Souhegan field hockey rolls to victory over Hollis Brookline

AMHERST - The Souhegan High School field hockey team has gotten used to winning, and this particular group on the 2017 rendition of the team is no different.

After winning a lacrosse title in the spring, multiple members of the field hockey team are hungry to win another title in a different sport. The Sabers started off on the right foot with a 7-1 win over Hollis Brookline on Tuesday.

“It’s a great thing, the speed and touches they have, but that they play other sports together builds to that,” said head coach Kelli Braley. “They’re friends off the field and on the field, and it leads to scoring. They want to see each other succeed.”

One of those players is Abby Cranney, a senior heading to the University of New Hampshire next season to play lacrosse. This fall is her final year in field hockey, and it started out in tremendous fashion.

One minute into the Sabers' opener at home against Hollis Brookline, Cranney netted her first tally.

“At first it felt great, and then we let one in,” said Cranney. “Finally we got touches on the ball and were moving up and down the field."

Hollis Brookline scored three minutes later in what was a concerning defensive breakdown.

“Defense was alright,” said Braley. “We had one breakdown that led to a goal. But other than that, our halfbacks played strong, and it prevented our fullbacks from having to do a whole lot. When they did, the communication was there.”

After that, the Cavaliers (0-1) wouldn't score again. Their goalie, Emily Dvareckas, made 11 saves in defeat, but it was the three scores from Cranney that made the difference.

“It felt great,” she said. “We’ve been preparing, running, going over drills. Really trying to (get) the team back in shape.”

After falling short in the postseason last fall, the Sabers didn't lose much, returning nine players and adding four freshmen to what looks like a serious contender in Division II.