Bryn Mawr School’s field hockey team took their traditional walk over to Roland Park Country School Tuesday afternoon. It was a bit ironic considering the Mawrtians’ flatfooted performance at the South River Tournament last weekend.
The No. 2 Mawrtians were more than inspired against their longtime rivals, taking a 1-0 decision in an IAAM A Conference match.
Hannah Park’s tally early in the second half and solid net minding late by Claire Edleman was the difference for the Mawrtians (4-1 overall, 2-0 IAAM A), who dropped their first game, 5-1, to No. 8 Glenelg in the opening round of the South River Tournament Saturday. The defending league champs rebounded with a 5-0 victory over Quince Orchard in the consolation round.
“They [Glenelg] were fast and really quick in the circle,” said Bryn Mawr coach Jeanette Budzik. “They had some quick fast breaks. The game was even, but if they broke on us then we struggled.
“It was tough and we had to fight back through it. We had to figure out what we need to do competitively, and we’re still trying to figure it out.”
Park fired back a clear by Roland Park goalie Katherine Barley (8 saves) into the net with 28 minutes and 50 seconds remaining in the game, giving Bryn Mawr a 1-0 advantage. The Mawrtians’ defense held tight as Roland Park (2-3, 1-2 A) spent most of the second half on Bryn Mawr’s side of the turf.
“We just fought hard until the end,” said Mawrtian senior Josie George. “Claire had an outstanding game.”
Edleman, a first-year starter, withstood a series of corner attacks over the final 20 minutes. Her best moment came with about 23 minutes left when she dived to her right with her stick extended and knocked away a shot.
“We have a really good defense and I thought we pulled it together at end,” said Edleman, who finished with nine saves. “I know everybody was getting tired.”
“As a sophomore, she came through,” said Budzik. “She only keeps getting better and better.”
Roland Park coach Debbie Bloodsworth said her team didn’t play with any urgency in the first half. The Reds were the aggressor for the most of the second half, but simply couldn’t put the ball in Bryn Mawr’s net.
“I couldn’t believe the ball was going back and forth in front of the goal and nobody could put it in,” said Bloodsworth. “Bryn Mawr outplayed us in the first half, but we played much better in the second half.”
The rivals meet in a couple of weeks, with the annual trophy at stake. The Mawrtians said they’re refocused after losing the area’s No. 1 ranking.
“We were excited to be No. 1, but it was hard to carry,” said George. “It’s easier to fight back for it, and that’s we’re going to do.”
Bryn Mawr School 1, Roland Park Country School 0
Goal: Bryn Mawr-H. Park.
Saves: Bryn Mawr-Edelman 9; Roland Park-Barley 8.
Corners: Bryn Mawr-10; Roland Park-9.
Bryn Mawr 0 1-1
Roland Park 0 0-0
