The first scrimmage against Sacred Heart proved to be a difficult start to the season. Kent only lost by one point with a score of 2-1, which is the same score as in their game against Sacred Heart last year.

During their second scrimmage, Kent beat Hotchkiss with a score of 3-0, which is “pretty big, because they are our number one competitor typically” says defense player Mae Provost ’18.

During the first official game of the season Kent faced off against The Gunnery. Kent was victorious with a score of 8-0, the first win of the season.

They followed this win with another over Miss Porter’s School, 8-0. This win has put the team in a strong position for the Founders League Championships.

One of the captains, Kelly Dolan ’18 spoke about their most recent game against Miss Porter’s School: “It wasn’t our toughest opponent, but we had some really good passing and got to focus on our small game and make sure we were executing corners.” Students even had the chance try something new and play positions they would not normally play.  

Some highlights from the game include two successful strokes, one scored by Kiersten Goode ’19 and the other scored by Julia Nearis ’19. Kaley Morgenstern ’21, a new freshman on the team, scored her first varsity goal ever. Tina Paolillo ‘18 and Ashley McDonald ‘18 scored other significant goals in the game as well.

Coach Duncan says, “We saw some fantastic passing in the Porters game, lots of quick one-touch passes, and the forward and midfielders are working well together. We have a lot of potential, and the team goal has been to win Founders League again and to make it to the New England Tournament. While they may seem like lofty goals, the girls are dedicated and continue to have fun and work very hard in practice, even when the weather is stifling. They are a competitive group of girls, and their upbeat energy makes coaching them something I look forward to each afternoon.”

Laney Szlezyngier ’18 talks about the success of the team: “Our team dynamic works so well, because everyone is so competitive, and we all just have that insane drive and desire to win. So I think it will be a great season, because we all are focused on our shared goal of winning the New England Championship.”  

Last year, the varsity field hockey team won Founders League, but lost against Hotchkiss during the New England Championships with a score of 2-0. Now, they are ready to come back stronger than ever.

Kelly Dolan ’18 says, “We have a lot of talent, but we are figuring out how to work as a team and make sure we make proper use of it. We really want to hold on to the founders league title and our team goal is to win New England’s for sure.”

When asked about what she is looking forward to for the rest of the season, Mae Provost ’18 says, “As corny as it is, I am looking forward to a great field hockey season and improving our team dynamic.” The varsity field hockey team will be playing an important game against Westminster this Wednesday, September 27. A victory could put the team in an even better position for Founders League.