Sports

Field Hockey: Oakton Overcomes Tough Start to Defeat Robinson

Cougars head into a stretch of six games over nine days

Despite a slow first half and falling behind 1-0, the Oakton Cougars defeated the Robinson Rams 4-1 in Tuesday's field hockey game.

The game started with the Oakton defense on high alert, as the Rams kept the ball in Cougar territory.

"Robinson came out hard and they were playing really well, we just weren't ready for it. We had a mental breakdown because of that," said Kate Ruch, the Cougars' head coach.

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Senior forward Lauren Stapleton scored for the Rams just 2:52 into the first half, and things did not begin to turnaround for the Cougars until after the first timeout was called.

The Cougars began to play more aggressive offense, pushing the game into Rams territory.

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"After they scored, I think the girls realized they didn't want to lose," Ruch said.

Keeping the game close allowed the Cougars to find their groove and tie the game at 1-1 with less than two minutes left in the first half thanks to a goal from senior forward Jackie Rupp, a team captain.

"When we got the first goal, I think they were excited and got some momentum going," Ruch said.

In the second half, the Cougars dominated on offense and put the game out of reach with three more goals — one from Adelle Clinton and two from Kara Leonard.

"We've been a second half team, it feels like. I'd rather be a first and second half team, but we'll take what we can get regarding points," Ruch said.

The Cougars now head into a tight schedule, cramming six games in nine days to make up for weather cancellations earlier in the season.

"We had a very, very long break between all of our other games, so it will be very tricky to get back into the swing of things," Ruch said. "But I think they're ready, they're excited, they're in shape, and they really want to come out strong and show everyone what they can do."

The Cougars will celebrate Senior Night at Thursday's game, the last home game of the regular season. They are scheduled to play South County at 7:30 p.m.


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