The stands were packed and buzzing with excitement as the Morgan field hockey teams’ night game against Lyman Hall unfolded under the bright lights at Indian River Recreation Complex, home of the Morgan Huskies. On October 18th, Morgan field hockey won on senior night against Lyman Hall 3-2.
This was more than just a game; it was a celebration. The field was decked out with decorations including a balloon arch, chalk, posters, steamers, banners, and more that the team set up and cleaned up before and after the game. Followed by a celebration afterwords, where the girls shared a few words and ate pizza, ending the season.
With their head coach unfortunately unable to attend due to illness, the team relied on the assistant coach Krystina Johnson, as well as their own leadership and teamwork. The starting lineup, which was changed in order to make sure all seniors started varsity, and played the entire game without any substitutions throughout the game. The different lineup from usual added to the challenge. A sophomore varsity starting right defense was away, moving sophomore Molly O’Donnel to defense, allowing for senior Kyana Lopez to start varsity on her senior night as a midfielder.
Senior Izzy Lee, a starting left forward, dribbled through four defenders, to score a stunning goal that electrified the energy on the field to start the night. Izzy did not stop here; she played a role in the team’s other two goals, delivering assists to juniors, Lyla Stribyand Camryn Mazzarellathat helped set up her teammates for success.
Senior, Izzy Lee said, “it was bittersweet because I was saying goodbye to a team that felt like home, and I can’t wait to see how bright Morgan field hockey’s future is.”
In the second half of the game, there was a key moment when the opposing team called a timeout. As the score was 2-2. It was assumed to be about discussing their shooting strategy. When they returned to the field, it was evident that the team had switched up their lineup. The time-out seemed to have a little effect on the Huskies because they remained strong on the field, scoring the winning goal, leaving the score at 3-2.
Senior, Meredith O’Brien, said, “Watching the seniors have their senior nights for the past three years, anticipating and waiting for hours made the moment even more exciting. The girls did great, exceeding all my expectations for the night”.
