Lady Crusaders Battle Back

Groton-Dunstable field hockey battled back from a 0-2 deficit to deadlock the game in regulation at 2-2 on goals by seniors Abby Sullivan and Sam Gavin in Midland B field hockey action. Not a "W" but a very solid effort, with time running out, from a very determined team.

The Crusaders dominated play from start to finish, collected 14 penalty corners but had nothing to show for it. Sophia Irby and Madison Ready combined for 11 first half shots but Patriots keeper Rachel Record was equal to the task, kicking everything out.

Despite GD controlling play from the opening face-off, NM scored late in the half on one of their few forays in offensive end, taking a 1-0 lead on a goal by Emily Gaskins.

GD continued its strong, aggressive play after the break but continued to come up empty.

It did not look good for the Crusaders, when the Patriots Emily McGrath tucked in a shot past GD keeper Erin Connerty to push her team ahead, 2-0 with just under 12 minutes remaining in the game.

But the GD players were resilient, never hung their heads and battled for every loose ball, finally getting on the board, when Abby Sullivan beat Rachel Record to her stick side at 11:49 cutting the NM lead in half.

More to be done seemed to be the mindset of this Crusader team. Two minutes later, Sam Gavin knotted the game at 2-2 beating the Patriots keeper who was out of position. GD lost the first half but won the second and came out with a well deserved tie.

"Great team effort," grinned GD coach Rachel Connerty. "What an effort form Abby Sullivan and Sophie Irby! You know, she (Irby) leads the team in assists," shared Connerty.