Bayport-Blue Point field hockey loses in state semifinals
Bayport-Blue Point's Camryn Bruckner runs with the ball in the state Class C field hockey semifinals in Lagrangeville, N.Y. on Saturday. Credit: Allyse Pulliam
ARLINGTON — The Bayport-Blue Point field hockey team concluded a historical season on Saturday.
The Phantoms fell, 2-1, to Rondout Valley (Section IX) in the state Class C semifinals at Arlington High School. Previously a Class B team, Bayport-Blue Point won its first Long Island ‘C’ title on Nov. 9. Bayport-Blue Point finished 17-2.
“This was an amazing experience for the girls,” said coach Karen Gick. “We’ve been trying to get here for a really long time, so we knew anything that happened after winning the [Long Island championship] was a bonus. This wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but I’m super proud of these girls and everything they’ve accomplished.”
Bayport-Blue Point struck first and early when Shannon Carney found Natalie Bosse on the stroke line, who deflected a shot past Rondout Valley goalkeeper Sienna Sergio’s left hip to put the Phantoms up, 1-0, only 5:12 into play.
“It’s always amazing to put your team in a good spot,” Bosse said. “I saw the ball coming so I just put my stick out to deflect it like we practice every day and it went in. It was such an accomplishment for us to get here today, so I’m glad we had the opportunity to represent our school and leave it all on the field.”
The second quarter, however, was all Rondout Valley.
Three minutes into the second Audrey Dennin ripped a reverse shot from the top of the arc to sting the right corner and tie the game at 1-1. Less than five minutes later, Madison Shanley broke out of a scrum to score, giving Rondout Valley its first lead with 8:16 remaining in the half.
The remainder of the game was a battle in the midfield — with Rondout Valley grappling to hold onto its lead while Bayport-Blue Point fought to get back into the race — but neither team scored again. .
Rondout Valley earned 10 penalty corners as opposed to the Phantoms’ four, but only managed to score on one. Gick cited captains Carney and Madeline Clark as valuable pillars in the Phantoms’ defensive corner unit.
“Our defense has always been very strong and we haven’t been tested that much in the regular season, so it was fun that the girls got to prove themselves today and show what they’re really made of,” Gick said.
Goalkeeper Zoe Saliani tallied four saves, earning her both a spot on the All-Tournament team and the sportsmanship award.
“We had such an amazing season and to do this well against a team that’s one of the best in the state is really fulfilling,” Saliani said. “I’m so proud of us no matter the outcome.”
