Page 171 - WHS FH 2014 Memory Book - Megan Cunningham

Saturday, October 25, 2014

FCIAC Field Hockey Quarterfinals: Wilton

Pushed to the Brink by Greenwich

By Joe Ryan

WILTON — The Wilton field hockey
team found out earlier in the week how
tough an opponent Greenwich can be
when the Cardinals handed the Warriors
their first loss of the year. For a while on
Saturday it looked like Greenwich was
about to do it again. Wilton had learned
its lesson, however, coming away with a
2-1 win in the second overtime in the
quarterfinals of the FCIAC Tournament.

Senior Meg Cunningham delivered the
game-winner off a penalty corner with
8:49 left in the second extra frame. For
Cunningham and her mates, it was both
redemption and elation as she buried the
open shot and had dominated the action
throughout most of the game but had
been unable to finish.

Cunningham credited coach Deirdre
Hynes, who told the team Greenwich
goalie Leah Hotaling had been
jumping out early on their corners all
night leaving a void behind her.
Cunningham took advantage and slid in front of the open net to convert the loose ball for the clinching tally.
The senior admitted it was not easy but added her team never lost faith

"It took us a while to get a little more connected. We came out really strong, but they definitely proved a point,"
said Cunningham. "We just had to stick together and ride it out, which we did."

The first half ended in a scoreless tie despite Wilton holding the edge in every category. The Warriors outshot
the Cardinals 7-1 and had six penalty corners, while Greenwich was not awarded any in the first 30 minutes.
The Cardinals defense, led by Sarah Cicchetti and Hotaling, kept Wilton at bay. They packed the goal area to
make it nearly impossible for the Warriors to send a pass across the goal mouth or stick handle through.
Hotaling was credited with five saves, including stonewalling Cunningham on a penalty shot.