With the fog drifting through Fenwick High, the Crusaders’ field hockey team (9-3-3) fell to Central Catholic (4-6) on Wednesday, 4-0.
A scoring barrage in the second half lifted Central Catholic to its fourth win of the season. Despite the loss, Fenwick goalie Meg Donnelly impressed – keeping her team in the game and coming up with timely saves.
In the first quarter, and after a penalty corner, Central Catholic got its first chance of the game as the ball bounced near the goal line, but Fenwick defender Kate McPhail stood strong and cleared the ball away from danger.
The Crusaders’ Rayne Millett impressed with a beautiful zone entry, backing down her defender and protecting the ball. Millett’s efforts created two shots on for Fenwick in its possession.
Backline defenders stood strong on both sides, resulting in a scoreless first quarter.
Central Catholic made it 1-0 with 10:42 remaining in the second quarter, capitalizing on a rebound and sneaking the ball past Donnelly on the ground.
“They [Central Catholic] worked well as a team. They were there for their passes, they were there to get the ball up the field the whole time, and it worked,” Donnelly said.
With around six minutes remaining, Donnelly anticipated a Central Catholic play design and advanced towards the ball – kicking it away to prevent any trouble.
Fenwick senior Abigale Brunner drew cheers from the hometown faithful after a beautiful takeaway on the defensive end – followed by a perfect lead pass upfield.
Millett let one go in stride at the two minute mark of the quarter, but her shot was padded out of bounds. The effort was Fenwick’s best chance of the half, which ended favoring Central Catholic, 1-0.
With 13:46 remaining in the third, Donnelly made the play of the game – smothering a Central Catholic penalty stroke that found air. Each Crusader on the field embraced Donnelly after the denial.
“Well that was my first ever stroke in a game, so I was a little rattled,” Donnelly said. “Luckily, I saved it and my team was all louder than I’ve ever heard before.”
One minute later, Donnelly made a kick save on a shot placed just inside the left post, and all momentum favored the host Crusaders.
Shortly after, Central Catholic’s lead extended to 2-0 after a rip from the left wing. The ball found its way through traffic and Donnelly didn’t stand a chance.
The Crusaders struggled clearing the ball. Extra chances started to pile up for the Raiders and Fenwick forwards weren’t given a chance to begin possession.
In the waning minutes of the third, Fenwick’s poke-checking became more effective and the Crusaders cycled through their offense. Other than an impressive redirection on goal, Central Catholic kept things away from its keeper.
A backhander rolled into the bottom left corner for Central Catholic with just 20 seconds remaining in the third quarter – giving them a commanding 3-0 advantage. After the spark from Donnelly’s penalty stroke, Fenwick’s ownership of the momentum was no longer.
Another one slipped through for Central Catholic with 12:07 remaining in the game. Now in desperation mode, Madison Feragi got a doorstep chance for Fenwick, but her shot was padded away with no Crusaders lingering for a rebound.
Time expired on Fenwick’s comeback bid and the Crusaders were defeated for just the third time this season. Fenwick looks to reenter the win column this Friday against Triton at 3:30 p.m.
