Sports

Herndon High Field Hockey Team Advances to Semi-Finals for First Time

The team is headed to the Semi-finals for the first time Tuesday against Fairfax High School, with a 14-6 record.

Herndon High's field hockey team is having an unprecedented season.

With a record of 14-6, the team recently finished third in the very tough Concorde Conference, where all four teams that advanced to the Regional Tournament had 12 wins or more.

This week, the Hornets beat Osbourn Park 13-6 in the regional quarter-finals, their second time making it that far. Last year was the team's first appearance in the quarter-finals since 1996.

On Tuesday, the Hornets will face Fairfax High School, the team they lost to last year in the Final 8.

However, coach Mary Miller says this year's team is strong, and they are feeling confident and excited heading into the Semi-Finals.

"We have had two tremendous seasons," Miller told Patch. "Last year our record was 13-7."

"The keys to our season are tough, consistent play by all our players," Miller added.

Miller said much of the team's success this year is thanks to "a very stingy defense," anchored by four seniors – goalie Sarah Suter, and defensive backs Annie Kelley, Katherine Wilson and Rachel Delmontagne. 

"We've had nine shut-outs this season, and five of our six losses were by only one goal—including three overtime games," Miller explained. 

"We also have a very potent offense which has scored 56 goals; we have 19 against."

Those goals are thanks to: Taylor Stone (17 goals), Sofia Palacios (14 goals) and Sammy Stone (11 goals), Miller said. 

"We get major contributions from a solid midfield, including Alexis Duke, Seara Mainor and Jamie Wright," she added. "And our team rounds out with lots of key contributions from others players who, like the rest of the team, play unselfishly, consistent and tough field hockey."

Miller said she couldn't be more proud of her incredible Hornets team.

"I am very proud of this team, that has very quietly and consistently played great field hockey, played with poise and sportsmanship, won games and had fun.'


Give the Hornets field hockey team a shout-out in the comments!


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