ATHOL — Ryley Pond decided to be a goalie for the Athol field hockey team before the 2017 season.
After two full seasons in net for the Red Raiders and 337 saves, it’s safe to say it was a good idea.
“I just asked her if she wanted to try goalie,” Athol field hockey coach Emily Hall said. “From that day forward she was our goalie. She was amazing as soon as she stepped in the net.”
Athol honored Pond on senior night Wednesday. The Red Raiders fell, 1-0, to Gardener.
“I really love the community of the team,” Pond said. “We are a family and I love that.”
The Red Raiders created a couple scrambles in front of Gardener’s net in a frantic effort to tie the game late.
“Even during tough games like tonight we still push until the end,” Pond said. “We aren’t a winning team but we stay aggressive and keep our heads high.”
Kassidy Swan, Sadey Lehtomaki, Christa Cucchi and Heather Pilling applied most of the pressure for Athol’s offense late.
The Red Raiders had two shots on net.
The wins were rare for Pond, but as the goalie she can sense the improvement of the young team in front of her.
“Throughout our season you can see the progress,” Pond said. “At my first game I had to make 30 saves. Tonight I had to touch the ball maybe five times. By their senior years they will be unstoppable.”
Last season was Pond’s first playing field hockey, but she had some Dek Hockey experience.
“I noticed she had really good stick skills,” Hall said. “She did a lot of work in the offseason. It showed. She was like a sponge. She soaks up everything. She was excited about it and loves to be in goal.”
Pond made seven saves for Athol. The Red Raiders (1-14-2) will close out their season at home against Murdock on Thursday.
Mahar 4, Pioneer Christian 0 — Riley Drew had two goals and an assist in a home win for the Senators.
Miguel Gomez, Henry Ndayisaba and James Temple also scored.
Logan Dodge and Charlie Anderson added assists.
Jonathan Mahony made two saves before giving way to Aiden Lupien, who made a single save.
Mahar (9-5-3) honored seniors Julius Chase, Justin DiDiego, Nathan Sakowicz, Ethan Williams and Thomas Shortis at the game.
Athol 6, Mohawk 0 — The road win for the Red Raiders moved them two away from a playoff berth with two games left.
Grace Dufour led Athol (7-9) with two goals.
Shelby Mailloux (assist), Taylor Cleveland, Angelica Baptista and Ally Raymond (assist) also scored.
Hailey Wrigley made four saves in the shutout.
