Bulldogs Chew Through Herndon Defense

It may have been senior night for the Herndon Hornets field hockey team, but Westfield seniors Blair Duncan and Annie Martello led the Bulldogs to a 3-0 win Monday.

Martello scored first, a rocket shot from 15 yards out, and Duncan added a pair of goals later in the first half, as Westfield cruised from start to finish.

Herndon's defensive captain Clare Kelley and Rupa Ramamurthi held strong early, intercepting crosses and stealing control of the ball. But penalties undermined their efforts, and kept the Hornets pinned deep in the own territory for most of the first half.

Herndon was able to launch a couple of fast breaks late in the half, but could not get their sticks down near the goal. Duncan's second goal of the night, a line shot past Hughes' pads, essentially put the game out of reach.

Herndon came out strong in the second half double-teaming offenders with senior defender Maddie Nalewanski and increasing offensive performance. Still, they could not find the right looks in the striking circle and had few shots on goal.

"I thought we played well and we did everything we could to get the ball out," Nalewanski said. "They had some really great shots but I thought we did everything we could to get them out of there."

Herndon failed to draw many penalties, leaving the Bulldogs with a huge advantage in penalty corners, 15-3. The defense was under fire all game, and Hughes credited the girls in front of her for their effort.

"I think they [the defense] did great. It was on them the whole time and they didn't give up," Hughes said.

Hughes played tough herself throughout the match, racking up double-digit saves on the night. Still, the constant pressure from the Bulldogs offense proved too much to handle.

"They were on our side for most of the game," Hughes said. "I just tried to do my best and I think I did."

Herndon Head Coach Phyllis Pearce said the team has fought hard this season and is improving and was proud to let all 14 seniors play Monday night.

"In the second half we sorted it out and we had our opportunities," Pearce said. "Overall I would say we are upping our game."

The Hornets play at Chantilly Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m.