Monday, December 8, 2014 by Maisie Guzi
The Saratoga Springs High School Varsity Field Hockey team finished their 2014 season with a loss in state semifinals at Maine-Endwell High School in Endwell, N.Y. on November 15. According to senior forward Carley Barnes, the team was happy with the outcome.
“We set a goal on the first day of states that we would be at states and we met that goal,” said Barnes. “I’m just glad we were the team to do it.”
The Blue Streaks, who finished with a record of 18-4, were the first S.S.H.S. field hockey team to make it out of Section 2 in 7 years, and the first to make it to states since 2007. Despite their ultimate loss, the thrill of success bolstered the team.
“There is something special about being successful in the postseason…it’s a combination of excitement,anxiety, and pure adrenaline,” said Assistant Coach Beth Roberts.
Roberts and Barnes cited the team’s focus on their goals as one of the many contributors to their success. However, Athletic Director Pete Sheehan attributed the girls’ success to another factor: their determination.
“I loved the way they competed,” said Sheehan. “I’ve never seen girls diving on the field the way they did…great effort from that group.”
Ultimately, the team displayed its greatest effort in their sectional championship game against Shenendehowa.
“It’s always exciting to play in a big game against an amazing opponent,” said Roberts. The adrenaline and excitement fueled the Blue Streaks to a 2-1 victory over the Plainsmen.
Although their season ended in a loss, Barnes believed that their 6-1 defeat by Mamaroneck was not representative of their general success as a team.
“The score was definitely not indicative of how well we played the entire game or how well we played the entire season,” she said.