Cope Has A Hat Trick As The Turf-Tough Hornets Show They Can Win On Grass

Coach Don Hes knew his Saline varsity girls field hockey team was in for a challenge Tuesday at University Liggett School. The Hornets, who've played better on artificial turf than grass all season, barely beat ULS on the Saline turf. Now they were headed on the road to face ULS on grass.

"(Playing on grass) is something the team has been working hard on becoming more efficient at. It looks like it paid off," said Hes, after Saline's 3-2 victory at ULS.

The Hornets took a 1-0 lead on a goal by senior Alli Cope, who put one past the ULS goalie after a penalty corner.

A short time time later Saline was on the attack. The Hornets executed a pretty passing play and forced ULS to commit a foul. On the ensuing penalty corner, Cope fired home her second goal of the game.

Saline took its 2-0 lead into halftime.

ULS came on strong in the second half and scored just eight minutes into the action. The pressure continued and Saline had difficulty clearing the ball. ULS scored again to tie the game at 2.

The Hornets didn't give up, however. With 10 minutes left in the game, Cope went in on a breakaway and scored the game-winner to complete her hat-trick.

Saline improved to 5-3-4 on the season and sits in the middle of Division II.

JV Team Battles to 1-1 Tie

The junior varsity team scored first but had to settle for a 1-1 tie against ULS. Saline played an excellent half and spent most of its time in the ULS end, but couldn't find the back of the net. The team's record is 4-4-4.