HINESBURG - Different season. Same result.
Three weeks after narrowly escaping South Burlington’s artificial turf with a 2-1 end-of-summer victory over the Rebels, Champlain Valley Union’s unbeaten (13-0) field hockey team won in more convincing fashion on a frigid, slightly snowy autumn afternoon. Getting goals from four different players, the Redhawks clicked on all cylinders in a 4-0 win over South Burlington (11-2) on Wednesday.
CVU took command midway through the first half by scoring two goals in less than two minutes. Louise Gibbs opened the scoring at the 14:40 mark, and Mireille Kelley added a nice tap-in goal at 12:51 to give the Redhawks a 2-0 cushion. Both scores were assisted by senior Emmaleigh Loyer.
KK Logan provided a dagger in the opening minute of the second half, scoring on a feed from Gibbs. Captain Kelsey Jensen would put home an insurance goal with 5:03 to play to account for the final margin. All told, the Redhawks outshot the Rebels 14-6 and won the penalty corner battle, 9-6. Unlike the two teams’ nip-and-tuck affair on Sept. 22, this one was all Redhawks.
“We were ready,” said CVU coach Kate McDonald. “It was tight that first game we played them so we really worked to try to create some distance. We were prepared for the cold (game-time temperature was about 38 degrees), and that really helped. The conditions weren’t easy. I think we tried to make the best out of the conditions. It was so sticky, and I think we’re both used to playing so fast. [This and the previous game] were like two different games completely.”
While the slow playing field seemed to stifle the Rebels, who thrive on the fast surface of their artificial turf field, the Redhawks seemed unaffected playing on a cold, muddy field. South Burlington only managed one first-half shot on goal and only forced Redhawks goalkeeper Elizabeth Goddette to make three saves all day. On the other hand, South Burlington keepers Rebecca Bowser and Julia Hudson combined to make nine saves).
The Rebels were slower to the ball than CVU, which controlled possession for most of the day.
“It’s hard to not feel comfortable on your own field,” said McDonald.
Now only winless Mount Abraham stands between CVU and a perfect regular season. The Eagles come to Hinesburg on Friday for the Redhawks’ senior day.
“It’s my job to think about that and sort of keep them thinking: One game at a time,” said McDonald when asked whether finished undefeated is now a CVU priority. “Progressing one game at a time is our goal. So if that leads to ‘unbeaten’… that’s great. Good results and solid play is more what we try to focus on.”
On the flip side, the Rebels have been perfect against everyone not named CVU. While the win clinches home field for the Redhawks throughout the playoffs, the Division I finals will again be played on the University of Vermont’s artificial turf field. That’s good news for the Rebels – assuming they can force a third encounter with CVU in the championship game.
Said McDonald: “I’m pretty convinced this wasn’t the last time we’ll see them.”
Comments: