By Ally LaBrecque
September 30, 2021
Ella MacDougall, starting varsity goalie.
Led by captains Trinity Vo, Katie Soucie, and Susan Reynolds, the girls varsity field hockey team put an end to Holliston’s undefeated season with a 2-1 victory.
Both teams started off strong, with the ball traveling to both ends of the field. In the first quarter, Dedham executed their first corner putting Dedham up 1-0. After the half, the atmosphere on the field was tense knowing that a 1 point lead meant next to nothing.
Before the third quarter, dedham scored again. Each team was hungry for the win. Fortunately, the Marauder girls were able to put the ball in the back of the net while playing out another corner. At one scary point of the game, Holliston had many consecutive corners against Dedham’s strong defensive lineup, led by Soucie. Alongside their defense was junior goalie Ella MacDougall who kept them in the game.
Holliston’s strong offense was finally able to push through Dedham's defensive line with a goal, but that would be their last.
MacDougall had 18 saves in the game. Her 90% save average is quite impressive considering she only started playing the sport a couple months ago. “I’m glad I decided to play because being on the team is really fun and I like spending time with my teammates," she said.
After talking to coach Erin MacDonald, the Mirror learned that it had been 5 years since the Dedham girls got a win against Holliston. “When you get a win against a program that consistently challenges you year in and year out, is great," said Coach MacDonald. "When you beat a team like Holliston, who always has a very strong program, has 14 seniors and were previously undefeated, getting that win was a great feeling. I was impressed with how many girls fought and it shows what they are capable of.”
After another impressive win against Hopkinton on Wednesday, Dedham girls ended their week with a 6-2 record, putting them in good shape for making this year’s tournament.
Junior Ally LaBrecque leads the team in goals with seven. Right beside LaBrecque is Nieve Chaplin with four goals and four assists. The offensive corners have been strongly inserted all year long by Connie Doyle and Maddie Morrissey.
Ally LaBrecque, Class of 2023, is a first-year sports reporter for the Dedham Mirror. She plays 3 sports for the Dedham Marauders. When she's not competing, Ally enjoys traveling and hanging out with friends.