Field Hockey: Pomperaug 10, Watertown 1

The Pomperaug High School field hockey team played for the state title last season and demonstrated its strength Monday afternoon with a 10-1 victory over Watertown High School in a game played at Edward Arum Athletic Field.

Panthers coach Linda Dirga said it was unusual to see the score get that high.

She attributed the onslaught to the Indians performance.

"They were having a hard time, they're much better than that," she said.

The star of the game was senior Abby Dwyer, who scored three goals. Senior co-captain Kathryn Walker scored a goal and had three assists.

The first goal was scored by senior co-captain Sarah McVerry on a penalty shot at the 23:36 mark of the first half. That came after two fast whistles by the refs prevented the Panthers from scoring. But the next whistle was the penalty, which McVerry executed with a smooth stroke.

Jamie Silverman, Kristi Matasavage, Kelsey McGregor, Margaret Fleming and Megan Gaffney also scored goals for the Panthers.

The Indians only goal came at the very end of the first half on an extended corner shot which was executed after time ran out. According to field hockey rules, if a violation is called before the half ends a team is given additional time to score, which the Indians were able to do after the clock officially ran out. It is the only goal the Panthers have allowed since the first game of the season, a 2-2 tie with New Fairfield. Pomperaug has won six consecutive games since and remains undefeated with its big win over Watertown.

The Panthers recorded 25 shots on goal, versus four for the Indians, with Panthers goalie Katie Hall recording one save.

Coach Dirga limited her comments after the game out of respect for her opponents, but said she was pleased at the strong effort from her team. They play again Tuesday against Laurelton Hall at Laurelton Hall Field in Milford. Game time is 3:45 p.m.