By Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
Nerves and cheers permeated the atmosphere as the third-seeded Dover-Sherborn field hockey team convened at Burlington High for the state semi-final match against the top-seeded Newburyport Clippers. Bleachers were brimming with friends and family, gathering to rally behind the Raiders in what proved to be the most significant challenge the field hockey girls had encountered thus far. The match unfolded as an intense battle, with the Raiders maintaining composure and asserting themselves against the Clippers by retaining possession of the ball. Regular time transitioned into overtime, and subsequently into double overtime, as both teams vied for a spot in the Division III state championship game. In double overtime, the Raiders succumbed to Newburyport in a swift turn of events that positioned the Clippers one point ahead in the sudden-death competition.
Following a scoreless first half, the weight of pressure intensified on both sides of the field during the strategic halftime discussions between the teams and their coaches. Dover-Sherborn fans vigorously shook shiny pom-poms and erupted in cheers as the first whistle signaled the commencement of the third quarter. The Raiders emerged even more formidable, thwarting any offensive attempts by Newburyport. Within the initial eight minutes of the quarter, a sharp whistle from the referee halted the game to penalize Newburyport within D-S’s offensive circle. This granted the Raiders a penalty corner, offering an opportunity to secure an advantage on the scoreboard. Lily capitalized on the chance, propelling the ball into the Clippers’ net and eliciting ecstatic reactions from spectators. Despite this initial triumph, Newburyport retaliated a few minutes later, breaching Dover-Sherborn’s defense and successfully scoring, leveling the competition.
As the third quarter concluded, both teams relentlessly went back and forth, refusing to yield. In the waning moments of the fourth quarter, the Raiders earned two penalty corners against Newburyport. However, the Clippers managed to thwart these attempts, resulting in a scoreless fourth quarter. In the brief five-minute break before overtime, sudden-death loomed as both teams selected their starting seven players for a 7v7 full-field showdown, with the first team to score emerging victorious.
With the score knotted at 1-1, the whistle heralded the commencement of overtime, creating a nail-biting experience. Dover-Sherborn dominated the 7v7 game, showcasing composure and trust among teammates. Coach Molly McGill called a timeout in the first overtime session, and the Raiders returned to the field, maintaining possession throughout the quarter. In double overtime, D-S displayed resilience, holding off Newburyport for about eight minutes. However, the Clippers seized an opportunity and maneuvered a shot past Dover-Sherborn's defense, concluding the match with a 2-1 score in favor of Newburyport.
Supportive spectators cheered on the Raiders as they rushed onto the field to celebrate and offer solidarity to their team. Head coach Molly McGill expressed pride in the team, acknowledging the seniors' contributions to the game and the overall 2023 season.
“I can’t express how proud I am of them and the effort especially in those final overtimes, it’s not easy playing 7v7. They didn’t quit right until the last goal. I can’t even put it into words how the leadership, grit, talent, and just everything this group of seniors brings, they led all the way until the very end,” said McGill.
