In this action-packed week, the Kent girls hockey team played two teams, the Taft School and the Hill School, and came away with two decisive wins. The girls battled hard and proved that this year’s team is full of both new and returning talent, all unafraid to work.

On Sunday, December 2, the team challenged the Hill School at home. Anticipation grew in the rink as the number spectators slowly grew. Soon, the crowded fan section would demonstrate the excitement of this match-up.

The buzzer rang and the game started, and a lightning-quick goal was scored by new player Lilli Welkle ’21, assisted by her sister Luisa Welkle ’22. Later, Millie Sirium ’19 scored with just about two minutes left in the first period. The fans cheered wildly as Kent secured their lead going into the second period.

In the second period, Sophie Zander ’19 finished a beautiful shot and Welkle ’21 scored her second goal. The team maintained their solid 4-0 score until the end of the second period. During their final action-packed third period, the team scored four more times, and ceded only one goal to the Hill School, thus concluding the game with a strong 8-1 win.

When discussing this season’s team, a major factor is their sense of unity and cohesiveness that has already developed despite it being so early in the season. Mr. Rousseau, the team’s head coach, attributes this team chemistry to the “veteran players that are really taking ownership of the culture of the program: the pride they have in it, bringing new players on board, and taking care of them.”

Overall the team is feeling positive about their first two games and their results. Mr. Rousseau wants the girls to look ahead “one game at a time” and to focus on competing with each individual team.