Watertown Bests Belmont's Field Hockey

The Belmont High School's field hockey team kept Watertown out of the net for the first half of Oct. 29 game, but two second-half goals were too much for the Marauders to overcome as the Red Raiders finish the regular season with a perfect 18-0-0 record with their 2-0 victory.

Belmont coach Jessica Smith said she was pleased with her team's defensive effort to start the game.

"It was a great first half, with the score staying 0-0," Smith said of her team (10-3-4).

"But Watertown was still dominating the first half," she said. 

The Raiders' fast start in the second half put the Marauders players on their heels, Smith said.

"Watertown came out really fast and our confidence went down," Smith said.

Watertown junior Lauren Giordano scored with just under 22 minutes left in the second half.

Less than six minutes later sophomore Alyssa Carlson tipped the ball past Belmont goalie Sarah Buckley to double Watertown's lead.

Smith said she called time out early in the second half to try to regroup, but Watertown scored shortly afterward.

The teams battled through a scoreless first half, and endured chilly winds and periods of heavy rain.

Watertown coach Eileen Donahue said she was pleased with her team's effort and did not worry when the half ended without a goal.

"Our team was playing well all game," Donahue said. "As long as we are out there playing hard, I am not worried."

Donahue said Belmont gave the Raiders a good game.

Both teams are headed to the MIAA playoffs. The pairings will be announced Monday, Nov. 1, with games later in the week.