Jamestown field hockey snaps six-game skid [The Virginia Gazette, Williamsburg]

Oct. 30--JAMES CITY -- The first time Jamestown High's field hockey team played Smithfield, a second half goal by Madisen Kopfer was the difference in the victory for the Eagles.

In the return match Monday night, Coach Christine Watts'</person> team scored early and often as Jamestown (5-10) blanked Smithfield 4-0 in the Conference 25 quarterfinals held at Sanford B. Wanner Stadium.

Senior Ally Johnson had a goal and an assist as the Eagles advanced to Tuesday's conference semifinal match against No.1 seed Tabb.

The Eagles scored three goals in the first half and added an insurance marker in the final 30 minutes to snap a six-game losing streak.

Abby Smith wasted little time putting Jamestown in front, scoring in the first two minutes. Ally Johnson forced a turnover 30 yards from goal and made a nice pass to Smith inside the circle. Smithfield goalkeeper Elizabeth Zengel stopped the first shot, but Smith managed to tuck home the rebound for a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the contest.

Kopfer tried to extend the lead five minutes later, but her push pass from the left wing sailed wide right of the goal as Smithfield remained a goal down.

The Packers mounted an attack midway through the half, thanks to some extended possession inside the circle. Jamestown goalkeeper Sam Tiffany made a nice pad safe on a drive from Madeline Ericksen. Marissa Mahek's rebound attempt was also turned aside as the eagles remained in front, 1-0.

After several good runs, Jamestown's offense was rewarded on its second penalty corner opportunity. Morgan Maharty found Ally Johnson open at the top of the circle and the senior ripped a drive into the back of the net through a screen in front for a 2-0 lead. with 16:03 left.

Nearly four minutes later, the Eagle struck just before halftime on another strong play inside the circle. After a scramble in front, Emily Robitaille backhanded a shot past Zengel for a 3-0 lead with 12:50 left in the first half.

Jamestown carried that lead into halftime and managed to add to it early in the second half for the game's final tally on a penalty corner. Maharty's shot from point-blank range was stopped by Zengel, but Logan Haynie was there to tap home the rebound to build a 4-0 lead with 29:20 remaining.

Smithfield mounted one final attack midway through the period, thanks to three straight penalty corner opportunities. Belen Leon Romero and Mahek both had point-blank shots inside the circle, but Tiffany was there to make a pair of point-blank saves. Kayla Patterson, Kaylin Evans and Kate Stedelbauer did a great job defensively as Jamestown notched its third shutout of the season.

Harvey can be reached at 757-345-2352.

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