By Lesley Graham
The Ocean City High School field hockey team stifled conference opponent Bridgeton Friday afternoon 10-0 and turned around Saturday afternoon to defeat non-conference foe Lenape 3-1. The wins improved Ocean City’s record to 13-2-1.
Friday’s game was family day, which allowed Ocean City the opportunity to say thank you to all the parents and fans who support the team all season long.
It was also senior day, honoring the six seniors Ocean City has on the roster. Ocean City saw eight different goal scorers with Jaclyn Charbonneau and Sophia Gresham lead all scorers with two goals apiece.
The Red Raiders controlled the pace of the full 60 minutes, blanking Bridgeton for the second time this season.
The team was able to utilize the bench, giving playing opportunities to non-starters and even some junior varsity players. With a short recovery period, Head Coach Kelsey Mitchell knew getting fresh legs in the game would benefit Ocean City in the long run.
“We got a lot of people involved and got to recognize all the kids, their families and all those who support our program,” Mitchell said.
Less than 24 hours later, Ocean City was back on the turf to compete against an athletic Lenape team. The team put together crisp, clean passing and good field vision to score three goals in the opening 30 minutes.
Jaclyn Charbonneau opened up the scoring for Ocean City with a beautiful backhand goal. The Red Raiders dominated on offense, garnering seven corners, converting on two of them, both on goals by Reese Bloomstead and assisted by Chloe Prettyman.
Mitchell was impressed by the team’s play in the first half. “We were clicking on all cylinders,” she said.
In the second half, the team faltered a bit, allowing Lenape to make a run at it, but good efforts from the defensive backs and midfield play kept the win in Ocean City’s column.
“We won the first half, they won the second. Everything we wanted to do in the first half we did. (The) second half everything we talked about needing to happen didn’t happen,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell emphasized the need to put together a full 60-minute game. As playoffs near, it will be critical for Ocean City to play consistently for a complete game.
“We have a good tough week ahead of us that will be great preparation for the playoffs,” Mitchell said.
Ocean City has three remaining conference games this upcoming week, Monday and Wednesday at home, and Friday away at Mainland.
