Field Hockey
Stopped in state final again: Belfast downs York, 1-0, in title game
By Colleen Buckless and Steve Rasche
PORTLAND - The previously undefeated York field hockey team saw their season come to a another heartbreaking end last Saturday, Nov. 4, at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland, where the Wildcats went down in the state championship game to two-time defending state champions Belfast for the third year in a row.The loss was an especially bitter blow to the 15 seniors on the team, many of whom had watched Belfast celebrate at York's expense for the previous two years.
It was a cold day on the field turf, and York showed up excited and confident for the battle ahead of them. Before the game, York senior Winona Hapgood said, "Our team's experience is our advantage. Our team is tight, we work well together."
The Wildcats came with a large group of supporters who made their presence felt throughout the game. The parents, students and other York supporters came with posters, balloons and enthusiasm of all kinds.
Both York and Belfast played full-on throughout the entire game. The teams were evenly matched, and it was anyone's game. The ball traveled back and forth between the two teams, and both had many scoring opportunities. But it was Belfast that scored the only goal, just over 10 minutes into the game.
York's star players, Lauren Coupal, Caitlin Keating and Michaela Franey, all played sensational games as York dominated the second half but could not get the ball in the goal.
When the whistle blew to end the game, there was nothing but disappointment on the York players' faces.
"We did have more opportunities (to score). We had a good second half, but we were just unable to take back that goal," Coach Barb Marois said after the game.
Despite the loss, one thing that could not be taken away from these girls was their drive for the game, and the bond this group of players had with each other. They finished with a record of 17-1, and were undefeated in the regular season.
The 15 seniors, who were the heart and soul of the 2006 varsity field hockey team, deserved the credit for the Wildcat's success this season, and they will all leave big holes to fill next year.
