Who Will Win the NCCC Field Hockey Title?

GRANBY – Granby’s 2-1 home victory over Avon High Friday gives them the opportunity to claim a share of the NCCC title if they win against Stafford on Nov. 1.

But if the Bears lose or tie, Avon maintains sole possession of its spot as first in the league. Friday marked Avon’s last conference game.

“I thought we played really well. We played with a lot of speed and intensity and we were the better team today,” Granby head coach Sandy Wickman Mason said. “It’s competitive hockey. It’s intense. I think it brings out the best in both teams.”

The game between the rivals had been rescheduled twice already, so both teams were eager to play.

“It was tough because it was away. Not all of our fans were here to cheer us on,” Avon senior co-captain Emily Arciero said. “They dominated us a little more and we had to be more defensive and we couldn’t have as many opportunities to score.”

Until Friday, Avon was undefeated with 13 wins; Granby is the only team that has beaten Avon this season.

“I don’t think we played as well as we should have,” Avon coach Terri Ziemnicki said. “I think they wanted it more. I think that they played harder. After that goal, we had a defensive letdown. I think they were hungrier. No excuses. They played better.”

Indeed, the Bears were the aggressors for most of the game and held a 13-3 shot advantage.

Granby gained the lead with 9:24 left in the first half off of a corner. Senior Hayley Makuch took the shot off the corner and junior Mia Olsen deflected it into the net. Makuch had many scoring opportunities throughout the game.

“She really held us together on attack, on defense and in the midfield,” Wickman Mason said. “She was the pillar today for sure.”

Avon had a chance to even the score under four minutes into the second half off of a corner that landed at Avon senior co-captain Arciero’s stick, but the Granby defense stifled the attempt.

So when Avon had another corner with 16:06 left in the second half, Avon made sure to capitalize on the opportunity. The Falcon offense pressured the Bear, who fended off their attackers for a little while. Arciero sent a shot toward the goal line and junior Caroline Schaefer was able to tap it in to tie the score 1-1.

That did not last for long. Granby motored down the field minutes later. Senior Brooke Kumnick drilled it toward the goal and sophomore Cailene Gunn deflected it into the cage for the winning goal.

“On our surface, our environment, it makes a huge difference,” Wickman Mason said. “Our field plays a lot faster than their field.”