By Karen Phan, Opinion Editor
Yesterday afternoon, the girls’ varsity field hockey team opened their preseason with a 0-5 loss to the Bonita Bearcats.
The first half began with the Bearcats’ possession of the ball. Their intensity and pressure forced the Barons back, but the Barons responded aggressively and stole the ball in the fifth minute of the game. Fountain Valley pushed into Bonita’s half of the field for a few minutes before losing possession.
Once in control of the ball, Bonita surged up and took several shots, but their efforts were foiled by the Barons’ defense. The Bearcats continued their offensive pressure until junior forward Taryn Robinson made a breakaway in the 15th minute of the game. Robinson passed the ball to senior forward Madison Grogan who made an unsuccessful shot on goal.
Bonita played more intensely after Fountain Valley attempted to score. They penetrated Fountain Valley’s defense, and in the 23rd minute, Bonita scored their first goal of the game. The Barons lost the momentum, and the Bearcats made three more goals.
Following Bonita’s fourth goal, the Fountain Valley picked up the pace and was awarded a short corner in the 26th minute. Although it was unsuccessful, the Barons played in the Bearcats’ territory for the rest of the game. Robinson and Grogan took final shots before the first half ended with Bonita leading 0-4.
“[We] made really good connections during the game. We were using each other, working the ball up and gaining some opportunities,” said Head Coach Nancy Mendez.
The second half opened up once again with Bonita in control of the ball. They pushed into Fountain Valley’s half of the field and scored in the 33rd minute, bringing the score to 0-5. The Bearcats continued their intense pressure against the Barons, but all of their shots were either blocked by the Barons’ defense or saved by senior goalie Montana Franks.
Bonita dominated the rest of the half, but in the 57th minute, the Barons gained possession of the ball and pushed up the field. Grogan took a shot on goal yet was stopped by Bonita’s defense. Fountain Valley continued with its offensive pressure and was awarded a short corner in the last 30 seconds of the game, but was unsuccessful.
“I feel like they did pretty well. They kept up with Bonita, and Bonita is normally a really good team,” said Mendez. “But like I said, there are just some things we need to work on.”
Despite the 0-5 loss, the Lady Barons have their spirits up and are working hard to meet their goals for the rest of preseason and upcoming season.
“With season coming up, I hope we can score more and improve on our communication,” said sophomore forward Zanvious Thantrong.
Come support the Lady Barons as they go head to head against the Harvard-Westlake Wolverines at home next Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.
