BY DAN MCCARTY
WEST CHESTER, PA--Fundamentals and passing did it for Westtown School when it hosted Germantown Friends School in Friends Schools League action Tuesday, October 11. Westtown dominated Germantown Friends in a 4-0 shutout on their Senior Day.
“I think our victory really came from our passing,” said senior quad-captain Grace Rhile. “I think that when we pass a lot and do the basics is when we really succeed as a team.”
With this outcome, Westtown improved to 8-2 on the season. Germantown Friends slipped to 2-4-1 overall and 0-3-1 in the league.
Westtown senior quad-captain Sophia Bradley found the net 2:45 minutes into the game assisted by senior quad-captain Ann Lynn and senior Eliza Lee. Minutes later, she extended her run to 2-0 with sophomore Grace Malavolta providing the assist.
Westtown kept its composure in the second quarter. Malavolta registered a goal, this time assisted by Bradley. Lee scored off of an assist by Rhile to make it 4-0.
Westtown vs. Germantown Friends. (Video highlights by Dan McCarty for PSD)
Westtown Senior right mid Ann Lynn lauds her team's efforts. (video/ Dan McCarty for PSD)
Westtown senior center mid Grace Rhile talks about the win on senior day. (video/ Dan McCarty for PSD)
That turned out to be the final score. Junior goalkeepers Asha Wilson and Izzy Spaniel led the way for Germantown’s defense and kept Westtown silent for the remainder of regulation.
“Towards the end of the game, there was a lot of better work in dropping back and making sure that the ball was recovered,” said Wilson.
“I think there was a lot of improvement throughout the entire game. I’m very proud of how they played.”
Germantown Friends Junior Goalie Izzy Spaniel praises her defensive unit and team effort. (video/ Dan McCarty for PSD)
Germantown Friends Junior Goalie Asha Wilson discusses take-aways from the game. (Video/ Dan McCarty for PSD)
After the game, Westtown’s seven seniors were recognized for their years of dedication to their team. They include quad-captain Kate Eriksson, Ella Goldstein, Zoe Malavolta, Lee, Bradley, Lynn and Rhile. For most of them, their years of Westtown field hockey date back to middle school and head coach Amanda Oyler has been with them throughout their time on the field.
“It’s been fascinating and rewarding as a coach,” said Oyler. “I’m proud of them.”
Friends Schools League action picks up on Friday, October 14. Seeking its first league win, Germantown Friends School hosts Moorestown Friends School at 4:00 pm.
“We have to focus on our passing, our offense and our defense to get the first win,” said Germantown Friends head coach Rachel Steinmann. “We will get there.”
Westtown seniors are honored after game vs. Germantown Friends School. (Photo/ Dan McCarty for PSD)
In other league play, Westtown School hits the road to take on George School October 15th at 11:30 a.m.
“I’m so excited for what’s to come postseason,” said Lynn. “I think that we can really give it our all this fall and come out on top.”