LINWOOD — The Mainland Regional High School field hockey team was relentless on offense Wednesday, retaining possession for most of the game and continuously attacking the cage.
Emily Smith scores twice, Mainland clears Absegami | High School Live
Absegami’s Sarah Reina #29 battles for the ball against Mainland’s Emily Smith #8 during the first half of field hockey at Mainland High School Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Edward Lea Staff Photographer/Press of Atlantic City
Mainland’s Eva Blanco, right, battles for the ball against Absegami’s Grace Reitzel in the first half of the field hockey game at Mainland Regional High School on Wednesday.
Mainland’s Kylie Carmichael #12 battles for the ball against Casalnova Theresa #22 of Absegami during the first half of field hockey at Mainland High School Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Edward Lea Staff Photographer/Press of Atlantic City
Mainland’s Eva Blanco #5 battles for the ball against Abby Reed #6 of Absegami during the first half of field hockey at Mainland High School Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. Edward Lea Staff Photographer/Press of Atlantic City
Mainland’s Sandi Smoger, left, and Absegami’s Rhegan Apel square off in their field hockey game at Mainland Regional High School on Wednesday.
Mainland’s Julianna Medina #17 battles for the ball against Abby Reed #6 of Absegami during the first half of field hockey at Mainland High School Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Edward Lea Staff Photographer/Press of Atlantic City
Emily Smith scored twice to lead the Mustangs to a 4-0 win over Absegami in a Cape-Atlantic League American Division game. Mainland improved to 10-8-1.
“I think the passing for everyone was great,” said Smith, 16, of Egg Harbor Township. “Communication is key, and I think when we do our little passes, and not individually, it works really well to score a lot of goals.”
Mainland finished with 24 shots.
Absegami (3-10) didn’t register a shot, but it wasn’t for lack of offense. This is because the Mustangs midfield and defense were strong throughout, and mostly kept the ball in the Mainland offensive zone.
Even when the Braves had possession, it didn’t last long, which is a nod to the Mustangs’ defense, Mainland coach Jill Hatz said.
Mainland got 13 corners, Absegami had none.
“I think it comes from the support we have from our midfield and full-backs, just making sure they step in and pressure their girls when they have the ball,” Hatz said of of the Mustangs’ offensive dominance.
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/diarioas/EQ6PRYNZDT5JZNDXQC3GDLFZSU.jpg)
