Field Hockey slashes the Wolverines 2-0

By: Lindsey Martin

The Wesley College Wolverines started the game with a passionate intensity but their offense was shutdown and blocked at every corner by the Christopher Newport’s field hockey team. The Captains took control early and never looked back. The Wolverines barely touched the ball and when they did, they couldn’t capitalize.

“Our poise in our ball distribution was key, and we did that from the first minute,” stated senior midfielder Lauren Cherry.

Wesley was not able to attempt a shot until there was less than eight minutes left in the game. CNU earned five offensive corners in the first half, but the first goal came when the Captains earned a penalty stroke and Cherry banged it home.

“I tune out the noise of the crowd and the cheers of my teammates and ignore the pressure,” said Cherry. “ It’s just me and the ball and that one swift motion that I practice everyday.”

Wesley College tried calling time out, but couldn’t muster the energy needed for an offensive and the Captains excellent passing kept the ball in their possession for most of the game.

The second half started off well for the Captains when Junior midfielder Caitlin Cahill scored during an offensive corner, making the score 2-0.

Cahill explained that “Because the others team pressured the ball hard, I pulled right, allowing myself to get a hard shot off to the far side of the cage.”

After that the Captains took control of the ball until the last ten minutes and they did not allow Wesley any opportunities to mount a comeback.

Wesley College earned four corners throughout the game, but the defense of CNU held strong and kept the ball out of the cage. Junior goalkeeper Jamie Dowling kept cool under pressure and shutout Wesley by making three saves.

The Captains have regained focus after the girls’ previous home game against Salisbury University, when they lost 1-0 in a tight game. Not only did CNU control the possession throughout against Wesley, the overall chemistry of the team seems to be growing as each game progresses.

Upcoming games for the Captains include a series of home games against Virginia Wesleyan College, Wednesday Sept. 21, followed by a Johns Hopkins University Clinic on Sept. 25. The Captains then play Frostburg State University on Sept. 30.

Posted by The Captain's Log on Sep 21 2011. Filed under Field Hockey, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.