Cadets getting closer

Now starting their third year of play as a varsity sport, the Hilton Cadets field hockey team is still looking for their first win. But the 4-0 and 5-0 losses of two years ago are now one goal losses so it is just a matter of time before there will be quite a celebration in Hilton.

After tying two games last season against Webster Thomas and Pittsford Mendon and graduating nine seniors, the Cadets return seven seniors and one junior this fall.

Their season began last week with a 1-0 loss at home to Brighton, a team that beat them 3-0 last season. The only goal of the game came in the first five minutes before the Hilton defense rallied and held the Barons without a shot the rest of the first half.

With seven minutes remaining in the second half, freshman Kathryn Godshalk gathered up a loose ball at midfield and rushed toward the Brighton net but shot wide. The Cadets had two shots and one corner in the game while goalkeeper Meagan Kruizenga stopped six of Brighton's seven shots on net. The defense of seniors Sally Shultz, Janel Kierecki, Janah Butlin and Kristen Hafner helped thwart eight Baron corners including five in the second half.

"We're improving and we're really close to winning," said second-year head coach Amy Hargather. "We showed more athleticism and quickness and our starters are in better condition so they can give us more minutes this year. Today was a good starting point to the season."