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Pentucket beats Amesbury in role reversal for field hockey programs

Tuesday, October, 23 By John Shimer
Staff writer

A pair of Lyndsay Beaton goals was the difference in an evenly played game as Pentucket beat Amesbury, 2-0.

After leading 1-0 at halftime, the Sachems put the finishing touches on the Indians off Sarah Galligan's penalty corner. Beaton sent her second goal home, and the Indians couldn't find any scoring of their own.

"We struggled to move the ball well on offense for a lot of the game," Pentucket coach Ruth Beaton said. "This was our last official home game, so I think there was some emotions going around, but in the end we pulled it together." Amesbury coach Gail Kelleher said she was pleased with her team's intensity, but that her team just could not get the breaks.

"During the game it seemed like an even game, and when I checked the stats later on for shots, saves, and corners they confirmed to me what I saw on the field," Kelleher said. "However, I told my team after the game that when you have a really good record often those breaks just go your way the way they did for Pentucket today."

The loss left traditional Cape Ann League powerhouse Amesbury in an unfamiliar position. At 7-8-3 the Indians are on the outside looking in for a tournament birth and must beat Newburyport in their final match game tomorrow.

"I have a lot of faith in my girls' ability," Kelleher said of her team. "Right now we are fighting for our lives to extend the season, and I know Newburyport would love to put a whammy on us.

"The thing about Newburyport is they play so hard no matter what their record is, and would love to spoil our season," Kelleher said of the Indian's arch rival. "We need to play our finesse game, have good stick work, and get to the ball first in order to have time to do the things we want."