RYE – Field Hockey New York

Rye dominated third place QuickStix this week and solidified their fourth place finish for the first half of the season. Early in the match, the black and yellow created many goal-scoring opportunities thanks to the offensive efforts of Heggli, Willems and O’Keeffe. Cochrane converted a cross from O’Connor in the mid-field for Rye’s first goal. Bartsch, Scherf, and Helwig controlled any counter-attacks by the QuickStix offense, who had no short corners and only two shots on goal during the first 35. O’Connor carried the ball 20 meters, dodging the QuickStix defense, and entering their circle at the 20 minute mark. She finished her quick stick-work with a hard drive from the top of the circle to the back of the cage. Cochrane slipped one more in the net again before the end of the first half to put Rye up 3-0.

In the second half, Rye scored early and often. Cochrane added 2 more, Heggli scored off a Cochrane cross to the far post, O’Keeffe had a lovely aerial shot to the upper 90 region of the cage, and Helwig added one with a reverse chip shot. QuickStix managed to score once at the 50 minute mark off a fast break. This goal withstanding, Rye’s defense, lead by Sugar, Scherf and Larson was consistent, composed and poised during the entire game, allowing few corners and shots on goal. MacKinnon actively deflected all shots on goal and organized her squad. Larson contributed to these efforts with a defensive save in the 60th minute. Feeding off their impressive defense, Rye ended the game with two more goals. Bredes, a rookie at the forward position, contributed to the scoring tally with a reverse shot past the keeper’s pads in the at the 55th minute. Cochrane scored her fifth and Rye’s final goal off a hard shot in the last minute.

Now with a strong fourth place spot, Rye eagerly awaits the spring season. The ladies have their eye on a playoff spot for 2012, and proved this week that they have earned a new reputation as a high scoring and dangerous threat.