Sussex Academy field hockey bounces back with offensive outburst

Despite being down two starting seniors, the Sussex Academy field hockey team did not miss a beat in its 10-0 victory over Seaford Oct. 9 in Georgetown.

“We had a of people willing to play a different position that they’re not used to,” said senior Ryan Lowe. “People had to try and replace Kacie [Rawlings] – not an easy job – but people were up for the challenge, and I think we did really well adjusting.” 

Sophomore captain Maeve Lawson took over in goal for Rawlings against the Blue Jays before junior Liz Layton handled second-half duties. Freshman Avery O’Connor had to fill the shoes of the other injured senior, Shea Danahy, and flashed some serious potential on the offensive side. 

“I always like seeing the underclassman scoring,” Lowe said. “It's great for them to get the opportunity to play with upperclassmen so they can transition into leaders in their future.”

Lowe opened the scoring as part of a four-goal first quarter. Following a scoreless second frame, Sussex Academy tacked on four more goals in the third quarter and added a couple more in the final period.

Lowe was joined on the solo scoresheet by Lawson, junior Meredith Schiff, junior Bailey Mears and freshman Audrey Snyder. A pair of freshmen, Emma Orlen and Mady Lehman, tied for the team lead with a brace each. 

“I've recently been practicing more shooting and I’ve been getting a lot more comfortable with shooting now, Orlen said.

Passing was crisp, communication was clear and the Seahawks made it a point to possess the ball until a proper opportunity arose on offense. Even with the new faces all over the pitch, Sussex Academy held strong defensively and did not allow Seaford to take a shot in the contest.

“We took everything that we learned from Cape and applied it here today,” Lowe said.

The Seahawks ran the clock on Seaford and used the advantageous minutes to work on possession and get everyone involved in the contest.

“We worked on the tactics of the transfers, getting the ball out wide and getting prepared for the next couple of games,” said coach Caitlyn Hardy.

Sussex Academy sits even at 5-5 following the victory and remains unbeaten in the Henlopen South, outscoring its rivals 23-0 in divisional play.