Fragile X Classic Tournament in DC

The Varsity Gators returned yesterday from the Fragile X Classic Tournament in DC! We had a great time playing field hockey on an excellent turf field against some very competitive teams, as well as taking some time for shopping, team dinners, and exploring the sights in Silver Spring, Maryland and D.C.!

Saturday at 12:30pm, we played National Cathedral School of Washington D.C. They are a top ranked DC school with a huge history and a very renowned alumni list. The Gators played a hard defensive game and held NCS to a 0-2 loss. Our defense really stepped it up in the face of adversity, despite the absence of Harlan ('11), our starting left defender. Senior captain McSweeney ('10), our last line of defense, finished the game with 3 defensive saves. Budi ('12) stepped it up to play left back (the opposing team's strong side), and had 1 defensive save. Wolpert ('13), a JV player who was pulled up for the tournament, carried her weight on the defensive line and had two defensive saves. This was a huge feat for her, as it was her first Varsity game, and her first time playing for the entire 60 minutes. Wolpert ('10), our goalkeeper, had 9 saves!

Saturday at 3:30pm, we played Elizabeth Seton School. The first half was shaky, with two goals by Elizabeth Seton. The Gators came pumped to the second half, and brought up the intensity. Shots on goal was made by Budi ('12) all the way from defense, and senior captain Zacharias ('10). Defensive saves were made by Puchalski ('13) and Budi ('12). Zacharias ('10), was double and triple teamed the entire game in center mid. Wolpert ('10) had ten goal saves. The game ended in a 1-3 loss. The single Gator goal was made off of a corner by Zacharias ('10).

The final game of the tournament was played on Sunday at 11:00am. We played the host school, St. John's College High School. The Gators came to the game prepared to win. McSweeney ('10), Budi ('12), and Wolpert ('13) held the line in defense. Puchalski ('13) in center mid, fought hard and was able to switch fields the entire game. The Gator offense benefited from shots on goal by Zacharias ('10), Albright ('11), Curtin ('12), and Caudill ('12). Wolpert ('10) had 6 saves. The first goal of the game was made by Phipps ('12), assisted by classmate Curtin ('12). The two sophomore offenders were hungry for a goal, and worked well together, receiving passes and looking for the back of the net! The final goal of the game was scored by senior captain McSweeney ('10) from defense, assisted by her classmate and fellow captain, Zacharias ('10). The final score of the game was 2-0; Gator victory!

Wolpert ('13) was moved up to the Varsity Team for the rest of season, as a result of her strong play in the tournament. The JV captains will now be as follows: Puccinelli ('13), Whitlock ('13), Budi ('13), and Aiken ('13).

The Gators play Varina High School next, at Varina's field on Thursday, Sept 10th at 5:00pm. On Saturday, Sept 12th, the Gators go on to play in the Steward Invitational Tournament at Steward School. Please come out and support the team!