With the Section I field hockey postseason set to kick off next week, playoff hopefuls around the area are using the last few games on the schedule as on opportunity to make sure that they’re rounding into form. For Class A powerhouse Mamaroneck, that final stretch got off on the right foot on Oct. 11, as they authored an impressive 10-0 win over Fox Lane.
Led by five goals from Hannah Rogoff and another three from Ava Gristina, the Tigers’ offensive outburst was typical of Mamaroneck’s style of play this year and one more indicator that the team is ramping things up as the postseason looms. According to Rogoff, the team’s goal during these last few days of play is to tighten up, both in the physical and mental aspects of the game.
“I think with every game, we’re always looking back at tape and seeing that one missed pass, and always looking for little things to improve,” she said. “Every game right now is important because it’s helping us get better as a team.”
The Tigers jumped out to a 6-0 first-half lead, but the Foxes were able to apply some pressure in the third quarter, managing four shots on goal—all of which were stopped by goalie Jane McNally. According to Gristina, the Foxes’ second-half rejuvenation was partly a function of Mamaroneck sitting on its sizable lead. Once Mamaroneck began to reassert itself, however, it was able to add more goals including scores by Sophia Velazco and Lizzie Astorina.
“[Fox Lane] came out a little more aggressive in the second half and kind of caught us on our heels a little bit,” said Gristina. “But when we recognized that, we started communicating and we were able to turn the momentum back towards us.”
At 11-2 on the year—and 10-1 against Section I competition—the Tigers currently sit at No. 2 in the Class A playoff rankings, just one spot below a Scarsdale team (11-0-1) it will play on Oct. 13, after press time. But even though the Tigers’ play over the last few games could determine its postseason ranking, Gristina said that the squad is simply looking to play its best.
“The most important game is always the next game, and we’re not trying to look too far in the future,” she said. “We’re starting to find our groove, we’re playing better together, we’re connecting better on passes and that in turn helps us save energy, and move the ball across the field better.”
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