Westfield Field Hockey Beats Summit

The Summit high school girls varsity field hockey team fell to Westfield 3-2 on Tuesday in Westfield. The Blue Devils beat Summit in a pre-season scrimmage as well.

From the start, there was a constant battle for power between the two teams. The ball continually switched fields, change possession, and came close to entering both goals.

The game remained scoreless well into the first half. With only six minutes left Westfield was finally able to break through Summit's defense and put one in. After a bit of struggling, Emily Mastrocola pushed the ball over the goal line, with the help of Halsey Urban, and clear past Summit senior goalkeeper, Grace Berkery.

Half time came and the score remained at 1-0, Westfield. Both sides continued to strive for consistent possession, and better yet a goal.

Hardly four minutes into the second half, Katie Birle was ready for action. She gained possession of the ball well outside of the circle, quickly dribbled down the center of the field and sent the ball soaring past the Westfield goalie. Birle’s swift goal brought the score to an even 1-1.

As the second half proceeded on and time dwindled away, both teams fought hard to come out on top. Many shots came close and many penalty corners were executed just short of a goal, but nothing quite made it in.

With just over two minutes left in the game, a foul was committed within the Summit circle and Westfield gained a penalty corner. Halsey Urban received the ball after the insert and looked for an open pass. Lauren Anzevino was ready and waiting. Anzevino received the ball and made the game-winning goal.

The injury list for Summit continues to grow. With two concussions, twelve stitches and a newly sprained ankle, the Hilltoppers are missing some crucial players. Junior Nikki Sharkin, now out on crutches, spoke of the loss against Westfield.

“We had a rough game today and we have a lot to work on, but as a team we are continuing to improve and are preparing for our upcoming games,” said Sharkin from the sideline. Sharkin was hurt in the previous game against Pequannock.

Summit and Pequannock tied 3-3 on September 24. Sophomore Julia Washburn, and seniors Katie Birle and Megan Crotty all scored. The Hilltoppers were up 3-2 until Pequannock scored off of a penalty stroke with only ten minutes left in the game.

Summit will face Cranford on Tuesday afternoon at 4pm on the upper high school turf. Summit has consistently beat Cranford in past seasons and will hopefully continue to do so.