Two perfect teams, one great game as Uxbridge edges Doherty in battle of field hockey unbeatens
WORCESTER — Doherty's determined field hockey team did not back down during Thursday's battle with two-time defending Division 4 state champion Uxbridge. Unfortunately for the Highlanders, the unbeaten Spartans did not back down, either.
Sparked by a host of standouts at both ends of the field, Uxbridge started fast and finished strong, winning, 2-0, at Worcester's O'Connell Field to extend their winning streak to 63 games. Sophomore midfielder Amelia Blood and junior forward Elyse Bouchard knocked in the goals for the victors. Sophomore Julia Brynn Okenquist posted the shutout in net.
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"Uxbridge has a great team, and we were definitely looking forward to this, and I think it turned out to be a great game," Doherty coach Meg Brunelle said. "Both teams are fast, both are athletic. You go out there, and you compete. Play hard. Make adjustments, adapt. I thought that our girls did a great job."
"Doherty has a great program and they always give us a good game," Uxbridge coach Kelly Rosborough said. "It's a great opportunity for us to play a strong team. The games are always close. Last year, we squeaked out a win over them at home, 3-2. Two years ago, here, we tied them, 2-2. We lost to them prior to that. Great battles, great field hockey."
Uxbridge has been dominant at both ends of the field this fall, and nothing changed during Thursday's game.
"I was really proud of the way our girls played in this game," Rosborough added. "Every team is going to bring something against us. I think it's great for them to have those opportunities to adjust and figure out how we might have to change things, too, and adapt to that."
Blood and Bouchard have been a formidable 1-2 punch from the start this season, and their skill set was on full display all game. The duo delivered their goals in the second and third periods, with each making several crisp passes to the other. The Spartans had good opportunities prior to the Blood/Bouchard goals but came up empty each time.
Not surprisingly, Bouchard and Blood enjoy watching Uxbridge's offense click. Passing and working with talented teammates makes the game even more fun. Understanding where your teammates will be and being in the right place at the right time come into play as well.
"On that first goal, which came off a drive, the ball was basically just tapped in," Bouchard said. "Amelia has that great drive, and that's really beneficial to us. And it doesn't matter who scores. I'm just happy that we got the win. We go out here and play as a team and try to get a little bit better each game."
The Blood-Bouchard tandem was on full display during the second Spartans' scoring sequence.
"We just work really well together on the field — we know how to connect with things like passing," Blood said. "On the second goal, I sent the ball in, and Ellie just tipped it in. It was really great. We've been together on the field for a long time, so we kind of just know where everyone will be. We communicate. It's really fun."
The Uxbridge defense had a good time, too. The Highlanders, who often have displayed a potent offense this fall, were held in check for the duration of the game.
"Our kids played hard and Brenna (McGuire) in goal played great," Brunelle said. "Our defense was great. There were a few things that I wished we did differently, but we'll keep working and trying to improve ourselves. We're doing well. Playing good teams only makes you better."
—Contact Craig Holt at sports@telegram.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Uxbridge edges Doherty in battle of field hockey unbeatens
