Blue Bombers field hockey season features wins, potential - Huskies looking to grow, develop

Huskies Hannah Bast (centre) and Xazharia Sevensma (right) challenge a Strathroy opponent (left) for possession of the ball. (Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Echo Correspondent

One’s opponent celebrating a field hockey game’s first goal and the umpire’s whistle signalling the end of the match are not sounds one hopes to hear in close proximity.

But while a bit of a bitter pill to swallow, the experience was also expected to provide positive medicine energizing the Ingersoll DCI Blue Bombers moving forward.

“Incentive to do better next time,” agreed Bombers centre mid Ali Elliott.

IDCI goalie Kenna Pelton could not be faulted on the game-winner, making the initial save before a surging Wildcat buried the rebound. The 1-0 Thames Valley Regional Athletics girls field hockey loss to the West Lorne West Elgin Wildcats Sept. 24 at London City Wide #2 was a new experience for a Blue Bombers team which had opened its season with back-to-back 5-0 wins.

“Everyone was quiet, that’s good,” said IDCI co-coach Hillary Poyntz.

“We’ll channel that,” added compatriot Ange Matches.

“And not do it again,” smiled Poyntz.

The aforementioned one-goal loss aside, the Bombers start to the season has been a positive one for a young but promising squad.

“There is a ton of potential on our team,” said Matches. “They’re thirsty to learn and improve.”

IDCI lost a lot of veterans from last year’s team Elliott conceded.

“But we also gained a lot of fresh, new players who are a lot of fun to play with.”

Low D Reese Ellery is among the rookies, enjoying the opportunity to try something different.

“It’s just a new experience with a lot of athletic girls,” she said. “I think we have a strong team in the making.”

“We’re a pretty connected team,” agreed Pelton, coming to the sport from a background including hockey, volleyball and soccer with the shared goals of improving and contributing. “Just get better at the sport.”

Pelton earned her first shutout of the season through a 5-0 win over St. Thomas Central Elgin Sept. 22 at City Wide, fuelled offensively by two goals from Charlie Parsons and singles from Elliott, Kayla Ponting, Ava Bruinsma and Sophia Paterson.

The Bombers were looking to rebound in their next game against Woodstock Huron Park Huskies, closing the back end of a September 24 double-header.

“Try our hardest,” said Elliott.

“Come out strong with a positive attitude,” added Ellery.

The Bombers would rebound with a 5-0 victory over a Huskies squad, which says co-coach Hillary Jack, features a lot of multi-sport athletes, enjoying their introduction to the sport. Admittedly, neither she nor co-coach Derek Belore have much field hockey coaching experience.

“We’re pretty much out there to give the girls an opportunity to play, develop and have some fun.”

Huron Park opened its regular season on the 24th against Ingersoll DCI and Strathroy, and says Jack is stoked to get back out and continue with an enthusiasm and positive attitude the coaching staff finds heartening.

“They’re a fantastic group of girls, so supportive of each other. We can’t wait to go out there and watch them.”