WHS Field Hockey Had a Historic Season

After almost twenty years of either not making it to the playoffs, getting to the playoffs then being sent home, or making it to the sectional finals and losing, the Weedsport Varsity Field Hockey Team came out victorious on Wednesday, October 30, against the strong Morrisville-Eaton/Hamilton Field Hockey Team, by a score of 3-2.

There were also connections from the 1995 Sectional Championship team, to the 2014 Sectional Champions. The coach was science teacher, Mrs. Lally, who is the mother of senior sweeper, Jordan Lally.

“We were all super pumped up. I knew that it wasn’t a game of chance for us because we’re a good enough team to decide whether or not we’re going to lose,” said senior captain, Maddie Ouderkirk.

After strong play by both teams in the first half, MEH was able to score first on goalie Abby Marsden, halfway through the first half. To end the half, it remained 1-0, MEH.

“I certainly expected them to give everything they had, and I certainly expected that they wouldn’t give up,” said head coach, Theresa Leonardi.

Half-time was a changing moment for the team. According to Ouderkirk, they entered the game 0-0, as if it was a fresh start.

Going out into the second half, the girls were ready. Morgan Besner netted the first goal at the start of the second half. “[After Morgan’s goal], it gave the team a huge lift,” said Leonardi.

However, according to Ouderkirk, the turnaround point was when MEH scored the unfortunate stroke goal on Marsden. Then the girls were ready to fight.

Throughout the second half, many goals were scored. After Besner’s goal,and Kayla Stock smashed in a second to make up for the penalty stroke, the game was 2-2. The final goal was scored by Lexi Randall, to finish out the game 3-2.

“Lexi was determined to give our team every advantage she could,” said Leonardi.

To follow up their huge win, the team played against Class C Champions, Cazenovia on Saturday at Rome Free Academy. The game finished with Weedsport down, 6-0.

Despite the unfortunate outcome of Saturday’s game, the girls are still satisfied with their accomplishments. They won the Cayuga County Tournament for the fourth year in a row, won the first league championship since 2005 and the first Section III Class D Championship since 1995. They finished with a record of 16-2-1, breaking the record for the most games won in a single season. Their offense scored a total of 63 goals, while their defense only allowed 13, making this season truly unforgettable.