The Masuk field hockey team has had quite a season thus far, and last night was no different. An exciting game against Brookfield cemented Masuk field hockey as real contenders for season champions.
Despite the score being tied zero-zero at the end of the first quarter, the start of the game was exciting for both teams. Masuk spent most of the quarter on offense with excellent performances from seniors Ella Bunovsky, Molly Halliday and Amelia Logan, with help from junior Emma Cusa. Onlookers were on the edge of their seats as some close shots were made by Masuk, but panther fans were ultimately disappointed as Brookfield defenders fought hard to prevent them from scoring.
The game, for Masuk, truly picked up in the second quarter. Masuk continued to bring strong energy making the job of the Brookfield goalie difficult. Izzy Vigilione, a senior Midfielder, took many impressive free-hits giving the team the opportunity to score. About half way through the fifteen minutes, Bunovsky continued her impressive playing with a goal, which was only the beginning of the excitement for Masuk’s team. Only moments later, Logan scored with three minutes until halftime.
Even with Masuk’s two-point lead, Brookfield did not give up. The team fought hard and was able to have more time on offense in the third quarter. However, Masuk’s defensive players, Sophie Clark, Ava Morretti, Mia Alderman and goalie Valerie Vilca denied the team any goals.
Though Masuk may have had the lead, the game was not over for the Brookfield players. Brookfield had impressive defense and undeniably fought hard, however, Masuk’s Sam Henry was unstoppable and unfazed by their defense and scored a goal with only thirty seconds left in the game, leaving the score as three to zero.
The game was an excellent example of the team’s talent and exemplified why they have such an impressive record. When asked about how the remainder of this season will go, Clark replied, only somewhat jokingly, “Hashtag SWC champs! Hashtag rings? Hashtag states champs? That will all totally happen,”
Saying the team is looking forward to the rest of the season would be an understatement. They have high hopes for their two games next week against Immaculate and Joel Barlow. The result of this game puts their record at eight wins and only one loss, which means they are now seeded at number one in the conference.
But last night meant more to the team than just another win. It was Masuk field hockey’s ninth annual cancer awareness night. The importance of this night to the team was clear, with pink streamer-wrapped stands and posters which read, “sticking it to cancer.”
Every year the team donates the proceeds made by raffles, bake sales and donations to a local organization or family. This year the proceeds of over two thousand dollars are going to Monroe resident Dawn Davis and her family. Davis was diagnosed with breast cancer early this year. She is a teacher in Milford, CT and a mother to Colin, Lauren and Erin Davis. With the beginning of breast cancer awareness month, the timing of the game couldn’t have been better for the team to show their support.
Playing for a cause is important to the Masuk players. Clark says, “It’s really important to me because Erin [Davis] is one of my really good friends and what her mom is going through is really hard. I’m just glad we can help them in such a difficult time,” The team is happy to show their support towards the Davis family and it is clear the energy and morale of the team are heightened by their desire to do what they can for their schoolmate and her mother. “Last year, we had so many people here and we wanted to win so badly and especially with Brookfield this year, we had a tough loss against them last year and I think that drove us harder,” Clark finished.
As Clark mentioned, Cancer Awareness Night always draws out a big crowd and is very important to many people in the Monroe community, especially those closely affected by breast cancer. Crowd member Gabriella Assignon says, “I have not been to many field hockey games, this is my first. Breast cancer has affected my family and so I thought this would be a good time to come out and show my support for this cause and Masuk.”
You can come and support Masuk varsity field hockey at their next game Monday away against Immaculate at 4:00 p.m. or at the next home game against Joel Barlow on Friday the seventh at 6:45 p.m.
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