Sachem East's undefeated field hockey season ends with loss in state semifinals
Sachem East's Kacey Berger hits the ball in the state Class A field hockey semifinals in Lagrangeville, N.Y. on Saturday. Credit: Allyse Pulliam
ARLINGTON — After posting a 19-0 record against Long Island competitors, the Sachem East field hockey team’s perfect run came to an end.
The Arrows fell to Mamaroneck (Section I), 3-1, in the state Class A semifinals at Arlington High School on Saturday.
Coach Tina Moon said she is proud of her athletes for consistently competing at a high level and improving all season.
“I’m so incredibly proud of these girls because we’re learning as we’re going,” Moon said. “We learned so much throughout the season to put ourselves in a position to play here today. I’m really impressed with the development we’ve had over this past year and I’m excited for next year already.”
Junior Madison Campo scored off an assist from senior captain Isabella Sharp-Senior in the second quarter.
“It means a lot to us to be back here for the second year in a row, we really wanted this today,” Sharp-Senior said. “We fought really hard and I’m so proud of this team.”
Less than two minutes into play, Sachem East was credited for an own goal, but the call was quickly overturned by officials for a foot foul on Mamaroneck. But the Westchester competitor did not wait long to capitalize.
Off a pass from Meredith D’Arcy, Lily Brickman lifted a shot from the left side of the stroke line over Arrows’ goalkeeper Marcelina Torre’s head to give Mamaroneck its first lead with 5:07 remaining in the first quarter.
Sachem East responded early in the second quarter when Sharp-Senior sent in a pass from the left side of the arc, where Campo was waiting to deflect the ball into the cage and tie the score at 1-1 with 11:24 remaining in the half.
“We’ve been working on plays like that all season, so I’m really glad we were able to make that work,” Campo said.
When Mamaroneck earned its second penalty corner of the day, they were quick to execute again. D’Arcy sent a drive from the top of the arc and Teagan Hanrahan deflected the ball into the right corner of the cage to put the Tigers back in the lead, 2-1, with 4:53 left in the half.
“The Tigers moved to the ball really well,” Moon said. “We were stuck thinking while they were moving and we just couldn’t get into a rhythm.”
Torre notched two saves as Sachem East fended off four penalty corners in the third quarter. She had three saves on the day.
Mamaroneck was awarded a penalty stroke just over four minutes into the final quarter, where Brickman capitalized to extend the Tigers’ lead to 3-1.
Sachem East called a timeout to regroup with 5:33 remaining in the game and then earned three consecutive penalty corners in the final three minutes, but could not capitalize.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t the result we wanted, but it always feels great to play with this team,” Campo said. “I’m so proud of myself and my teammates, especially my seniors.”
Isabella Longo won the sportsmanship award and Brooke Wasson made the All-Tournament team.
