Isabella Marciano
Reporter
Last Saturday, October 25th, the field hockey team was ready to take on Fairfield Warde in the FCIAC quarterfinals. The team came out on top with a 3-1 win, and senior captain Isabel Taben was excited. “It was one of our best games yet!” she said. “We really rose to the occasion. We tied Warde during the regular season and we were so excited to play them again because we knew we could come through with the win.”
Junior midfielder Catherine Granito agreed, “Offensively we played a well rounded game,” she said. “Our posts were in the right spots and tipped some really nice goals. Defensively our corner D played a really strong game, we had several corners against us and Warde was unable to capitalize on their opportunities.”
New Canaan’s triumph over Fairfield Warde was anticipated since the Rams tied the Mustangs 1-1 in the beginning of the season. Junior defender Claire Conley believes that the tie was due to the loss of crucial players Catherine Granito and sophomore Ellery Baran who were injured during the first match-up. “When we came out on saturday we were full of energy and we knew that we had to prove that we were just a better team in general.” Claire said.
The Rams also had a strong game defensively. “Our defensive line has been great from the start, but the biggest strength we have is that if someone gets beat three people are behind that person to back them up,” Claire said. “Rhian Ball is one of the best defensemen I have seen in my entire life and she never fails to impress everyone.”
After the win, the girls came ready to play the number one seed, Wilton, in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
New Canaan played very defensively throughout the game. “We had 18 penalty corners total and 16 in the second half. Our corner D played unreal and our bench sideline crew was keeping everyone on the field motivated and encouraging us to give it our all and come up with the win,” Catherine said.
The Rams were able hold off the Warriors the game ending with a score of 1-0, earning them a spot in the championship game.
The girls will play Darien in the finals at Brien McMahon High School on October 30th at 7p.m.
