Merrimack field hockey turning things around early this season
MERRIMACK - After the way last season went, the Merrimack High School field hockey team is thrilled to have a contender on its hands. The 3-2 victory over Exeter on Wednesday was just more evidence of how far the Tomahawks program has come. After finishing with a 3-11 record last season, the now 4-2
MERRIMACK - A
fter the way last season went, the Merrimack High School field hockey team is thrilled to have a contender on its hands. The 3-2 victory over Exeter on Wednesday was just more evidence of how far the Tomahawks program has come. After finishing with a 3-11 record last season, the now 4-2 Tomahawks have already eclipsed that win total. In net, Heather Rohr showed why she's being heavily relied on, making eight saves in victory. The senior was stellar, preventing Exeter from scoring even when they controlled possession for long periods of time. “She was amazing,” said Merrimack coach Ann MacLean of her goalie. “High balls, ground balls, everything. I’m proud of her.” Players such as Julia Valluzzi, Hunter Webb and Marissa Ballard, who scored on Wednesday, along with other leaders such as Demeitria Gonzalez, Brenna Davenport and September Ven, have all stepped up their games. MacLean brings back seven players from last year's campaign, and that unit has found its groove. The Tomahawks have won three straight games and totaled 14 goals in that span, allowing only two. “I think it’s clicking. We’re getting used to playing with each other,” said MacLean. “It’s awesome, it’s all coming into its own.” The one thing the Tomahawks have to work at is fouls in the circle, with the Blue Hawks (1-4) being awarded 13 corners on Wednesday, leading to the goal that cut the lead to one with 46 seconds remaining. “We’re making a lot of fouls inside the circle,” said MacLean. “We have to work as a team and work on that.” No matter what Merrimack has to work out, this season has already been a drastic improvement. “I hate to compare to last season, but it was disappointing last year,” MacLean. “This is a really good win against a really good team. I like the consistency.”
