In a home rematch on Friday, Oct. 10, Randolph Field Hockey lost to Mount Olive 3-2 in the team’s annual “Pink Out” game.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Week, the event helped raise money for breast cancer research. To support the cause, players wore pink socks and warm-up shirts and many dyed their hair pink.
To start the game, Mount Olive scored in the first three minutes, with a swift pass and drive into goal that broke through Randolph’s defense. Randolph quickly fought to get onto the offensive with various attempts at goal for the remainder of the first quarter.
Heading into the second quarter, Randolph earned various corners in the first five minutes. A dogfight by the goal left players in a pile during the last two minutes. Randolph freshman Julia Manganiello tipped in the Rams’ first goal to tie the score at 1-1.
In the third quarter, senior Daniella Gizienski found many shots at goal along with freshman Devyn Myers and senior Catalina Martinez. Randolph pressed in multiple corners as well, but could not follow through with point conversions.
In the fourth quarter, Randolph intensified the pressure and started the game on the offensive. Within the first two minutes, Gizienski drove the ball into the goal with an assist by senior Avery Gamsby. Mount Olive responded with over three corners and and eventually tied the game with a goal off one of them. In a dramatic finish, Mount Olive scored again with less than 10 seconds remaining to seal the 3–2 victory.
“It was a really hard loss for the girls after we previously tied them, but we have to keep our heads up and move on,” senior co-captain Jillian Liebhauser said. “We played a really good game and had a lot of opportunities.”
There were many corners throughout the game with strong saves from Randolph with multiple line saves. Randolph’s defense was powerful, as the team only gave up two goals in the last quarter.
Despite the loss, Randolph demonstrated incredible teamwork and determination, showing Mount Olive that the Rams are persistent fighters. Randolph displayed grit and strength, fighting until the last second.
“Even though we didn’t come out on top, the sequences we’ve been practicing are starting to come alive, and soon we’ll be able to execute them flawlessly,” Gizienski said.
Manganiello and Meyers were named Varsity Players of the Game for their standout performances.
Although Randolph only put two in the net, the offense took many shots against Mount Olive’s goalie; the Rams used their passing game and demonstrated good movement of the ball throughout the field.
“I am proud of the fight we put up. It was not an easy game, but we showed up to play,” senior co-captain Bowie Manning said. “You can see the girls implementing skills we’ve honed during practice in the game, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
The team went on to play Montville in an away match, falling 5-0.
Next up, the Rams will travel to face Roxbury on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
