SECTION IV FIELD HOCKEY: OWEGO BATTLES TOUGH IN LOSS TO MARATHON (23 PHOTOS) (2019-09-18)
BY TIM TAYLORTioga County Sports ReportOWEGO — Owego put forth a strong defensive effort here Wednesday night despite a 1-0 loss to a resurgent Marathon team.
All-conference midfielder Eilie Holland found a gap in the defense during a penalty late in the first half to score the game's lone goal. Prior to that the Indian defense had held strong on four corner attempts — and they would deny the Olympians seven more during the night.
Indian goalie Sarah Haskell would end up making 19 saves against Marathon's impressive stick-handling offense and her defensive counterparts helped deny the Olympians on several other scoring opportunities.
"Our defense definitely stepped up, did some of the adjustments that we asked for," said Owego head coach Kylie Hrehor. "Our goalie, Sarah Haskell, had a phenomenal game tonight. She just pulled it out tonight. She was all over the place. She was clearing the ball as well as I've seen her clear all season."
Unfortunately for the Indians, the Marathon defense was solid as well, allowing Owego just one shot and one corner.
However, the Indian offense did stepped up their attack during the last 15-17 minutes of the evening. Despite moving the ball into the Marathon end on several occasions, the Indians were unable to find a lane to the cage.
"Our offense is having a little trouble connecting, and our mid to our offense is having a little trouble connecting, so that's going to be a focal point in our practices," Hrehor said. "Having that connection and knowing where each other is going to be, and being in the right spot, and anticipating where you need to be is what we're going to be focusing on. They're not quite there yet. We're very young on the front line, so it's going to take a little time to get them used to each other and connect again."
The team was also without the services of Jordan Greeno, a key offensive player, late in the game. Hrehor said that with four games this week, including a second clash with SVEC Friday and a meeting with a talented Sidney team Saturday, it was best to sit Greeno out for the remainder of this one.
Marathon (6-1) outshot Owego (1-6), 20-1, and held a 12-1 advantage in corners. The Indians visit SVEC (2-3) Friday.
——————
IN PHOTO 1: Owego's Robyn Beyer. ... PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR
