The score may not show it, but it was their greatest challenge this season.
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is the Red Hawks varsity A field hockey team is always motivated when it comes to the arch rivals from Bancroft, the North Hastings High School Huskies – whether it’s an exhibition or championship game.
Both perennial powerhouses, who often face each other in the Central Ontario Secondary School Athletics championships, the two teams squared off in an exhibition game during a steady shower with temperatures just above freezing in Haliburton on Thursday, Oct. 16.
HHSS finished with 4-0 win, but appreciated the challenge, as they gave up four short corners and half a dozen shots, the Red Hawks head coach Caley Sisson said.
“It gives our defence some added pressure. It was good for them to practice and experience that,” she said. “It was awesome for [goalkeeper] Jenn [Woolacott] to get some shots on her and she did not disappoint. Jenny played amazing.”
These scoring chances resulted in far more scoring challenges than any other game this season, including tournament play.
Sisson isn’t taking anything for granted and expects tougher competition when they may face the Huskies in the playoffs.
“This was great for us and a wonderful experience. We’re fortunate to have them come over and play us in exhibition. Absolutely, they will be a different team [next time],” she said.
Red Hawks forward Mackenzie Hill started the scoring just minutes into the game 1-0.
Hill was open on the far side of the Huskies goalkeeper and struck on the team’s first scoring chance.
A few plays later the Red Hawks struck again.
Forward Sandy Griffith scored (2-0) on a shot after teammate Charlene Hicks, who was in front of the net, had her chance to score taken from her when it was cleared from her by a Huskies defender. The clearing attempt went right to Griffith.
On the next offensive rush Hicks, who was undeterred, rushed the ball and worked it inside causing a melee in front of the Huskies keeper. The Red Hawks forward Tanisha Gordon struck for the insurance marker 3-0.
The Huskies regrouped and attacked immediately after.
Red Hawks goalkeeper Jenn Woolacott stood tall, including a diving save on a second effort.
True to the Huskies never-say-die attitude the game went back and forth. The neutral zone tightened up with both teams exchanging possession. The visitors continued to garner more scoring chances and came close, particularly when a ball got behind Woolacott. Her teammate Jessica Duchene came to her rescue, clearing the ball from the goalline to preserve the shutout.
Hill finished the game and any chance of a comeback for the Huskies when she scored for her second of the game 4-0.

Note: Red Hawks forward Brigitta Hicks left the game with noticeable pain after she took a deflected clearing off her kneecap. Her walking was laboured, but it is undetermined whether she’ll miss the team’s next game.

Two days earlier the Red Hawks beat Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School 5-0 in league play. Sandy Griffith scored two with Laura Pottier, Brigitta Hicks and Ali Valleau each adding one goal.