Lady Trojans’ field hockey compiles shutout in home opener

New Kent’s Meredith Beach (1) controls the ball as she goes around Hopewell’s Jazmyn Mackin (3).

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent Lady Trojans’ field hockey team scored first and never looked back as they toppled the visiting Hopewell Blue Devils 3-0 in the Sept. 1 home opener.

After a scoreless first quarter, New Kent would put a point on the board after Katie Fly converted a penalty corner for a 1-0 lead. Hopewell attempted to make the Lady Trojans’ defense work, but the hosts continued to play disciplined to prevent shot attempts.

Meanwhile, New Kent did have its struggles in the opening half, especially with penalty corners. After going one for four to start the game, the hosts finally converted their second as time wound down in the first half with Savannah Hicks’ score prior to the halftime break. New Kent added another goal in the second half that would assist them with distancing themselves from Hopewell.

After the contest, New Kent Lady Trojans’ head coach Cristen Sickal spoke about the team’s effort in the game.

“We need to improve how we start as we have started slow every game,” the coach said. “The first quarter is always a game of catchup and that is not the way to start a game.

“We don’t have a lot of substitutions, but we kept up the hustle and our hearts were good, so I am happy with that,” Sickal concluded.

New Kent’s record improves to 2-0 on the year.