PEABODY — Sometimes, it’s not the number of shots a team puts on net – it’s the quality.
Such was the case Wednesday in a field hockey game between host Peabody and Saugus. In a defensive battle that was tied, 0-0, going into the fourth quarter, the Tanners didn’t put a single shot on net in the first three quarters.
But a minute-and-a-half into the final quarter, freshman Elizabeth Moore finally broke the ice, scoring the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 win at Coley Lee Field, the Tanners’ fourth of the season.
While Saugus dominated the first half, Peabody made it count when it had the chance in the second.
“It probably was our first shot of the game,” said Peabody coach Jillian Tobin. “I’m very, very proud of the entire team today. I thought both teams were evenly matched. We executed things that we practiced yesterday when we went over things and were actually clicking on some of the things we’ve been really trying to ram home. The passing and the give-and-go’s worked great, so I’m really proud of my offensive line.”
“And I’m so proud of our little freshman, Elizabeth,” she said. “She put herself in the right spot, making the give-and-go’s with people who have so many more years of experience. She’s really stepped up into a starting position and I see no reason to change that.”
Saugus coach Barbara Guarente said that while the Sachems came into the game with only one win and a tie, the team fought hard and gave as good as it got. She praised the performances of captain Jessica Bremberg, eighth-grader Teaghan Arsenault, Mia Shawdee, and Sydney Ferreira.
“They played very, very well today and if I had to pick two players of the game today, it would be Jessica and Teaghan,” she said. “Their only goal came when there were two people deep and we just weren’t covering them. So, once they got the ball, unfortunately for us, they scored. It’s tough because you run out of juice when you don’t have any subs and they didn’t have many either. It still makes a huge difference, but Jessica and Teaghan played extremely well for us, so that was very good to see. It would have been nice to see a win, but everyone gave it their all.”
Tobin had high praise for senior captain Meaghan Collins and freshman goalkeeper Sophia Kassis, who finished with 13 saves and stood tall in the final minutes when Saugus really stepped up its attack.
“Meaghan knew she wasn’t having the best game she’s ever had, but she was able to shake it off and re-execute some of the things she was able to do at the beginning,” Tobin said. “And Sophia has come a long way. She’s a newcomer who just stepped into the role of goalkeeper and has had a very limited amount of time in goal.”
Tobin also credited junior Daniella White for stepping up.
“She’s come such a long way and always gives it her all every minute of every game and every practice,” Tobin said. “She’s wonderful to work with and is willing to try different things and has played every position: forward, midfielder, defender and goalie. She’s done absolutely everything I’ve asked of her.”
Tobin said the Tanners are “not killing it score-wise,” but that she sees progress every day.
“Our scoring hasn’t been there, but we have small victories every day,” she said.
Peabody is back in action Thursday at home against Revere (4 p.m.). Saugus’ next game is Friday at home, also against Revere (4 p.m.).
