THE DEFENSE earned a shutout over Wilmington on Sept. 24. Pictured from left to right is Ellie Ortega, Stella Bangston, Sophia DeAngelis and Allison Pesa. (Alicen Encarnacao Racca Photo)
WILMINGTON — The Wakefield High field hockey team earned their second win of the season on Sept. 24 at Wilmington High, shutting out the Wildcats by a score of 2-0.
Both Wakefield goals were scored by Sophia Tulipani. The junior now has 5 goals on the season.
“She is always at the post just waiting to tip that ball in,” said head coach Cara Luca of Tulipani’s goal-scoring instincts.
Those two tallies were all the Warriors needed on offense as the defense came to play. They worked hard to limit chances and when Wilmington got close, senior captain Stella Bangston was there in net to clear everything away. Bangston had 4 saves to earn her first shutout. Typically a midfielder, Bangston, the only senior on the squad, stepped up for the Warriors as she filled in for injured starting goalie Jordan Loftus.
“Stella did a great job,” said Luca of her captain. “She was moving really well in net.”
ALLISON PESA had a terrific game for the Warriors in the midfield during their 2-0 win over Wilmington on Sept. 24. (Alicen Encarnacao Racca Photo)
Luca was also quick to mention the work of the midfielders, most especially junior Allison Pesa, who was all over the field, maintaining possession, battling for loose balls and setting the tone.
“Allison had a phenomenal game, it was her best game of the season,” said Luca. “She controlled everything for us — backing up the forwards and getting the ball back up the field. She was also dominant in helping the backfield.”
In the end, it was big win for the Warriors who are working hard on improving as the season goes on. Wakefield isn’t the most experienced team in a tough Middlesex League, but they have battled every game and continue to stay positive.
“We needed this win,” said Luca. “We haven’t had the best season in the win column but we are working hard on playing together as a team and trying to master the fundamentals.”
The Warriors will travel to Lexington on Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. before a huge rematch against rival Melrose on Thursday, 4:15 p.m. at Pine Banks Field.
