ROCKPORT – The Camden Hills field hockey team has played their share of preseason games this fall, but today when Waterville came to play it was for real. Today was opening day, and both teams were looking to start the season off on the right foot.

No matter what Camden Hills coach Lindsey Clement saw in preseason, what she witnessed today had to have her smiling as the defense played extraordinarily opening up some opportunities for the offense who put two goals in during each half for a 4-0 win.

“Our defenders are looking to be more aggressive in the midfield than last year,” said Camden Hills coach Lindsey Clement. “They're doing a great job at supporting their midfielders, clearing the ball to space, and anticipating the other teams offense. We've spent entire practices dedicated to anticipating the other team's ball movement, and it has paid off.”

Clement continued, “Caroline Keefe and Frances Pendleton are proving to be tough and making smart decisions about how to steal the ball and where to take it. Waterville had some moments in the second half where I was questioning if we could hold them from scoring, but Caroline stopped multiple shots and intercepted passes that likely would have been goals for Waterville. Waterville continued to make adjustments to their lineup, and by the end of the game they were creating scoring opportunities for themselves.” 

The Windjammers defense was outstanding. During the first half of play, Waterville had the ball on the Camden Goal side for less than two minutes. Between the stone-solid defense, the offense was aggressive going after the ball and taking good shots. 

“Today our girls looked fast and showed lots of good stick work,” said Clement. “We're aiming to play a cleaner and smarter game of field hockey, fewer fouls, more passing, and relying less on breakaways (unless we know it will wear the other team down).”

Scoring for Camden Hills was Emily Daggett with all four goals. Two in each half. Willow Grinnell had two assists, and Caroline Keefe had one. 

Camden Hills had 15 corners while only giving Waterville two. 

Camden keeper Sara Schaefer had one save on one shot from the Purple Panthers. The Waterville goalie had 17 saves on 21 shots in the loss. 

“Today the girls were excited to start their season off well, and the adrenaline made them play their old style of field hockey, lots of dribbling and running,” said Clement. “Waterville was tough to get through in their circle as they surrounded the ball with lots of players, and the only way to get through was to rely on clean and quick dribbling. Emily Daggett, Emily Bowen, Halsey Yattaw, and Willow Grinnell were all instrumental in our offensive end. Willow does a phenomenal job at getting open, vocally leading her teammates on the field, and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. When Waterville's defense proved tough to penetrate, Halsey looked to bring the ball out wide to draw their defenders out.”

Next up for the Windjammers is Saturday, Sept. 5 when they travel to Spruce Mountain of Jay for an 11 a.m. game. 

“Because of our conditioning, quick skills, and smart decision making on the field we were able to walk away with a win,” said Clement. “If we keep up this level of play and work on passing a little more (instead of dribbling), we should have a successful season. They worked hard today for the win, and I am excited to see what this season will bring.” 

Ron Hawkes can be reached at sports@penbaypilot.com