the home team scoreless for the next 89 minutes, knotting the September 15 match in the second half.
Big game: Fresh off a hat trick in the previous game, Mirak scored the tying goal on an assist by Ceci Clancy and a corner insert by Chaffee.
Turning point/game changer: After the startling early Rockets goal, the Pats instantly regained their composure and maintained their confidence on the opponents’ turf.
Unsung hero: Zoë Bonzagni at left back and co-captain Kaia Triola at left mid were dynamic, teaming up to deflect and reverse the Rockets’ speedy offense time and again. In goal, Ramirez was challenged repeatedly and withstood the test with kick-saves galore.
