Lady Warriors slip 1-0 to Eagles

On Friday, November 6, the Fallbrook girls’ varsity field hockey team hosted the San Pasqual Eagles for their final home game of the regular season.

For several Warriors, this was the last home game of their high school career. With the strengthened desire to win the contest, Fallbrook played with brilliance and determination. However, the tremendous effort fell just short as the first place Eagles took the victory 1-0.

In the first half, the Warriors quickly set the pace as they maintained possession of the ball. However, San Pasqual took advantage of a golden opportunity. Five minutes into the game, they scored with a goal off a penalty corner.

The remainder of the first half was well-balanced as both teams showed excellent defense. Oftentimes, a good drive would come just short of scoring.

At the end of the half, both teams had the same number of shots on goal with five each. The Warriors acquired four penalty corners while San Pasqual had three.

Fallbrook showed more effort in the second half. They continually pressured the Eagles into making bad decisions. Unfortunately for the Warriors, it was the same story as seemingly good drives were broken up at the last moment.

The opportunities were clearly evident, yet Fallbrook failed to capitalize. The game ended 1-0 as San Pasqual improved their league record to 8-1.

For the past several years, Fallbrook has experienced a great success with this year’s seniors. They have been the core players around which Fallbrook coach Kathy Waite has formed her team.

After an emotional game senior Christine Russell said, “It’s a really special moment for me. You’re going to miss the team; your team is like family to you.” Russell has been a defensive standout for the past few years.

Playing alongside her has been another key teammate, Melissa Maultsby. “This game kind of marks a new chapter in our lives,” said Maultsby.

Both players emphasized the importance and value the team has been to them. Senior Kyle Little has also been a great asset. Teammates described her as the ‘conductor’ on the field.

When asked about the impact of this year’s seniors, Coach Waite said, “Their skill level and their off-season work made our play so much stronger. The seniors stepped up beautifully and made the season a joy to coach.”

In the final home game of the season, sophomore Jamie Garcia won Most Valuable Player of the game.

Although the seniors will be moving on, with Garcia, juniors Lauren Hughey, Sarah Lopez, Shelby Sellers and Jahna Jordan and the talent on the junior varsity squad, Waite said she has the same level of confidence and positive outlook for next year.

The junior varsity team won their game against San Pasqual 1-0.