Two close games tested the young Gloucester High School varsity field hockey team, but the determined Dukes prevailed in both recent outings to boost their record to 9-0.
The Gloucester girls hosted Kellam on Tuesday and came away with a 1-0 win. “It was one of those games where you dominate play but the score doesn’t reflect that,” said Gloucester coach Mike Miller.
“We had 20 to 25 shots on goal, while they had maybe one or two. They had an exceptional goalkeeper, and Kellam is just one of those good teams out of the Beach,” Miller said.
While dominating play, Gloucester did not get on the board until there were only 12 minutes left in the game. The Dukes were attacking the Kellam goal when a shot bounced off the keeper’s pads. Junior Elizabeth Thomas was there to put it in the cage for the 1-0 Gloucester advantage.
Last Thursday, the Dukes faced a challenge from the visiting Menchville Monarchs. Gloucester scored first, but the Monarchs were soon up, 2-1. The Dukes tied it at 2-2, but Menchville grabbed the lead again and the game stood at 3-2 in the visitors’ favor at halftime.
Late in the second half, a determined Gloucester team tied it, 3-3, and it was clear the Dukes were not ready to settle for the draw. Another goal with about five minutes remaining gave Gloucester the victory.
It was a rare busy game for Gloucester goalkeeper Jillian Lawrence. “She was only credited with four saves, but she did a great job. I thought she played an exceptional game in goal for us,” Miller said.
Scoring for the Dukes were Meg Teagle, Cara O’Beirne and Kessa Romero, who had a pair of goals. H.P. Johnson had two assists and assists were provided by Farren Winter, Kate Neikirk, O’Beirne and Thomas.
“We made some defensive mistakes, some freshmen and sophomore mistakes,” Miller assessed. “But they didn’t panic, they came together and executed. I was really proud of them.”
Despite the close games, Miller has not lost any enthusiasm for his young team that continues to improve. ‘They’ve played well, they’ve executed, and they didn’t give up, they just don’t give up.”
Gloucester is scheduled to play at Hampton Friday and at Woodside on Tuesday.