West Deptford Field Hockey Delivers Drama for a Cause

For one day, the field hockey team traded in its familiar green and white uniforms for bright pink T-shirts.

The move was done for a cause, as the team hosted a Haddon Heights in a Colonial Conference game dubbed “Play for the Cure.”

Given the way the game ended, the Eagles may want to consider breaking out the pink T-shirts more often.

Claudia Theriault swept home a redirected corner with one minute, 15 seconds left in overtime as West Deptford pulled out a dramatic 2-1 victory Monday afternoon.

Sydney Ponto floated in a shot off a corner that was redirected by Amanda Hojnowski and tapped in by Theriault just before it crossed the line.

Ironically, Ponto’s shot was the weakest one she had attempted all game.

“Oh my God, my heart was racing,” said Ponto. “My shots had been on, and that was the worst shot I took all day. But we finished on it, so that was a good thing.”

Ponto nearly ended the game three minutes earlier, but her shot off a corner rang off the post.

“I really thought it was going in the way it came off my stick,” said Ponto. “When it hit the post, it was a little disappointing.”

Although the game had as much drama as anyone could ask for, it hardly felt like an even game. West Deptford controlled play for the opening 25 minutes, generating eight corners and several good scoring chances, but it was the Garnets who struck first, getting a goal on their first shot of the game with 4:40 left in the first half.

“We were pretty excited going into it knowing it was breast cancer day and we got to wear our new jerseys,” said Theriault. “I hope the excitement didn’t go to our heads. I think we played a pretty good game once we got into it, but we just couldn’t finish.”

The Eagles got the equalizer 7:29 into the second half when Ponto fired in a corner that was saved by Haddon Heights goalie Maresa Malcom, but Theriault pounced on the rebound and swept it home.

The Eagles continued to press to find the game-winner, but Malcom stood on her head throughout the contest. She finished with 16 saves, including five in overtime. If not for Malcom, the game never would have reached overtime, as the Garnets spent most of the game in their own defensive end and finished with just six shots.

“We had many more opportunities than they had, so it should have been a different score,” said West Deptford head coach Linda Decker. “Their goalie and their defense kept them in it.”

Malcom’s play certainly made for the type of drama rarely seen during a regular-season game. Players on both sidelines stood on the benches during the entire overtime, as the game switched from traditional 11-on-11 to a wide open 7-on-7.

“I don’t think it should have ever gotten that far, but it was very exciting,” said Ponto. “I just hope we don’t do that again (in the playoffs).”

The breast cancer awareness event was put together by senior defender Erica Durham. She took care of getting the shirts put together and worked with the Haddon Heights athletic department to ensure that they were on board.

“Erica deserves all the credit for this,” Decker said.

The game was scheduled to take place earlier in the month, but rain forced the postponement. It became an extra-special event, since Monday was also senior day. The seniors were honored at halftime as they lined the field with their parents.

“The girls have worked for four years and some of them longer than that starting at middle school, so it’s a big deal for them,” said Decker. “Certainly, it should be a big deal for their parents as well, and they were all here which was wonderful.”

West Deptford should find out its postseason schedule by Wednesday when the NJSIAA releases its brackets. A first-round game could be played as early as Friday.

The Eagles should certainly have momentum on their side, as they are winners of four straight. However, both Decker and her players are hoping the opening playoff game has a little less drama and a little more scoring.

“Hopefully we will finish the ball earlier and get on top so it lifts our spirits,” said Theriault.