What a difference a few weeks makes. It looked like a long year lay ahead for the Stamford High School field hockey team after suffering a 9-0 pounding at the hands of Darien in the season opener. That all seems like ancient history now as the Black Knights stunned an undefeated Wilton team, 1-0.
"These girls came into this season ready to go," Stamford head coach Matt Forker said. "They're in a position now where they can do some damage. You're cautiously optimistic against teams like this, so for us to come out and hold them is huge."
Stamford took advantage of what may have been a little overconfidence on the part of Wilton. The Warriors seemed to be a little laid back as if they could score at any moment it wanted. Ten minutes of scoreless play turned into 20, which became a half of very evenly matched play. When Stamford seemed to realize they were more than holding their own against the powerhouse Warriors, the offense suddenly came alive.
Morgan Gulliver slammed home a rebounded shot from Kelsey Cognetta to net the game's lone goal with 19:32 to play in the game. Wilton played with much greater urgency the rest of the way, getting four corner penalties and several shots on goal. First year goalkeeper Katie Builes got over her early-season growing pains and held off the furious Wilton attack to hold on for the win. Teammates mobbed Builes after the final seconds ticked off the clock. Gulliver said it feels good to be winning after struggling through last year's 2-14 campaign.
"We're definitely feeling the intensity this year. We're back," Gulliver said. "Katie is doing great in her first year in goal and our defense is amazing. We're really coming together. We don't want to get too cocky though and we'll take it one game at a time."
Thanks to the emotional win, Stamford is now ranked seventh in the state in Class L with a 4-1-2 record.
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