Warriors edged by Wilmington in 2-1 contest

Published in the September 23, 2015 edition

MEG HORRIGAN, a junior midfielder, helped to set up Wakefield's first goal on a penalty corner last night in the Warriors' road game at Wilmington. Despite a good effort, Wakefield was edged by a 2-1 score. (Donna Larsson File Photo)

MEG HORRIGAN, a junior midfielder, helped to set up Wakefield’s first goal on a penalty corner last night in the Warriors’ road game at Wilmington. Despite a good effort, Wakefield was edged by a 2-1 score. (Donna Larsson File Photo)

WILMINGTON — The Warrior field hockey team was seeking to continue its winning ways on the road after a pair of home victories. Despite a competitive effort, Wakefield was edged by Wilmington by a 2-1 score last night under the lights at Wilmington High School.

Wakefield fell to 2-3 on the season with all three defeats coming on the road. Wakefield’s two wins were at home against Arlington and Stoneham.

Each team scored a goal in the first half and were tied at 1-1 at the break. However the Wildcats netted the game-winning goal in the second to snap the Warriors two-game win streak.

“Defensively we had a good game. Molly (Leach) made a nice save in the first half blocking an aerial ball. Kim Padilla-Oquendo, our sweeper, made a nice stick stop to prevent the ball from going in the net,” said Coach Cara Luca. “Julianne D’Ambrosio, Meg Kerrigan and Rachel Tammaro all had a great game defensively. It was tough. At one point during the second half Wilmington had about five offensive corners making our defense work.”

Leach had three saves in goal for Wakefield

“Offensively, we struggled a little (in the) first half. Our midfield was not playing their positions, so getting the ball up to the forwards was difficult,” said Luca.

Wakefield’s lone goal came from a corner where Meg Horrigan sent a pass to Julianne Bourque who fired the ball toward the net. Sophomore Vanessa Kaddaras was there for the rebound and knocked it in.

In the second half, the midfield stepped up and was able to get the ball up to the forward line where Jill Cataldo was able to carry the ball up, said Luca.

The Warriors take on Methuen this afternoon at 4 p.m. in a non-league game at Nicholson Stadium in Methuen. Wakefield returns to Middlesex League Freedom division play on Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. against Melrose at Pine Banks.