In the opening game of the 2024 field hockey season, the New Haven Chargers defeated the American International College (AIC) Yellow Jackets, 2-1.
“The Chargers have been holding themselves to high standards, staying accountable, and working hard,” said senior forward, Abby Nixon.
“We’ve also been focusing on conditioning, team chemistry, and strategy all while having fun,” said Nixon. “It feels great starting off the season with a win.”
In the first quarter, American International’s Morgan Martellio batted around the deep end and was able to tip in the first and only goal of the game for the Yellow Jackets. Scoring in the 12th minute of the game, Martellio was assisted by Mia Wood. New Haven had one attempted shot in the first and second periods. AIC tallied 5 attempted shots in the first half, but the Chargers held their ground defensively. After a lack of offense, New Haven was set back 1-0 by American International at the half.
Forward, Kat Trammel said she knew that being in a deficit, the team had to work together to earn the win.
“We knew what we needed to fix going into the second half being down a goal,” said Trammel. “We had to put trust in each other that every single one of us would do our job to get that ball in the goal”.
Starting the second half, New Haven came in strong offensively, Trammel was able to touch the back of the cage after an assist through Nixon. Nixon recovered a rebound in front of the cage from an attempted shot which put Trammel in position to strike a goal. After scoring in the 4th minute of the 3rd period, New Haven and American International stood 1-1.
During the remainder of the third period, New Haven attempted another goal but was blocked by the Yellow Jacket’s defense. American International had just one attempted goal and both teams had two corners during the third quarter. A corner happens when the defending team fouls in the offensive team attacking circle. The offensive team gets a free chance to score from their attacking circle.
With a close game, Nixon struck a goal after a rebounded shot from forward, Sydney Moda. The cross back in front of the cage which led to Nixon’s shot put the Chargers at a lead of 2-1 with two minutes remaining in the game.
New Haven finished the game with 5 shots on goal, while American International had 7. Both teams earned a total of 21 fouls.
The Yellow Jacket’s goalkeeper had two saves during the season opener, while New Haven’s Cara Lambert had 6 while playing the full 60 minutes.
New Haven field hockey stands 1-0, after their first non-conference game of the season. The Chargers will take the field again on Friday against the Shippensburg Raiders at Robb Sports Complex. The match will start at 3 p.m. For more information please visit NewHavenChargers.com.
