A hometown rivalry ended in defeat for the Summit Hilltoppers after playing Kent Place in field hockey. The final score was 3-2, Kent Place on Thursday afternoon on the upper high school turf.
Kent Place began the game with a strong start as they earned a penalty corner not even two full minutes into the first half. A beautifully executed corner led to their first goal by Kent Place’s Elizabeth Zusi and Annie Turnbull.
Less than one minute later Kent Place had possession of the ball again. The dragons were unstoppable as they plowed down the field, into the circle, and made their second goal.
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After a time out and a quick regrouping, Summit finally got their head in the game. The Hilltoppers quickly moved the ball from player to player as it made its way into the circle from the left side of the field. When the ball made contact with junior Annie Schmidt’s stick, she tapped it into the goal. Summit brought the score up to 2-1 only five minutes into the game.
The two teams were constantly struggling for possession of the ball through out the half. Summit goalkeeper, Grace Berkery, had twelve crucial saves while Kent Place goal keeper, Taylor Branch also made several very nice saves.
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As the ball was making its way into the Summit circle, tragedy struck. Annie Schmidt was fighting for possession as she came from behind of a Kent Place player. The player unintentionally brought her stick up too high, hitting Schmidt’s chin. No card could be given as a high stick is only penalized when facing head on. Schmidt had to leave the game and get twelve stitches. Hopefully she will be back in full swing in time for Summit’s Tuesday game against Westfield.
With under two minutes left in the first half, Kent Place got yet another penalty corener and took advantage of it. Annie Turnbull’s direct shot from the top of the goal went past Summit goalkeeper, Grace Berkery and into the cage, bringing the score to 3-1 at half time.
Half way through the second half, the Hilltoppers brought the ball into the Kent Place circle and a penalty corner was called. Sophomore Julia Washburn passed the ball neatly to junior Nikki Sharkin. Sharkin then made a successful shot, bringing the score to a close 3-2.
Summit played much better the second half as they continued to get corner after corner. With thirty-three seconds left, Summit’s fifteenth penalty corner of the game was called and the thought of overtime was very real. Unfortunately the shot was no good and the ball left the circle with only nine seconds left, ending the game with a score of 3-2, Kent Place.
The only time the ball came close to the Summit goal in the second half, senior goalie Maggie Evans kept it out.
The Hilltoppers prepare to play Pequannock on Saturday at the upper high school turf at 10 am. These two teams did not play each other last season and it is expected to be a difficult and exciting game.
