Gilroy
– The Live Oak field hockey team jumped out to a quick start to
its fall campaign in the season opener Friday against visiting San
Jose. The Acorns (1-0) controlled play to win 3-0.
Gilroy – The Live Oak field hockey team jumped out to a quick start to its fall campaign in the season opener Friday against visiting San Jose.
The Acorns (1-0) controlled play to win 3-0.
“We dominated the entire game,” said third-year varsity coach Christy Musselmann. “Eighty-nine percent of the time we were on their half of the field.”
Live Oak got on the board in the first half with a goal from sophomore Kami Tersini. In the second half, Junior Sarah Whitling scored on an assist from senior Dayna Roth. Junior Rebecca Webb scored the final goal.
A late goal was called back because time had already expired after some confusion about how long the game was. But it didn’t affect the outcome.
Senior April Herrera, playing her first year at goalie, earned the shutout.
Because Live Oak is a B-level team and San Jose (0-1) is a C-level team, Musselmann said her team will have to play even better in the future.
“It was not a real test of what our girls can do,” Musselmann said. “We are a level above them – not that they didn’t play hard.”
In the past Live Oak has had the tendency to come out a little tentative, especially early in the season. But that was not the case, at least after the first game, Musselmann said.
“I was really surprised to see the girls come out aggressively,” Musselmann said. “Traditionally at Live Oak, we take five minutes or more to get warmed up. I was impressed the girls came out from the get-go.”
Musselmann admitted to being a little nervous about her personnel coming into the game. But some of her fears were eased afterward.
“The talent is phenomenal. We just don’t have a lot of varsity experience.” Musselmann said. “Even with the lack of experience, the talent will balance it out.”
The Acorns play at Homestead Wednesday and don’t return home until Sept. 21.
“It seems like it flip-flops from year to year,” Musselmann said. “Last year, we were at home more, but it gives us a chance to get the field in shape.”
The Acorns will have a tough schedule this preseason, playing perennial powerhouses Mitty and Los Gatos.
“It will be a good judge for where we are at,” Musselmann said. “If we are planning to go to CCS, we need to know what we will see. I always like to play harder teams because it shows you what you need to do. You might not win all the games, but the experience is more valuable.”
JVs defeat San Jose
Live Oak scored early in the first half to beat San Jose 1-0. The Acorns (1-0) didn’t allow any shots on goal or any short corners. Freshman Amanda Whitling, sophomore Erica Hickey and freshman Kelly Hillman all had solid games for the Acorns. Brooke Willis also contributed in the win.
“She was always were she needed to be. She helped out on offense and defense,” Musselmann said.
