After a disappointing first half, suddenly, the score was tied, and the Tigers had momentum. Field hockey, 8-3-3, used this momentum to its advantage, defeating South 3-1 at home, clinching the State Tournament.
Senior Bridget Gillis, a captain with junior Lizzie Reid, had a few scoring chances in the first half, evading South defenders time and time again. However, she was unable to finish the job until the second half.
“We were all ready to go and pumped,” Gillis said of the Tigers attitude before the game. “Rachel’s goal to get us on the board was an important momentum shift.”
A few minutes after Hamilton’s goal, Gillis received a long pass in front of the net and managed to spin move around the goalie, giving the Tigers a one-point lead.
Another slap shot goal by Hamilton with 8:30 remaining was icing on the cake for the Tigers, who held on to the 3-1.
Especially in the second half, the Lion offense had trouble making opportunities and struggled to get past senior Madison Beatrice, who battled hard on defense.
According to Gillis, coach Lauren Baugher’s strong leadership during her first year as coach made the win even more special. “Overall, we were happy with the win and the fact that we clinched tournament,” Gillis said.
