Coming into Monday night’s game on a three-game losing streak, Jamestown’s field hockey team needed a win.
A pair of second-half goals from Emily Robitaille gave the Eagles the lift they needed to earn a 3-0 home win against New Kent.
The first half was largely devoid of scoring opportunities for both teams. Jamestown had two decent opportunities in the opening 30 minutes when Claire Moniz and Maddie Clevinger had their shots turned away by the New Kent goalkeeper.
Both teams sat scoreless at the half, trying to figure out how to crack the other’s defense.
Less than three minutes into the second half, Jamestown’s Abby Smith carried the ball down the right side of the field before cutting into the circle along the baseline. Smith centered the ball and Robitaille was there to poke it past the keeper.
The Eagles held a 1-0 advantage for the next 16 minutes before Robitaille once again found the back of the cage.
In a similar fashion to her first goal, Robitaille waited in the middle of the circle for a pass from Brigitte Hunnicutt. The pass found Robitaille’s stick and she again poked it past the goalie.
Leading 2-0, Jamestown put the game away for good with 9:36 left to play. Smith sent a hard pass to Hunnicutt, who delivered a harder shot that found the far post and redirected into the net for the game’s final goal.
While the Jamestown offense put the game out of reach late, the defense was equally as effective. The Jamestown defense prevented New Kent from recording a shot on goal during the win.
Getting back in the win column was a relief for Jamestown Coach Jen Schrum, who hopes the win will mark a turning point for the Eagles.
“It feels so good [to win]. I had a feeling today we would do well,” Schrum said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Jamestown (3-6-1) will look to string together back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they travel to take on Bruton on Thursday.
Jamestown 3, New Kent 0
Goals: Jamestown (Emily Robitaille 2, Brigitte Hunnicutt)
Assists: Jamestown (Abby Smith 2, Brigitte Hunnicutt)
Grafton Beats Lafayette in Penalty Strokes
The Grafton field hockey team managed to stave off an upset-minded Lafayette team at home Monday in a 3-2 shootout victory.
Grafton built a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Grace Hoepfner and Erin Malone, but Lafayette’s Emaline Carr responded with back-to-back goals to send the game into overtime.
After a scoreless overtime period, the two teams went into penalty strokes. Grafton came out on top during the penalty strokes and claimed the victory.
Grafton (5-5) has won back-to-back games and three of its last four. The Clippers will continue their season on the road against Warhill on Thursday.
Lafayette (3-3-1) will look to rebound during a road game against Poquoson on Thursday.
Grafton 3, Lafayette 2
Goals: Grafton (Grace Hoepfner, Erin Malone), Lafayette (Emaline Carr 2)
Assists: Lafayette (Erin Zrakovi)
Tabb’s field hockey team took down Smithfield 3-1 at home Monday.
The Tigers built a 2-1 lead at halftime before scoring a second-half goal to secure the victory.
Tabb (8-1) has won four consecutive games and will look to continue that streak on the road against York on Thursday.
Individual statistics were not reported for this game.
Tabb 3, Smtihfield 1