In physical contest, New Kent withstands Lafayette in 2-0 shutout

New Kent’s Lily Ohlschlager (3) scrambles for the ball as she battles a Lafayette defender.

Robb Johnson photo

Overcoming a lot of physical play and capitalizing off penalty corners, New Kent’s Lady Trojans defeated the visiting Lafayette Rams 2-0 in a Sept. 22 field hockey contest.

The hosts’ defense prevented Lafayette from converting many penalty corner opportunities. But when it was time for New Kent to have a penalty corner, they took advantage of it. With 1:18 left in the first quarter, Lady Trojan Katie Fly converted on a penalty corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. In the second stanza, teammate Molly Milby duplicated the feat at the 11:27 mark, upping the advantage to 2-0, a lead that the Lady Trojans would not relinquish.

Lafayette’s best attempt came just after halftime, as they attacked the basket at the 11:15 mark. But Lady Trojan goalie Brie Otey made the stop, sealing any chance for the visitors to claim the win.

An emotional New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Cristen Sickal talked about the proud moment on the field.

“There is a little bad blood on the field, but I am very proud of my girls for handling the adversity,” she said, referencing the physical play. “I am proud that my defenders were calm under pressure, and I am just happy that we came away with the win and did it respectfully.”

New Kent’s record improves to 6-3 on the season.