New Kent Lady Trojans christen new artificial turf with field hockey win

New Kent’s Ainsley Allen gets a firm stance on the new playing surface as she prepares to launch the ball down the field.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ field hockey team christened a $1.3 million artificial turf field renovation in the best way possible: with a win.

New Kent’s Anna Hetzel strung together three second half goals as the Lady Trojans defeated the visiting Smithfield Lady Packers 3-1 in Monday night’s Bay Rivers District contest.

After the game went to halftime with no score, it would be Smithfield who struck first just four minutes into the third with a goal to provide the guests with a 1-0 lead.

From there, it was all Hetzel who shined in the third frame. Her first goal came with 11:03 remaining in the quarter. Less than a minute later, goal number two found the back of her net to give New Kent the lead. At the 3:47 mark, Hetzel’s third goal completed the hat trick and provided the hosts a 3-1 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, defense from New Kent along with goaltending from Claire Richards kept Smithfield in check. The Lady Trojans would run the clock out, capturing their first victory on the new playing surface.

New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Cristen Sickal talked about playing on their true home field for the first time this season.

“It felt great,” she said. “I am glad that they (Smithfield) scored first.

“That goal did not deplete us and we bounced back with three of our own,” Sickal continued. “I am definitely proud of these girls.”

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