New Kent snaps four-game losing skid with shutout of Deep Run

New Kent’s Alivia Snow (11) outhustles Deep Run’s Emily Bennett (13) to retain possession of the ball.

Robb Johnson photo

Entering Friday night’s contest with four straight losses, New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ field hockey team had to battle to snap their losing skid. And it would take a goal in the early fourth quarter that made the difference.

A score by New Kent senior Regan Smith proved to be the difference maker as the Lady Trojans defeated the visiting Deep Run Lady Wildcats 1-0 in the non-district contest.

After three scoreless quarters, the tide started to change in favor of the hosts in the late third and early fourth. With New Kent goalie Claire Richards making great saves throughout the contest, at the 11:44 mark, Smith was able to connect on the key goal on a shot that found the back of the net. Meanwhile, Deep Run found it difficult to penetrate the Lady Trojans’ defense, as pressure from the home team forced steals and errors by the visitors. New Kent’s aggressiveness on defense was enough as time expired, resulting in the home team’s victory.

After the contest, New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Cristen Sickal spoke about the victory.

“This [win] can be a big deal when it comes to the regional playoffs,” the coach commented. “Our defense was controlling the game, and it came down to who wanted it more.

“Our offense flipped it on, we just wanted it more and came out with the win,” Sickal concluded.

New Kent improves to 5-9 on the season.