Varsity Field Hockey Bests Brearley in Overtime

10/9/2024

The varsity field hockey team saved its best for last in an early October matchup against Brearley.

Captain Olivia Fitzsimmons ’25 buried the game-winning goal in overtime as the Panthers edged the visitors, 4-3, at Greene Family Field.

"I had the ball in the circle and did a reverse sweep — to which the ball hit the back of the goal," Fitzsimmons said, detailing the thrilling moment. "After scoring, I felt a sense of relief that all of our hard work throughout the game led us to this win."

It was a back-and-forth contest throughout, with Masters scoring last in regulation to force overtime.

"Overtime was stressful," Fitzsimmons said. "(Brearley) was a team that had a similar skill level to us, so winning meant whichever team wanted it more."

And that was Masters.

Nick Holz ’27 paced the Panthers with a pair of goals and Sabrina Roth ’28 scored once to round out the offensive production. Misha Ioukhnovets ’25 was a constant presence on the turf, exhibiting a high work-rate to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

Masters head coach Taylor Durkin highlighted the efforts of a few other players in Chloe MacKay ’26, Bea Hopper ’27 and Emme Disick ’27.

"Chloe is one of our solid midfielders that I look to throughout the game," Durkin said. "She is always giving it her all hustling up the field and getting back to assist defensively. Beatrice is a solid defender in the back of the field who is always working hard and asking questions to better herself on the field. I appreciate Bea's hard work and determination; it does not go unnoticed. Our Goalie (Emme Disick) has been holding down the defensive end with her defenders. She has improved so much since the start of the season, and I am excited to see how the season progresses for her."

The Panthers (2-3), who also notched a narrow 2-1 win over Fieldston on September 13, have improved steadily throughout the fall.

"What has clicked for our team is knowing when to have fun and joke around versus being more serious," Fitzsimmons said. "Our practices consist of fun games, but also conditioning, drills and scrimmages, where it's more serious. The team does a good job of having fun while learning, which is essential to a good and bonded team."

Masters will aim to keep the momentum going in its next game against Convent of the Sacred Heart School on Wednesday, October 16, at 4:30 p.m. at Greene Family Field.

"My goals for the rest of our season are to keep winning games and working hard," Fitzsimmons said. "I have found that our team feels the most bonded after a good game — whether we win or lose."