On paper it was supposed to have been closer.

With the visiting Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute Lions undefeated (and shutting out their last opponents for a 2-0-0 record), the undefeated varsity A Red Hawks field hockey team expected a close game.

By the time the dust settled, the Red Hawks showed they were the class of the Kawartha Field Hockey League, shutting out the Lions 8-0.

In the first few minutes the game was knotted 0-0. It was unusually tight for HHSS, who has demonstrated a knack of hitting the scoreboard first and often.

The Red Hawks coach Caley Sisson said the close play was a result of past games.

“Honestly, I think the first few it was mental because this was a team we tied 0-0 last year. We come out and beat them 8-0? This was also a team that beat Crestwood two weeks ago 1-0,” she said, adding HHSS beat Crestwood 3-0. “I wouldn’t say our team was bang on last week [when we played Crestwood]. This is more their game.”

Although last year the Lions held the Red Hawks scoreless, the Lions coaching staff said their team has not played together very long. Many are in Grade 9.

HHSS demonstrated great composure and patience in the early going. The Lions had three defenders deep in their own end and offered few scoring opportunities, clearing many passes from danger.

Undeterred, the Red Hawks exploited the Lions lack of pace.

Haliburton’s forwards Laura Pottier, Sandy Griffith Ali and Brigitta Hicks seemed to carry the play, pushing the ball deep with their pace and deft ball handling skills.

When Pottier ran down the sideline and sent a nice cross into the shooting circle it left Griffith a great opportunity to score. However teammate McKenzie Hill pounced on the loose ball and tallied her first marker with shot in close to the Lions keeper for her first goal of the year for 1-0. The proverbial floodgates opened as the team built upon the momentum.

Bishop quickly added another and a shot from an assist by Griffith for the insurance goal 2-0.

That was all they needed, as the rest of the game was an execution of domination.

HHSS goalkeeper Jenn Woolacott, who faced one shot, registered her third shutout in as many games.

It’s a testament to the defensive corps of Jessica Duchene, Holly Broderick, Emma Paul and Dakotah Francis, including the back checking by midfielders Bishop, both Hicks’ sisters and Erin Little.

Griffith, who had two assists, finished with a hat-trick while Ali Hicks had a pair and Ali Valleau scored one (her first of the season). Pottier had two assists while Breana LaRue and Tanisha Gordon each had an assist.