East Greenwich, North Kingstown field hockey teams battling for top spot in challenging D1

Checking in on the field hockey scene, East Greenwich and North Kingstown are battling for the top spot in Division I. Each have 15 points - EG with a 7-1-1 record and NK with a 7-0-1 mark. The one tie came against each other, a 0-0 decision at East Greenwich on Sept. 18.

"It was a terrific game, similar to our semifinal game [in last year's Division I playoffs], where we had an edge in the first half and them in the second," said East Greenwich coach Deb McMullen. "When it was over, they beat us with more corners and shots on goal, which we need to improve on. The intensity and big plays were there, but neither team could finish. I credit my defense and goalie Kelsey Gallo with giving us a chance to win by shutting NK out."

East Greenwich has given up just six goals this season, which in addition to Gallo's play in net is a credit to the solid defensive play of Sarah Testoni, as well as midfielder Gi Gi Basile, McMullen said.

Fellow midfielders - and sisters - Tracey and Kellie Mason have also been making things happen with what McMullen describes as "amazing stickwork."

"We have a hard-working group that is starting to gel and make progress after losing eight seniors last season," said McMullen, whose leading point-getter has been Lauren Buckheit with her five goals and four assists. "I am pleased with how we are able to move the ball offensively."

East Greenwich next travels to Lincoln High, Monday for a 3:45 p.m. matchup. The Lions, who are currently in second place at 6-1-1, are responsible for the Avengers' only loss, a 2-0 decision in the teams' first meeting on Sept. 4.

Meanwhile, North Kingstown, which has been led by Cassie-Raye Stuart's seven goals and one assist, will host Cumberland Monday at 6:30 p.m. Although Cumberland has won just two of its first nine games, the Clippers proved to be a tough challenge for North Kingstown in the teams' first encounter, falling to the Skippers, 1-0, also on Sept. 4.

"Division I is extremely competitive," McMullen said. "It is a great climate to come into each game knowing it is going to be anyone's game."

Posted by Carolyn Thornton  at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)