Mount de Sales Academy and McDonogh School’s field hockey teams opened their respective 2010 campaign under a warm late afternoon sun Thursday. After 60 minutes of spirited regulation play, the former IAAM B Conference rivals finished in a 2-2 tie in Owings Mills.
Kayley Jones scored off a penalty corner kick as time expired, giving the Sailors the deadlock. Junior Caroline Farrell had the other Mount de Sales goal.
“For both teams to play with tremendous heart and hustle was something,” said Mount de Sales coach Mary Genter. “I was really proud of my girls. To be that tired at the end of 60 minutes and push up and pound the goal was very exciting.”
“I was pleased with the effort,” said McDonogh School coach Hayna Fried. “Eventhough we had some real nice play in the circle and forced some corners, we need some work offensively and defensively. It’s about execution.
Sophomore forward Grace Muller scored both goals for the No. 13 Eagles, who’s in the A after winning the past three B championships. McDonogh is excited about the challenge in the area’s top league.
“The three-peat was a great accomplishment,” said junior Sarah Worthington. “We’re on an extreme high right now and want to keep it rolling. We’re hoping for the best.”
Worthington, senior Sarah Gillet and juniors Corinne Etchinson and Danielle Grassi are returning starters among eight letterwinners. The Eagles have 14 newcomers to the varsity.
Hoping to replace McDonogh on top of the B mountain this spring, Mount de Sales return seven starters in Abbie Tucker, Victoria Gottleib, Blake Genter, Jones, Natalie Kelly, Caroline O’Farrell and Caroline Butler. The Catonsville school has nine varsity newcomers.
“We all work pretty well together,” said Tucker. “I think we’re going to have pretty good season and have a good chance to get pretty far in our league. McDonogh is one of our biggest rivals. Today was a good competition to show what our team can do.”
Mount de Sales will make its debut in league play Tuesday against Friends School. McDonogh opens A play with a home game against No. 1 and defending champ Bryn Mawr School.
“We’ll be ready for the challenge,” said Fried.
