The Varsity Field Hockey team had a crazy 1-0 overtime win over Salem on September 30th, which was also their senior night. The game was scoreless and very back and forth. The 4th quarter ended in a 0-0 tie, meaning it would go into overtime. 

The NHIAA field hockey overtime rules only allow 7 field players, instead of the normal 10. It’s a 15 minute quarter and if no one scores by the end of those 15 minutes, the game ends as a tie. Less players on the field make the game more difficult and tiring, especially after playing a whole hour beforehand. 

The overtime began and remained scoreless. The last few minutes the ball was in the Owl’s defensive circle, and things weren’t looking good. Senior Jess Dow got a hold of the ball for a second and sent it up the field to open space. Junior Alexa Salafia sprinted to get it with less than 5 seconds on the clock. She entered Salem’s defensive circle and took a 1v1 shot against the goalie, and scored! 

It was a very exciting moment to witness, the crowd on the sidelines was just as excited as the players. When Alexa, the scorer of the goal was asked about the game she said “I got carded in the beginning of the overtime because I was upset after one of Salem’s players tripped me, so I kinda pushed her for some reason and I have never done that before.” Alexa’s 2 minute penalty didn’t stop her from coming back though. “I felt like I had nothing to lose so I ran as fast as I could and just shot it.” Alexa said “I felt shocked when the ball went in and excited because it was senior night and we all really wanted to win.” 

It was definitely a special win for the Owls and especially for the seniors on the team. The Owls are continuing their momentum and playing their last few regular season games before playoffs begin. We hope to see more crazy goals from Alexa and wins from the team!