They’re getting closer, but the first win for the Red and Black field hockey team has been elusive in the early goings this season.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Cougar girls fought hard against Newark Academy, but ultimately fell 1-0 at Lynn V. Profeta Field at the Underhill Sports Complex.
On several occasions in the contest, the Cougars were inches away from tying the score. But each time the swing would either be off, the Lady Minutemen would get a stick in the way at the last second or the opposing goalie would make a great save.
“Every game we’re coming together, we just haven’t gotten a win yet,” said Columbia Head Coach Maggie Singler. “I’m proud of them... I don’t think they outplayed us by any means.”
The contest was a game of penalty corners, as the teams combined for 21 corners. The Columbia defense was strong throughout, killing all of the penalties against them.
“My defense is really strong, the goalkeeper is unstoppable,” Singler said. "They support her so well."
At the 15:01 mark, after a corner against the Cougars was successfully killed, the ball bounced off of the foot of a Red and Black girl, just outside of the box. The violation gave the ball back to the visitors, who quickly converted on a beautiful slap shot by Adrienne White to the left corner.
Though they had some opportunities, Columbia was never able to break through to tie the game. In the second half, the Newark Academy offense put a lot of pressure on the locals, with seven shots on goal and 10 penalty corner attempts. The Cougars had just two chances on corners in the second half, compared to five in the opening one.
Coach Singler said that she thinks the team is getting close to breaking through and scoring more goals, saying that their five shots on goal in Tuesday’s contest was the most that they’ve had all season long.
“I’m very proud of them,” Singler said. “[Newark Academy] won seven to one yesterday, so they were confident as anything... Their keeper was very skilled and their forward’s had beautiful shots.”
The Cougars fell to 0-3-1 overall, while Newark Academy improved to 4-1. The Red and Black girls are in action again on Thursday at Livingston High School.
