Field hockey Wolves make more history

Jim MacLean photos

Clockwise from top left, Finja Degl races after a loose ball. Logan Bueti makes her move to the goal for John Jay. Jane Brennan clears for the Wolves. John Jay goalie Molly Gallagher makes a save as Kayla Magier backs her up

By JIM MACLEAN

A week after making history with its first-ever win over Lakeland, the John Jay field hockey team found itself once again facing the Hornets. The Wolves hosted the Hornets on Saturday, Oct. 5, and this time it was Lakeland celebrating as the Hornets won the rematch by the same score of 1-0.

However, John Jay once again found itself making history as the Wolves rebounded with a 7-0 win at home over Hen Hud on Monday, and it was the 100th career victory for coach Debbi Walsh.

It was also senior night under the lights as John Jay added another memorable celebration to its season and the Wolves improved to 10-1-1 overall.

“Our senior night, always a night to remember, and I’m just so proud of this amazing group of athletes,” Walsh said of her team, downplaying her coaching milestone.

Against Hen Hud it was a team effort with five different players scoring goals for John Jay. Jojo Degl had another big game as the senior captain scored two goals and added an assist. Laney Daly scored a pair of goals for the Wolves. Senior captain Kaycie Keeley scored a goal and had an assist, while Logan Bueti also scored a goal and had an assist. Sophia Shaw scored a goal, and senior captain Jane Brennan added an assist for the Wolves.

John Jay cruised to the easy victory, and it was a welcome reprieve in the midst of a crazy couple of weeks against intense competition, starting with the two league games against Lakeland.

The Wolves knew Lakeland would be out for revenge on Saturday, and the Hornets looked strong as they controlled the action.

However, John Jay was up to the challenge on defense with goalie Molly Gallagher and the Wolves keeping the ball out of the cage as the two teams were locked in a 0-0 tie heading into the fourth quarter.

Lakeland turned up the pressure in the fourth quarter, earning six corners in a row with the John Jay defense scrambling. Gallagher came up with some big saves, and Kayla Magier saved a shot from crossing the goal line after it got past Gallagher to keep it 0-0.

The Hornets finally broke through as Gabby Santini scored with 6:06 left to play and that proved to be the difference for a 1-0 victory. John Jay tried to answer back with some of its best scoring chances late in the game earning a couple of corners, but the Hornets held on for the win.

“We knew what to expect, and once again my defense was confident and knew they would have to play calm the entire game,” Walsh said of the John Jay defense. “For Lakeland to draw 13 corners and only score once with six minutes remaining in the game, I’m very proud of my team. Overall, losing 1-0 just confirms that our 1-0 win wasn’t a fluke and we can compete with them.”

Round three could happen in the playoffs coming up in a few weeks, but Walsh knows John Jay has a lot of hard work to earn a rematch with Lakeland as the Wolves face a lot of tough teams before the playoffs even begin. John Jay was set to face Rye on the road Wednesday, and then host rival Horace Greeley on Tuesday, Oct. 15. The Wolves will finish the regular season with a home game against Yorktown and a game on the road at Mamaroneck.

“We can’t look ahead to the playoffs as we have four strong opponents left to face in the regular season,” admitted Walsh. “These four games will prepare us for the postseason.”