Leominster unable to slow down Wachusett

LEOMINSTER » The Leominster field hockey team knew it would have its hands full against a strong Wachusett Regional squad on Monday evening.

The visiting Mountaineers showed why they are one of the top programs in Central Mass., delivering a strong effort and controlling the contest to pick up a 7-3 win under the lights at Doyle Field.

“Wachusett is a very good team with a lot of weapons, but I was really proud of our team. I know on the scoreboard it goes as a loss but I thought there were a lot of bright spots that we can build off,” said Leominster head coach Brittney Field following Monday’s contest. “Our team never quit and that’s what you want to see.”

The unbeaten Mountaineers improved to 3- 0, while the Blue Devils dropped to 1-3.

The Wachusett scoring attack was paced by Hannah Berry, who had a hat trick, while teammate Bella DelNegro added two goals.

Senior captains Sarah DeAmicis and Eliza Howlett and sophomore Gray Dallaire each scored for Leominster.

Wachusett wasted little time opening the scoring, finding the back of the net just three minutes in, beating Leominster starting goalie Anderson Dallaire (seven saves). The guests opened a 3- 0 lead after the first period and expanded it to a 4-1 cushion heading into halftime.

“Wachusett is really good at holding their positioning, their structure,” said Field. “They are a really good passing team, but tonight they played like a big ball team with several hard shots from the top and we had some difficulty defending them.”

In the second half, the Mountaineers added three more goals against backup goalie Anna Warry (seven saves).

“I thought both of our goalies played really well tonight,” said Field. “Both stepped up against a strong offensive team and made several big saves. Wachusett had several hard shots and our goalies were able to get pads on them.”

Offensively, Field was pleased with the play of Howlett and Dallaire, crediting both with strong performances.

In addition, Leominster senior forward Emily Oliveria, senior captain Mia Russo and freshman Emma Miller-Ayala also had solid efforts for the Blue Devils.

The Mountaineers finished the game with a 21-7 edge in shots on goal.