Going into Tuesday’s field hockey match against Monterey High,
GHS co-head coaches Adam and Erin Gemar had a good idea who was
going to win.
Going into Tuesday’s field hockey match against Monterey High, GHS co-head coaches Adam and Erin Gemar had a good idea who was going to win. In the Aug. 31 season opener between the two teams, the Mustangs ran away with a 5-0 victory.
Nevertheless, a goal was set before the second meeting with the Toreadors.
“We set a goal to be better the second time we play a team,” Erin Gemar said.
And with a dominating 7-0 win, that goal was met.
Junior midfielder Karlie Sandoval scored the first and last goals and sophomore forward Kelly Perkins pulled off the hat trick with three scores in between.
Senior forward Elena Ramirez and sophomore forward Erin Magill also added goals.
“I think we played a lot better than we did the first time,” Adam Gemar said. “There’s a lot of stuff we’ve been working on and the girls are starting to understand it.
“They had it before … they just didn’t grasp it completely.”
In fact, the game’s first goal was scored on a play that has been a staple in recent practices, Gemar said.
Before the first minute was complete, Ramirez streaked down the field, stopped at the goal line and fired a pass to Sandoval, who got the Mustangs (4-1) on the board quickly.
“It was picture-perfect,” Gemar said.
Added Sandoval: “We just wanted to come out strong and start scoring right away.”
They ended up scoring plenty – two more times than they did in the first matchup with Monterey.
The number of goals wasn’t necessarily the tell-tale sign of progress, though.
“I think we’re passing it a lot better,” said Perkins, who posted the first hat trick of her career. “There’s just more communication.”
And in a blowout like the one yesterday, there’s also more flexibility available.
There’s not only a chance for the regulars to try out new plays and new positions, but also an opportunity to get plenty of playing time for the younger players.
“It’s nice to spread the wealth,” Gemar said. “I think one of the reasons we’re better now is because our young players are starting to get better.”
Counting last weekend’s games at the Willow Glen Jamboree, the Mustangs have now shut out four straight opponents.
Up next for Gilroy is tomorrow’s 3:30 home contest with league rival Robert Louis Stevenson High.
