Covenant’s field hockey team has suffered a number of injuries over the past few weeks to players like Lizzy Shim that have limited or altered lineups, changing what a talented roster can do within a game.
But the Eagles are all healed up now, and Friday afternoon that rejuvenated lineup sparked the Eagles to a 2-1 victory over a powerhouse Collegiate program ranked No. 5 in the VISAA’s Division I rankings. The Eagles are VISAA Division II’s No. 2-ranked squad.
“This is kind of the first game where we’ve had everybody and we’ve been able to try different positions and formations,” Gumbs said. “All of our subs were healthy and it’s nice to know that we have a team where we can use all of our subs and our team on the field is healthy too.”
The Eagles got the job done with two first half goals from Maddy Fagan. Fagan was part of and benefited from a fast start to the game by a Covenant squad that has had a few slow starts, particularly lately.
“Madison as well as all the other girls started the game, the first minute, with intensity because that hasn’t necessarily been happening,” Gumbs said. “With Madison, she scored two beautiful goals but the bigger thing is her whole 60 minutes were really phenomenal.”
Collegiate managed to collect itself after Fagan’s first goal, with Caitlin Allocca scoring the equalizer for the Cougars.
“I think we did (find some rhythm) but it was a couple of things Covenant played great, they played together as a team,” said Collegiate coach Karen Doxey.
Covenant moves on to host Carlisle next Friday while Collegiate will play St. Catherine’s on the road Tuesday.
