York first half ends NK streak

New Kent’s Rachel Moresi challenges the shot attempt by York’s Bethany Vaught while Lady Trojan keeper Megan Bland blocks the goal.

Alan Chamberlain photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans scored the only goal of the second half in their field hockey encounter with York’s visiting Falcons. Unfortunately, the Falcons registered five before intermission to hand the hosts a 5-1 setback.

The Sept. 16 loss ended New Kent’s unbeaten string at four games. The Lady Trojans opened the season with wins over Colonial Heights, Varina, Northumberland, and Northampton.

“We came out flat and slow,” said New Kent coach Matt Duckworth. “We weren’t ready for their speed and aggressiveness.

“But this is the first tier one team we’ve played,” he added. “And we kind of came to life in the second half and brought it up a notch.”

York got 17 penalty corner opportunities for the match. New Kent, meanwhile, received just one, coming one minute into the second half, but the hosts capitalized. Liz Heath drilled a shot past Falcon keeper Kealsie Robles to avert a shutout.

In the first half, York needed less than two minutes to move in front as Bentley Zabicki scored her first goal in a hat trick night. Seven minutes in, the Falcons owned a 3-0 advantage.

Lady Trojan keeper Megan Bland stopped 11 York shots.