This was a very even game that turned into a 3 - 1 loss for Upper Moreland.
Hatboro’s first goal was scored when it hit off a UM player’s foot in the circle and after the correctly held whistle by the official, UM stopped playing, thinking a corner would be called and Hatboro took advantage and scored. We have talked to the team about "playing to the whistle”, so they will learn from this.
As play continued, UM started controlling the game and got several shots in the circle. Olivia Torres was dominant in the midfield and MJ Reilly and Melissa Torpey were working hard to get the ball in the circle. Taylor Pagano played tough at right mid. At one point in the 2nd quarter, UM thought they scored but a Hatboro defender made a great defensive save, to not allow the ball over the goal line.
We had to switch the lineup around for an injured starter, and players stepped up to the plate! Freshman, Reese Purcell played multiple positions and had one of her best games of the season. Hatboro had difficulty bringing it up their right side because Reese was making great stops. Then we switched Purcell to Defensive Mid where she adjusted quickly and showed real strength. For a freshman, she has a high field hockey IQ. She played club and does a lot in the offseason, so this has definitely benefitted her play. Sophomores, Hannah Gardner and Lyla Soleau stepped in and played well defensively. Hannah and Lyla are so coachable and just want to get better every game and every practice, so we love coaching them. Gianna Jones was another player called up to play more minutes than usual today and she got the game ball for her gritty play, her great stickwork and showing effort coming back for the ball.
Despite the goals scored, Abby Kelly, Bridget Hess and Addi Gans played well defensively.
After half time, UM never gave up and kept pressuring. Down 3 - 0, Olivia Torres sent a hard ball into the middle of the circle that Soph Riehle tipped in to cut the lead by 2.
Marie Schmucker (HH coach) and I have coached against each other for almost 40 years off and on and we both know that field hockey games are won or lost in circle play. HH was better in the circle than we were today, even though play was very even. That's field hockey! Both teams had 4-5 corners and most of the play was between the 25’s. We always have close games with them, with us winning last year in OT and they came out on top today.
To do well in our last 3 games, we need to play better defensively in our circle and when we get the ball in their circle, we need to find a way to score.