Hilton Field Hockey ‘arrives’

In a tough battle between two field hockey teams with excellent records, the East Rochester Bombers outlasted the Hilton Cadets 3-0 Monday, October 15. The Cadets put up a tough defense for half the game, with much of the play in their part of the field, holding the Bombers to 0-0 half-time score. With outstanding play from the Lady Bombers’ Ashley Moulton, the East Rochester team prevailed, with two penalty shots for scores from Moulton and, with two minutes left, a shot from a scramble close to the goal from the Bombers’ Theresa Garritano.

All set for a penalty corner play (left) are Hilton defenders Meaghan McSorley, Kathryn Godshalk, Beth Haight and Jessica Maier, with goalie Nicole Sarratori standing behind them. The Cadets are now 9-3-1 and have three regular season games to play before the sectionals. All girls field hockey teams play in the sectionals.

Cadet Beth Haight really wound up and slammed the ball from her own end zone on this play. Photographs by Walter Horylev

Hilton Field Hockey ‘arrives’

After just a handful of seasons since the Hilton field hockey team was reinstated, this year they have more than doubled their best win total since their return and are now challenging the best teams in Monroe County.

“We are more competent and have better ability to compete with the other teams,” said head coach Amy Hargather.

As evidence of how far the program has come in a short period of time, the Cadets lost a 3-0 decision to the top team in the area—East Rochester—with two goals scored on penalty shots. ER has five players on their roster who were also members of the Empire State team from western New York.

Now 9-3-1 this season after winning four games all of last season, the Cadets are led by four-year starting seniors Kathryn Godshalk, Beth Haight, Heather Norris, Evin Norris and Kim Vocco and three-year starter Nicole Sarratori in goal. Junior Meghan McSorley is a three-year starter on defense.

Hilton’s best scoring chances came in the second half on October 15 with Evin Norris shooting wide, Godshalk putting a ball through the crease and Vocco hitting the side of the net with shots.

Ashley Moulton scored both penalty shot goals and Theresa Garritano the other goal for East Rochester.

Many members of the team have devoted time out of season playing in summer camps, a winter indoor league, playing for the Rochester Blizzard and/or participating in U.S. Field Hockey Association programs and tournaments.

“Our biggest win was against Penfield at home last week,” said Hargather. “They’ve always seemed to have our number. We’re playing as a team with heart, desire and pride.”