They ran, they practiced, they drilled, they fought for a whole season– and Harriton’s varsity field hockey team made it to District 1 AA playoffs for the first time in ten years. Led by captains Eliza Brooks, Julia Fuchs, and Mackenzie Morgan, the Rams had one of the most successful years in recent memory en route to a record of 9-8. The team’s season was full of exciting victories, from the season opener against Agnes Irwin to their last game, a 5-0 triumph over Friends Select. Crushing district rival Lower Merion 3-1 and beating the previously undefeated Conestoga 2-1 were just some of the highlights of one of the team’s greatest seasons yet.
Throughout the year, the Rams always showed resilience, courage, and determination. After losing three games in a row early in the season (to Agnes Irwin, Strath Haven, and Springfield) the team decided enough was enough. They went on to win their next four games, including key wins against Marple Newton and Pennwood. The latter was a particularly sweet victory, as the Rams shut out the visitors by a score of 8-0. The girls gave a similar performance against Penncrest, defeating them 3-0. While the Rams lost their next four games against Garnet Valley, Academy Park, Ridley, and Radnor, they never lost faith and were able to pull themselves out of their slump and end the regular season riding a three-game winning streak.
Perhaps the most thrilling event of the season was Harriton’s defeat of the renowned Conestoga team. Undefeated, Conestoga was the team to beat in the Central League. The Philadelphia Inquirer had ranked them 4th in the area, but the Rams were far from intimidated. Before halftime, sophomore Caleigh Foust had scored not one, but two goals, the second with an assist from senior Mackenzie Morgan. Nicole Sutliff, Ali Grady, and Eliza Brooks all played a vital role at midfield, keeping the ball moving and away from the Pioneers. Carolyn Flannery, Martina Van Weiren and Julia Goodhart stayed strong on defense, not allowing the opposition to score until the last four minutes of the game. In goal, Eva Lopez had an incredible game, with a mind-blowing 24 saves. When all was said and done, the Rams marched triumphantly, but still sportsman-like, off the field, knowing they had deserved every bit of their victory.
Many of the team members were satisfied when they ended the regular season shutting out Friends Select—and rightfully so. It had been a long hard season, and they had come out of it with an impressive record. It was a surprise to many that this winning record had earned them a spot in the District 1 AA playoffs. Coaches and players alike were ecstatic, as Harriton field hockey had not made playoffs in ten years. The team got to work very quickly, preparing to play against teams that they had not encountered yet. Sadly, even after an extensive review of the opposition’s strategy two nights prior to the big game, Harriton lost in the first round of the playoffs against Phoenixville, 2-1. The score had been tied for the entirety of the game until Pheonixville’s offense scored in the final minute, ending the Rams’ season in heartbreaking fashion.
While the loss was disappointing, the Rams are ultimately satisfied that they accomplished what a Harriton field hockey team has not been able to do for ten years. All of the ups and downs during the season only made all of the team members stronger players. The fall season may have just ended, but the 2010 field hockey team will likely go down in history as one of Harriton’s most successful yet.