Field hockey succeeded in a 2-0 victory against Newton South Saturday, Oct. 1, at home. North excelled on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.  

“I think we played really well cohesively and with our up game passes through the wings, and playing as a team and playing together and helping each other out,” said senior Colleen Carroll, a captain with seniors Devin Ackerley, Grace Alandydy, and Caitlin Conroy.

In the first period, both teams started off slow. However, nine minutes into the game, North opened up  a scoring opportunity. After applying pressure to Needham’s defense, junior Danielle Morrill put the ball in the back of the net, propelling the Tigers to an early 1-0 lead. 

According to head coach Kristy Moore, the positive energy helped the team create effective plays and find openings. “It was obvious that they were having fun, and as a team you find new things, you discover new things,” said Moore. “You can be a little more creative when you are having fun together.”

In the second period, North managed to replicate their early success. A far shot from North took a lucky deflection and bounced toward the net. Senior Gabby Yeradi scored easily on a tap-in goal, giving North a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the half.

In the second half, North held strong and only allowed South two shots on goal. 

Moore said that the win can be attributed to the team’s collaborative approach towards defense. “Defense is what everybody does when we don’t have possession, so when everyone takes on that role, our defense happens sooner and more effectively,” she said.

Despite the favorable outcome, Moore added that the athletes must improve on maintaining high energy throughout the entire match. She said, “We have to focus on not slowing down, not playing down, and just keeping our own pace through the whole game.”

The Tigers, 4-7, will play Walpole Oct. 17, at home.