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Darien High School field hockey has not lost a game since 2007. Heck, they haven't even tied a game in two years. And it's going to be hard to top last year's staggering 19-0 undefeated season that culminated in their third straight Class M state championship. But the 2010 edition varsity field hockey team got on the right track to do just that with a 9-0 thumping of Stamford High School on Tuesday.
"It's not our goal to capture the same magic as last year, but we hope so," Darien head coach Mo Minicus said. "We're going to just take it one game at a time. We're returning eight starters, so they're more than just skilled -- they're experienced."
Senior Leslie Gill led the attack with two goals and three assists. She also had the rare opportunity to be on the scorecard with her sister as Maddie Gill assisted on Leslie's second goal. The team has also likely found its newest star as freshman Hollis Perticone came off the bench to net three goals and two assists in her high school debut. Darien's offense dominated time of possession, keeping the ball pinned close to the Stamford goal for what seemed like the entire game. Stamford had just three shots on goal.
"We were actually pretty nervous coming into this game because of how we've been practicing," Leslie Gill said. "Our defense has been so great and so reliable. That's why [goalie] Perrin [Brown] never had to touch the ball. We really try and jump on the ball if it crosses into our territory."
Senior Sam Johnston added a pair of goals as well. Lilly Cassidy, Alex Igbal, and Ellie Riegel got on the scorecard with goals of their own. Riegel's was the final goal of the day -- a scorching slap shot from 15 yards out. Darien seems well on its way to a fourth straight state title. The team travels to Norwalk to take on the Bears on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
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