The Carleton Ravens women’s field hockey team was humbled by the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on a cold and wet morning Sept. 26, losing 10-0 in front of their home fans at Keith Harris Stadium.
The loss drops the Ravens record to 0-4 this season.
Ravens head coach Michelle McEvoy said in a post-game interview the team knew they were “going into a tough game” and the plan was to “keep structure throughout the whole game.”
McEvoy added that the team goes through intensive practice sessions on a daily basis (except Mondays), and anyone who watched the game would be able to tell how much effort and dedication this team has put in.
At the half, the Ravens were down 5-0. Though they came out with intensity and determination in the second frame, they surrendered another five goals before the end of the game.
Despite allowing 10 goals against, Ravens goalkeeper Valentina Abril made several stellar saves in only her second game with the team.
Though Ravens captain Linette Martin said she was disappointed with the loss, she kept a positive outlook after the game.
“We are getting better, we are the younger team against the top talents of the league,” Martin said.
Martin said the team’s current strengths are “teamwork, a strong system and good communication among the team.”
John De Souza, U of T’s women’s field hockey team coach, said the Varsity Blues were having a good season, but after a difficult 3-2 win against Waterloo, his team was determined to “convert their chances” against Carleton.
“We have a good record with Carleton, whose team is still building up and improving with every game we play against them,” De Souza said.
And McEvoy said she was impressed with Toronto’s performance as well.
“This was a good, solid game. The goals were all skilled, they had to work for them,” she said. “[They] executed good tactics and everyone got a chance to play.”