Derryfield field hockey beats Kingswood to grab first win

MANCHESTER - On an unusually hot and humid September day, the Derryfield School girls field hockey team rose to the occasion and beat rival Kingswood, 2-0. 

The matchup was slated for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday but was moved to 7:00 due to the extremely hot conditions. 

“I think our team’s style of play really came together (Tuesday),” said Derryfield first-year coach Kathleen Bulk. “They were relying on one another, trusting each other, and we’ve been working a lot on that style of play. I think they really saw all of the opportunities and took advantage of them.”

Derryfield (1-1-2) came off strong from the start and took control of the circle immediately. Within seconds, the Cougars were taking shots on net, and Kingswood’s goalie Carrigan Williams remained tough with numerous saves. However, at about the ten-minute mark in the first quarter, Derryfield's Sarah Stonaker scored off a corner, with Charlotte Smith getting the assist, as the ball struck the back of the net with a fierce intensity. 

“I think there are still times where we are unsure of our strategy and where we are supposed to be on the field, “ said Bulk. “Most of the time we are there but obviously those gaps exist and we need to tighten those up, especially when the other team has a fast break.

"There were some times (Tuesday) that worried us a bit and we want to make sure that we are prepared for those and stay strong. Heading forward we want to solidify that team dynamic and keep the comradery high.” 

Less than three minutes later, Stonaker struck again, racking up Derryfield's lead to 2-0, with an assist to Kennedy Overhoff. However, that would be the end of the Derryfield goals for the rest of the game. 

Kingswood came out more aggressive in the second quarter, but the Knights (1-3) struggled to cross the 50-yard line with a lack of effective passing. The game remained 2-0 heading into the half.

As the lights took over and the sun set, the third quarter provided cooler temperatures for each team, which was a helpful asset in regard to endurance and stamina.

The Knights saw more time offensively during the third quarter and improved its team comradery. To open up the third quarter, Kingswood had two penalty corners in a row, but Derryfield’s defense was quick to the ball. 

No team scored in the third quarter, and the pressure was on heading into the last 15 minutes of play for the Knights. 

Kingswood’s confidence as a team visibly improved throughout the fourth, as its passing and breakaways steadily increased, but the team still lacked consistent time in the scoring circle. Derryfield maintained its lead throughout the fourth to hang on for the win over Kingswood.

Kingswood will be on the road again Thursday afternoon at Hollis Brookline, while Derryfield will also be on the road later this week, as the Cougars will play Souhegan Friday night under the lights.