New Kent defense shines in first half before York takes over after intermission

Lady Trojan defender Ashleigh Bedwell (11) works to prevent York's Bentley Zabicki from launching a shot.

Alan Chamberlain photo

After surrendering an early goal to York’s visiting Falcons, New Kent’s defense stiffened, repulsing every Falcon attack, most notably 11 penalty corner situations over the remainder of the first half during Monday night’s field hockey clash.

Led by defenders Ashleigh Bedwell, Chandler Dagenhart, Ashby Holsapple, and Dominique Palero, the Lady Trojans remained within striking distance of the powerful Falcons.

But then came the second half and a Falcon onslaught spurred by the visitors’ Jordyn Keller. New Kent’s defense wilted, enabling Keller to punch in four straight goals to lead her team to a 6-0 conquest.

“We just ran out of steam,” said Lady Trojan coach Matt Duckworth. “[York] won the individual battles. They had more subs and fresher legs than we did.”

Much to Duckworth’s chagrin, his players could never muster an offensive threat despite situations in both halves when the Falcons were shorthanded due to player infractions. In the second half, violations sidelined two Falcons over the same timeframe, but the visitors managed to score anyway.

“[Being shorthanded] just spread the field out for them,” Duckworth said. “Then we couldn’t connect more than two passes in a row. We couldn’t sustain any pressure in their end of the field. We couldn’t get any shots, much less scoring opportunities.”

Despite the loss that dropped his team to 1-2 on the season, Duckworth noted progress stemming from the first half defensive effort.

“I got on the girls about rising to [York’s] level,” he said. “They’re the first Bay Rivers team we’ve faced, and they play at a whole different level.”

Lady Trojan goalkeeper Kindred Grey managed 12 saves. For the match, the hosts never got off a shot.