Maybe the only thing Monterey’s varsity field hockey team did
right on Friday was find the playing field.
Gilroy – Maybe the only thing Monterey’s varsity field hockey team did right on Friday was find the playing field.
Gilroy, in contrast, did almost nothing wrong on its way to a 7-0 victory and 2-0 start in league play. The team took 22 shots on goal while denying Monterey a single attempt.
Amanda Spellman and Elise Ogle led the team with two goals apiece, while Deena Morsilli was awarded ‘Stick of the Game’ for her all-out hustle and shot attempts which set up goals for other players.
Spellman, a senior captain who consistently weaved through and bullied by her opponents during the game, thought her team put forth a strong performance despite receiving little resistance.
“We’re growing every game,” she said. “We’re developing as a team which is good because we don’t want to peak too soon … Even in a game when your beating a team 7-nothing, you have to keep telling yourself, ‘I have to sprint because this a sprint I’d have to make in CCS.’ ”
Gilroy’s final two goals came on put-backs by Laura Spellman and Mandi Jo Torres. Goalkeepers Caitlyn Pierotti and Geralyn Moon took turns standing in front of the net.
“Every game is building towards the postseason,” coach Adam Gemar said. “We gotta think about the big picture. I think our captains realize that and most of our team realizes that. Being serious during the games and taking the little things more seriously than we have in the past will benefit us as a whole, today and in the future.”
Ogle, who has been on a tear the last week according to coaches, said she has been putting in extra work on top of practices to help keep her play sharp during what very well could be a tedious TCAL season.
“I’d actually prefer a close game,” Ogle said, “because it’s more stress. It just shows you can bring it on when you want to or when you need to.”
As for the question of whether the Mustangs’ ability to mow through league opponents on their way to the playoffs is a positive or negative, Ogle said winning with ease could be a Catch-22.
“Probably,” she said. “Unfortunately, because then we don’t get more practice for the tougher games.”
The team’s next game will be Tuesday at home against Robert Louis Stevenson. The game will begin at 5:30pm with junior varsity starting at 4.
