L-S Field Hockey Team Celebrates Senior Day With A Victory

The Lincoln-Sudbury field hockey team came out strong for Senior Day on Thursday.

The Warriors opened up with a celebration for the seniors and finished off with a 3-0 victory over Waltham on Thursday afternoon.

"I think we are peaking at the right time," said head coach Vicky Caburian. "I think we stepped up and made the adjustments we had to make."

L-S Athletic Director Nancy O'Neil started the day off with a speech, then handed roses to both teams' seniors. They included Andrea Butler, Laura Ganio, Nicole Horth, Greer Hunter, Danielle Iskandar, Claire Shapanka, Gabby Tarini and Kathrine Wetherbee.

"The most successful programs start with good seniors," said O'Neil. "I am proud of all eight of you."

The seniors responded by playing a crucial role in the L-S victory. Tarini scored the Warriors' third goal, while Ganio had two assists.

"We would not be here with out the strength of our senior class," said Caburian. "They are classy, strong and confident."

Sophomore Hannah Lawless scored the first for the Warriors (9-1-1) by tapping in a cross pass from Ganio that went behind Waltham goalie Kristina Sargavakian. Ganio, standing left of the goal, received the ball on a deep lead from teammate sophomore Ellie Landsman and punched the ball for an assist at 12:50 in the first half.

Lawless had almost scored earlier on a open give-and-go with Butler.

"(Ganio) was pushing it and trying to shove it into the goal and it went behind the goalie," said Lawless. "I watch what the goalie is doing and get my feet around to the point where I can push it in successfully."

Ten minutes later, L-S junior Madison Herel cut down the middle of the field and scored the Warriors' second goal. With Lawless and Tarini pressuring the goalie on the posts, Herel bobbled the ball over Sargavakian's feet and buried it in the back of the net.

The goal was an added gift for the junior, who was also celebrating her birthday.

"I tried to lift it over the goalie's stick, but she ended up kicking it," said Herel. "She fell, so I ran and got my stick on it. It was a big treat."

Tarini capped off the Warriors scoring by sneaking in near the left goal post for the third goal. Standing at the top of the box, Ganio received a left side pass from junior Annika Nygren and rocketed the ball toward Tarini.

The senior had received two similar passes earlier from Wetherbee and Nygren, but had the shot blocked both times by Sargavakian.

"It was a really hard shot from Laura and I just tipped it in," said Tarini. "We take it up the right and then cross it to the left. It is a go to move."

L-S had a slight advantage in possession, but dominated with opportunities. The Warriors had 17 shots on goal and eight corners, while the Hawks (2-7-2) had only four shots and five corners.

"We have created a system where the girls really support each other," said Caburian. "A lot of different girls are able to score and keep putting the pressure on the teams we play."

L-S goalie junior Grace Sweetser, who made four saves, had her second straight shutout and eighth of the season. Despite the Warriors three goals, Sargavakian made 14 saves for Waltham.

"She had some great saves and some nice clears," said Waltham head coach Denise Nugent. "We have a lot of hard-working kids."

L-S tied Waltham 2-2 earlier in the season. Caburian was excited to respond with a win and is looking forward to the remaining season she has left with her seniors.

"I will definitely miss this group," said Caburian. "However I want to have them for a long time this season. So hopefully the season will keep on going."