Field Hockey: Cougars Score Early, Often in Win Over Herndon

All season long, the Oakton field hockey team has struggled to get ahead early, falling into a pattern of come-from-behind wins.

On Thursday, they saw the cost of not starting out strong when a storm cut their game against Chantilly short, handing them their first Concorde District loss.

"This is a lesson for us that we have to score early!" Cougars defender Danielle Somadelis told her teammates.

The Cougars headed into their game against Herndon on Friday determined not to let it happen again.

Midfielder Colleen Gleason sent the first Cougar goal into the net within minutes of the start of the game. The Cougar offense, led by midfielder Adelle Clinton, countinued the pressure, and a set corner play resulted in the second first-half goal from forward Jackie Rupp. 

While Herndon attempted several breakaways, goalie Mira Tanenbaum soundly rejected them, assisted by the defensive play of Amanda Amraen, Alex Revel, Michelle Doran and Somadelis. 

Cougars continued to hold Herndon into the second half, with contributions from Nicole Banville, Jenny Bailey, Kelsey Clarke, Mary Kate Mehegan and Danielle Palmucci.

However, Herndon managed another breakaway. Cougar goalie Ciara Cooney charged, but Hornets squeaked in to score around her. 

Oakton Cougars offense, including Alex Ricketts and Lauren Johnson, continued to press late into the second half. Maggie Toye scored the final Cougar goal to end the game with the Cougars victorious with a score of 3-1.

Following a seeding tiebreaker, Oakton is the first seed in the Concorde district. They will play the winner of Centreville-Robinson first-round district playoff game at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Westfield High.

— Terri Gleason, OHS Field Hockey Booster Rep