Hudson field hockey off to flying start as its looks to return to regionals
Quickness can also have a huge impact on defense in field hockey as Hudson’s tested team is off to a fast start after reaching the regional finals in 2022.
Thanks to some of that outstanding defense the Explorers posted a pair of shutouts with two more victories Aug. 26 at home.
Hudson won 3-0 against visiting Ottawa Hills and also registered a 6-0 victory over Maumee Valley Country Day School, a private school out of Toledo.
On the season, the Explorers (3-0) have allowed just one goal.
“The team is learning to work together and we had some pieces that came together during our games this weekend,” said head coach Louise Knox. “On defense, the players maintained possession with good communication, stretching the field, and had strong passing.”
In the win over Ottawa Hills, which does have a win over Walsh Jesuit this year, the Green Bears (1-2) were limited with only two shots on goal. Hudson had a decisive 11-3 edge in corner kicks.
Ottawa Hills posted 13 goalkeeper saves while senior Lizzie Karnofel had two saves for Hudson and junior teammate Mia Leighton did not see any shots on goal.
“Our defense shut down offensive threats and cleared the defensive end with quick stickskills and gameplay,” said Knox.
Offensively, Hudson is getting contributions from all over the place.
In the victory over the Green Bears, goals were scored by junior forward Izzy Eells, sophomore forward Elora Beh, and senior midfielder Sofia Boyle. Sophomore forward Laine Lewis was credited with one assist.
“We have a strong athletic group on offense too,” pointed out Knox. “On our attack, the players were skillful in winning one-on-ones, connecting with give-n-go passing, and aggressive play inside the circle.”
A pair of juniors in Olivia Ott and Ava Kuss each exploded for two goals each in the win over Maumee Valley Country Day.
In addition, Lewis and Beh each had a goal. Collecting assists were Boyle and juniors Mackie Stickler and Mina Karas.
Hudson had an 18-0 edge in corner kicks against the young Hawks while Karnofel and Leighton teamed for the shutout in the nets for Hudson.
“Our new-to-varsity players are quickly learning to play at the higher speed of play,” Knox said.
Other seniors are Kristine Roegner, Reese Harvey and Molly Beegle.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson field hocke sweep home doubleheader vs. Toledo teams
