ATHOL — Ryley Pond looks at her team from the goal and can see the future.
The Athol field hockey team lost 2-1 to Belchertown on Wednesday, with Pond making nine stops, including one kick save on a breakaway. But the lone senior on the team envisions the team getting better and better.
“I can see all the potential coming up,” Pond said. “Definitely with more experience we will get used to everything. Defense did really well today.”
The defense, led by sophomore Catherine Martin, gave up two first-half goals, but stiffened in the second half keeping Belchertown (4-0, 4-0 Tri County) scoreless.
“She’s the last person back,” Athol coach Emily Hall said. “She’s a very dependable player. I feel very comfortable having her back there. I know Ryley Pond does as well.”
Martin charges ahead at any ball that gets through the midfield, usually knocking it away for the Red Raiders.
The Red Raiders (1-5, 1-3) got on the scoreboard late in the second half when Christa Cucchi set up Heather Pilling. After gaining possession Pilling sent a blistering shot past Belchertown keeper Abigail Rothstein.
The Red Raiders could not threaten again. The one shot they had, they scored on in the game.
The transition of the ball from defense through the midfield and to the offense is something the Red Raiders are working on.
“We’ve been missing that connection,” Hall said. “Getting it in the circle.”
An injury moved Sadey Lehtomaki to midfield recently, and the freshman initiated almost all of the Red Raiders’ offense. Lehtomaki has good stick skills and athletic ability.
“She (Lehtomaki) was starting offense,” Hall said. “The move has done us wonders. She’s been the missing link. She’s got a great hit and such good ball control. She’s a natural athlete.”
Lehtomaki collided head to head with a Belchertown player in the second half and came out briefly, but reentered to help set up Pilling’s goal.
Hall is working with young players and a limited roster. Samantha Kennif, a career goalie who plays it on junior varsity, plays offense on the varsity team.
“She’s played goalie her whole career in field hockey,” Hall said. “It’s hard to put people who don’t normally play offense on offense. But right now I need to make sure our defense is stacked.”
The Red Raiders next play on Friday when they host Palmer.
Kaleigh Cooper opened the scoring for the Orioles on an assist from Elyssa Wrona. Later in the half, an impressive long distance send from Emma Rothstein connected with Hailley Boutin, who finished to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead.
Abigail Rothstein did not make a save for Belchertown, facing only one shot.
