Two sides of victory for field hockey

A sea of pink-wearing fans cheered on the DHS varsity field hockey team as it defeated Bella Vista on Oct. 11 in a spirited 4-0 game. The contest, however, was much more than just a game; it was a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The DHS Blue Devils joined hundreds of field hockey teams across the nation in the “Play 4 the Cure” event, in which participating teams have managed to contribute thousands of dollars to the Komen Foundation for breast cancer research by “playing pink.”

The field hockey players who, like their fans, were suited in pink uniforms for the event, struggled to come alive in the first moments of their game.

“The girls weren’t passing or communicating in the first half, and they knew it, too,” varsity coach Katy Loge said.

Despite a stagnant first half of the game, sophomore forward Ali Campos managed to score two goals. The second goal, which brought the score to 2-0, was a heated stick scuffle in which sophomore forward Kylie Drexel barely managed to pass the ball to Campos to secure to goal.

The second half was marked by the home team’s iron defense, despite Bella Vista’s fierce attempts to turn the tide of the game. With sixteen minutes left in the game, Bella Vista forwards drove rapidly towards the Davis goal, but they faced unrelenting defense by senior goalie Sarah Finley and junior left defender Megan Whitworth. Whitworth was able to punt the stray ball to the other side of the field.

Two more goals were scored by senior forward Sarah Riesenberg in the second half, bringing the final score to 4-0.

Davis’ victory, however, was not just a triumph for the team, but one for women all across the world.

“The girls have to understand that it’s not just about us in our own little world,” Loge said. “By doing this, we are trying to give back to the community.”

In preparation for the “Play 4 the Cure” game against Bella Vista, the varsity players watched a movie about breast cancer awareness the day before the game.

“After watching the movie, it empowered us as a team and inspired us to go out to make a difference,” junior forward Jennifer Gold said.

The $3 game admission, along with $10 pink t-shirts and various baked goods, all went to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“It was a great idea [to do this fundraiser],” junior Isaac Contreras said. His mother is one of the 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. “And the cookies I bought were delicious and totally worth it.”

The field hockey team managed to raise $1383.65 for breast cancer research, and maintained their undefeated season record in the Eastern Athletic League.