This past weekend the Comox Valley ladies field hockey team hosted the Westerly Tournament, a one-day event in Nanaimo at the Merle Logan artificial turf fields. As the Comox Valley does not have turf, the team had to use the Nanaimo fields.
Under blue skies and a blazing sun, the CV ladies played their first match against a skilful Nanaimo team. Even though CV had many opportunities, they could not capitalize and lost 2-0. Playing back to back, CV then faced the experienced and usually dominating Cowichan team. This was an excellent game with many chances at both ends of the field. Both goalies made many diving saves to keep the score even.
In the second half, CV got on the scoreboard with an excellent goal by Sandi Poirier. The play started in the back field with a pass up to right winger Kathleen Smits who made an excellent cross to Poirier who first-time deflected the ball into the top shelf of the Cowichan goal. Unfortunately, Cowichan snuck one past CV keeper MacKenzie Hanson to pull out a 1-1 tie.
The CV ladies next game was a playoff tilt – winner plays in the final, loser goes home. Being the third game of the day, CV were beginning to feel the effects of the heat and fatigue was really setting in. The ladies had to face Cowichan once again, but this time CV came up on top.
CV scored three super goals: one by left winger Shannon Sealy (aka Gazelle), another by the speedy Smits, and the third by the skilful Katie Leith. The CV ladies played their best game of the day, by far, winning 3-1. Outstanding play was again made by goaltender Hanson, who stunned the Cowichan forwards with awesome saves.
The CV ladies met Nanaimo in the final, making it their fourth game of the day and a back to back game. Unfortunately, Nanaimo netted a last-minute goal to win 1-0 and capture first place. CV ladies were very pleased with their overall play and were very glad when the final whistle blew.
The CV ladies best player of the day was Hanson, making spectacular save after save in each game. Other stellar performers included Avery Snider, Michaela Ashlee, Julie Micksch, Kim Murcheson, Moira Ashlee, Thu Robertson, Liz Girard, Anne Marie Fuller, Marnie Van der vliet and Jennifer Jolliffe.
Special thanks to Aleah Ashlee for looking after the technical table and to Thu Roberson for all her time and energy spent organizing the tournament. It was a great success! The Comox Valley Ladies also thank their sponsors; Pateman & Company Chartered Accountant, and Valhalla Pure Outfitters.
– Comox Valley Ladies field hockey
