Gilford field hockey takes care of business at St. Thomas

DOVER - From the moment the team first stepped foot on the field, Gilford High School field hockey’s advanced stick skills and team play were impressive, despite being a very young team.

The Golden Eagles were excited, fired up, and ready to play Friday night under the lights at St Thomas. Heading into this matchup, Gilford was riding a six-game win streak and had no intentions of breaking it. 

For St. Thomas, this game had a different meaning, as the Saints knew a lot was on the line. St. Thomas had played a lot of teams close, but had just one win to show for it. 

But it was Gilford who came out as the stronger team, scoring early and never looking back in a 3-0 win over the Saints in a Division III game. 

For almost the entirety of the first quarter, Gilford (7-1) was dangerous in the offensive circle and St. Thomas was put on the defensive almost immediately.

After numerous corners and a handful of opportunities to score, Gilford put its first point on the board about halfway into the first quarter. St Thomas goalie Kensley Harris, however, had many key saves that pushed Gilford out of the Saints' circle. 

The second quarter played out similarly to the first, as Gilford controlled the narrative of the game. The Eagles added their second goal of the night at about four minutes into the second quarter, which put them up 2-0 over St Thomas. 

“Every game they are getting better, the stick work, communication, the passing. It has all really improved,” Gilford coach Joy Southworth said.

St Thomas (1-6) was feeling the heat, and desperately needed to find some offensive momentum. 

But the Saints saw very little time on the opposite side of the field. When they were able to have strong passes or a breakaway, it was quickly defended by Gilford. The Eagles took advantage of their speed and used it against St. Thomas. 

When the last 30 minutes of the game started, St. Thomas came out stronger and more unified as a team, but it was not enough to add any points. Gilford would once again score within the first 10 minutes of the second half, as the Eagles improved their lead over St. Thomas to 3-0.

For the rest of the third and fourth quarters, neither team would add any more points, and Gilford improved its win streak to seven. 

“Our team came out really excited for a Friday night game under the lights and on turf,” Southworth said. “They played together like a team, very united, and the teamwork was phenomenal.” 

Gilford will have the weekend off and will play at home Tuesday vs. Newfound Regional, which will be one of its hardest games all season. St. Thomas looks to regroup on Monday, as the Saints face off against Conant.