Raven fullbacks use communication to guard the Hawks forwards
by Samantha DeSouza
Ravens goalkeeper Olivia Barnes found herself five minutes into the second quarter in the field hockey game dropping to her knees and blocking the ball from going into the goal, as Saint Anselm shot their first penalty stroke of the game.
(Photo: Samantha DeSouza)
Tuesday, October 29th, roughly 60 fans gathered at Sodexo field to watch the Ravens battle against their conference competitor, the Saint Anselm Hawks. Spectators were dressed head to toe trying to keep warm while a few were wrapped in blankets. The air was cold and felt like a rain shower was on its way. “Keep it up, black,” yelled a fan from the Ravens sideline while they battled to get the ball on the other side of the field.
On the field, the fullbacks pressured the Hawks forwards. The majority of the game was spent on the Ravens side of the field with the Hawks driving towards the Ravens goal.
The beginning of each quarter started the same with the Hawks gaining possession of the ball right of the start and having multiple penalty corner opportunities. All eyes were on Barnes during each play, while she stayed alert bouncing from goal post to goal post, ending the game with 10 saves.
Coming out of halftime the Hawks were up 2-0. When the third quarter began, the Ravens used strong communication with each other to move the ball down and across the field to keep it in their possession. When the Hawks stole the ball from the forwards, a Raven fullback yelled, “Drop back, drop back” to her teammates so they would have players in position for when the Hawks attacked.
The Ravens fullbacks and goalkeeper continued to see the most action in the game while they continued to play defense. The Hawks fired the ball at the goal and Barnes reacted quickly, kicking the ball up and over the shooting circle. “Here we go pierce” could be heard across the field after Barnes made yet another save.
The game finished with the Hawks claiming a 3-0 victory. Raven spectators and fans cheered for their team and showed them support while they near the end of the season.
