Field Hockey Wins First Playoff Game 3 -1

After becoming the Tri-Valley League Champions for the first time in 30 years, the Dover-Sherborn Raiders field hockey team beat Dedham, 3 – 1 in the first round of the MIAA Division 2 South Sectional State Tournament at the high school Thursday afternoon.

                  Dover-Sherborn Field Hockey Coach and Tri-Valley Coach of the Year, Dara Johnson, said the game went as she hoped it would.

She said her team played well and allowed very few breaks in the defense. She added her team showed the finesse in passing to teammates she was looking for. She was not looking for a “dump and run” strategy.

Five minutes into the game, Raiders freshman Meg Nolen scored the first goal with an assist by senior co-captain Amanda Miner. Ten minutes later, Miner scored a goal with an assist from Nolen. The Raiders third goal was scored in the second half, also by Miner.

Dedham Marauders coach Erin McDonald said the Raiders played an “aggressive game.” When they found weaknesses in Dedham’s defense, D-S took advantage of it. 

McDonald’s team was visibly emotional at the end of game.  The Marauders are losing more than half their team this year to graduation. She noted freshman Sam Girard will be a major contributor next year.  Her five juniors will also be key players next year.