The Summit field hockey team continues on their way to victory. The Hilltoppers had their fourth straight win against Columbia High School in Maplewood on Monday, September 19th.

The Hilltoppers were bustling with excitement as they prepared for their first, and possibly only, night game of the season. Arriving early for the 7pm game in Maplewood, the varsity team began their mental preparation as well as cheered on the junior varsity girls.  The junior varsity field hockey team led Summit to a landslide win against the cougars.

Within the first two minutes of the game Summit was clearly dominating the field. The lady Hilltoppers immediately earned a penalty corner as a foul was committed within the Columbia circle. Sophomore Allison Stone inserted the ball and a shot was made on goal. Unfortunately, the shot was too far left of the goal and ended up hitting Stone in the arm. Stone left the game with the fear of a broken elbow and Summit’s 2011 injury list begins to grow.

Just seconds later, another foul was committed and Summit got another penalty corner. Although the Hilltoppers were missing a key penalty corner player just three minutes into the game, they were able to pull through as a team. Junior Annie Schmidt had possession of the ball and looked to an open and waiting Katie Birle. Birle made a very nice shot on goal and the score was brought to 1 – 0, Summit.

The remainder of the game consisted of the Hilltoppers maintaining possession of the ball but unable to score. Summit had nineteen penalty corners by the end of the game and only one goal. The cougars were only able to bring the ball to the Summit goal a handful of times. Each Columbia shot was shut down by both Summit goalies, Grace Berkery and Maggie Evans.

Columbia played their hearts out as they yelled “carpe diem” after the time out with only thirty seconds left in the game. Columbia, who has a 1-4 record, had an exceptionally good game and gave Summit a run for their money.

“We played very well and kept the ball in our possession. It was always in Columbia’s circle on the brink of a goal, but we just couldn’t capitalize. Thankfully we were still able to come out on top,” said senior center midfielder, Maggie Lees.

The Summit plays Kent Place on Thursday afternoon at the upper high school turf at 4 pm. This will be an exciting game as the two teams, just down the street from each other, are very well matched this season.