Johnston's Hat Trick Lifts Wave Field Hockey Over Stamford

Monday night's field hockey matchup between Darien and Stamford wasn't quite the nine-goal shutout of earlier this season, but the Blue Wave still managed to roll to a 5-0 victory over the Black Knights behind senior co-captain Sam Johnston's hat trick.

Darien, which improved to 12-0, routed Stamford, 9-0, in the first meeting between the teams. Since then, however, the Black Knights had lost only one game—a 1-0 overtime defeat to New Canaan—while winning five games and tying four others.

The Wave was ready for Monday's rematch, fully aware that this wasn't the same Stamford team they faced a little over a month ago.

Darien turned in one of its best performances of the season, recording its 10th shutout of the year. Johnston scored the first, third, and fifth goals.

"We knew all about how well they've done since opening day and we came out strong and intense like we do in every game," Johnston said.

Johnston's first goal came with a helper from Sophie Watters at 27:52 in the first half. Darien never let Stamford push past the Wave 40-yard line while playing excellent transition defense.

"We switched field very well tonight and never let them threaten," Watters said.

Leslie Gilli made it a 2-0 game when she scored from the left wing at 18:31. Lexi Perticone set the point up though was not officially credited with the assist.

The Wave displayed some excellent stick work and passing, which led to the third goal as Johnston and Watters hooked up again. It started with a penalty corner, followed by some nifty passing and ending with Johnston's goal.

That's how the half ended: a 3-0 lead for Darien, which out-shot the Black Knights 13-0 in the first half.

The second half resembled one long drive in which Darien controlled play in the Stamford zone.

Ellie Riegel scored with an assist from Alex Iqbal for a 4-0 lead. A minute later, Johnston scored on a nice solo effort, beating a couple of defenders to makes it 5-0.

"We were back on our heels a little bit in the beginning," Darien coach Mo Minicus said. "Stamford came very strong, but once we got going we played very well.

"We had practiced and talked about finishing in the circle and we did that on the final three goals. Sophie Doering and Galen Rhone led a group that really stepped up big tonight," she added.

In its 10 shutouts. the Blue Wave have outscored their opponents, 80-2.

Darien's next game is at New Canaan (7-4-1) on Wednesday at 4 p.m.