Delmarva Christian plays it close against neighboring Sussex Central
An increasingly confident Delmarva Christian field hockey team went stick-to-stick against Sussex Central Oct. 12, but ultimately lost 3-0 to the Golden Knights.
“They played their hearts out today, and that's all we've ever asked,” Royals coach Laura Balback said. “I know it was 3-0, but I'm really, really, really proud of them. They really fought today.”
The girls played to a scoreless draw in the first half, with the Royals defense coming up big, including senior Bella Marinelli saving a penalty stroke. Central generated more chances in the first but better-quality ones in the second, while the Royals’ offense became more of a threat in the second quarter. Junior Libby Dawson was one of the Royals driving the ball on reset with enthusiasm, and freshman Braelyn Hellens showcased a very impressive, deliberate carry.
About two-and-a-half minutes into the second half, Central scored the first goal of the contest. The visitors kept the pressure up and generated corner after corner against Delmarva Christian. Marinelli came up big for her team once again by stopping another penalty stroke.
With about six minutes to go in the game, the Golden Knights increased their lead with two goals in a 2:10 timespan to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
As the game came to a close, the Royals were far from a deflated squad.
“They were communicating well today, passing well, and just doing all the things that we've worked really hard on all season,” Balback said.
Marinelli registered eight saves in the second-to-last home game of her high school career.
