Cohasset sneaks by Fenwick

PEABODY — When one of the state’s emerging field hockey powers met one of the sport’s longtime powerhouses on Saturday afternoon, a defensive battle ensued.

Thanks to goals by Kate Cunning and Ainsley Allen, Cohasset edged host Bishop Fenwick, 2-0.

Cohasset (5-0) earned possession from the opening faceoff, and kept it for most of the first quarter. Cunning and Frances Brisbane demonstrated excellent backand-forth, creating several Skipper scoring opportunities. Fenwick (2-1-1) goaltender Cat Elias made two quick saves within the first four minutes, but could not stop Brisbane and Cunning’s third connection of the opening minutes. Cunning scored off a Brisbane pass to put Cohasset ahead, 1-0.

“It was really good for the team as a whole,” said Cunning. “With the seven-onseven play, it is really gratifying when you score a goal.”

The Crusaders soon earned possession, but a strong Cohasset defense sty

mied them through the remainder of the first. Both defenses ruled the way in the second quarter. With just over two minutes left in the half, Brisbane blocked a promising Bishop Fenwick shot to maintain the Skippers’ lead.

Bishop Fenwick took possession right out of halftime, but Cohasset soon forced a turnover. The Crusaders defense was strong again, with Grace Morey blocking what looked like a sure goal for Cunning halfway through the third. With 4:35 remaining in the quarter, Allen nudged a goal through traffic past Elias to put the Skippers up by two.

“It felt really good to finish (the scoring) off with that,” said Allen.

The fourth quarter featured back-and-forth play between the two teams. Fenwick’s Elias made the best save of the game with 4:42 left, sliding to protect the corner of the net and making a booming save with her leg pad. She finished with six saves, playing a key role in slowing down the welltuned Cohasset offense.

The Skippers, who have played five games in eight

days, appreciated such a hard fought game.

“It was really nice to have such great competition with Fenwick and play such a good game,” said Cunning.

JOB WELL DONE: Kate Cunning (left) and Piper Finn celebrate Cunning’s goal against Bishop Fenwick yesterday.

STuART cAHiLL PHoTos / HeRALd sTAFF SNEAKS THROUGH: Kate Cunning just beats Bishop Fenwick goalie Cat Eliase.

STICK SAVE AND A BEAUTY: Bishop Fenwick goalie Cat Eliase denies Cohasset’s Piper Finn.