Thursday, November 13, 2008

By Cory K. Doviak
NJS.com Editorial Director

Kristen Davila scored on a penalty stroke to give Holmdel the lead for good in a 3-0 win over Wayne Hills in the Group 3 semifinals.

MONTCLAIR – The Wayne Hills field hockey team did something this season the program had not seen the likes of in over 25 years. Winning the North 1, Group 3 state title marked the first sectional championship for the Patriots since 1982 when they went won the outright Group 4 title.

It had already been a banner season for Wayne Hills heading into Wednesday’s Group 3 state semifinal, but it ran into a Holmdel team that had bigger goals in mind.

Kristen Davila scored on a penalty stroke nine minutes into the game and Holmdel never looked back. The North 2, Group 3 champs dominated from start-to-finish in handing Wayne Hills a 3-0 loss that ended its season.

“We’ve been here before and (Wayne Hills) was here for the first time. We had to use that to our advantage,” said Holmdel head coach Karen Baldwin. “I just told the girls to come in here today and play like it’s our last game and they did.”

Stevie Klie’s shot nearly set up a goal 14 minutes into the second half.

Wayne Hills’ goaltender Stephanie Zygmunt was under attack all game long and held her ground for most of it. After making two point-blank saves, she fell on the ball which resulted in a penalty stroke. Davila picked out a spot and by inches just made her target. Her shot clanked high off the left post and in to put the Hornets ahead 1-0.

“I just took a deep breath and picked out a spot to shoot for,” said Davila. “The hardest part about taking the stroke was keeping my nerves in check. It’s so important to start off strong and score early in the state tournament. I knew that if I scored there that we would settle down and play our game because we have a lead.”

Just less than five minutes later, the Hornets padded their lead. Davila’s long shot was redirected by Kristen Gagliardi past Zygmunt and into the back of the cage for a 2-0 lead. The Hornets had numerous chances to pad that lead, but Zygmunt kept the Patriots within striking distance at the half.

The Patriots nearly scored and made it a game 14 minutes into the second half. Wayne Hills senior Stevie Klie’s shot was deflected by Amanda Beodeker, but right into the right pad of Holmdel goaltender Alex Diekman. That proved to be the only shot of the game for the Patriots.

Holmdel (19-1-1) closed out the scoring midway through the second half. Melissa Martorelli dropped a pass off to Davila, who ripped a shot inside the left post to make it 3-0 and the Hornets are on their way to their first-ever appearance in a state final. They will take on the winner of Wall Township and Ocean City on Sunday at Toms River East High School.

Amanda Beodeker nearly defelected home a goal for Wayne Hills.

“Just like today, we’re not going to be happy with just getting there, we’re there to win,” added Baldwin. “I think the competition we face throughout the season helps us come time for the state tournament. It brings up our level of play and prepares us for any situation.”

Zygmunt had a career-high 29 saves for Wayne Hills, whose season ended with a 16-4-1 record. Wayne Hills head coach Jen Badami feels this experience can only help the growth of an already strong program.

“Getting this far in the state tournament is brand new for us and there’s a learning curve that goes with that,” said Badami. “We had a great season and won our first section title in 26 years. They just took the momentum away from us early and we couldn’t get it back. We have nothing to be upset about though, we lost to a better team today. We were one of only 16 teams in New Jersey still standing going into today and in any season that’s quite an accomplishment.”

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