NEW HAVEN-- On the biggest day in the program's history, James Vick Field Hockey put on a performance for the ages, and elevated the program to new heights.
In front of a packed Johnson Field Stadium on the campus of Yale University, #JVFHockey displayed the type of grit, and toughness that will define the program for years to come.
JVF Panthers
Shorthanded, against an elite HTC team, the JVF Panthers battled, fought, and played their hearts out. Going tooth and nail, the ball club dropped a close 1-0 game. Under the steady hand of Head Coach Kylie Gargiulo, the Panthers defense shut the game down for long stretches, buoyed by the awesome goalkeeping of Julia Ward, and Kaitlyn Coughlin.
Ella Paul, Isabell Ash, Ava Prior, and Marissa Manzo paced the Panthers with incredible performances, giving this new team hope for the future!
JVF Dragons
In a defining moment for the program, the JVF Dragons defeated the HTC Field Hockey club in one of the most compelling games this organization has seen in years.
Head Coach Kya O'Donnell kept the team grounded, and focused, motivating them to an unprecedented level of competitiveness.
It was high speed chess throughout the ball game, with both teams putting forth some of the best field hockey you will see at the club level.
Late in the second half Senior Captain Ava Coppola linked up with Senior Captain Taya Buntin for the biggest goal in the history of the program, the clinical finish electrified JVF fans in attendance, and motivated the team down the stretch.
The JVF Dragons defense, led by Aryana Wilson, Payton Kamienski, and Caroline O'Dea, was focused, and unflappable in the face of an extremely talented HTC offense, producing a shutout alongside goal keepers Bianca Ciaburro, and Annie Cady.
Jillian Lydon, Lizzy Hagg, Scarlet Hajducky, and Kayla Wilonski provided energy, putting pressure on the opposing defense for the entire game, and giving the team a chance to win.
Sunday Night Field Hockey returns May 21st as the JVF will take on the Rye Field Hockey Academy at Johnson Field.