The field hockey team defeated Colby 4–1 while losing 4–0 to Tufts this past weekend. Now with a 6–3 record overall and 3–3 against other NESCAC teams, the team looks to build on their previous results so far this season.

The Spectator

asked Kiera Wax ’23 a few questions about past results and the team’s formula for success.

This past weekend, you made the long trip up to Colby and earned a huge 4–1 win. How does it feel to get that result during such a long weekend of travel?

It always feels good to get the win on our longest trips and I’m very happy that we were successful in both of the Maine games we have had this season. We were especially happy about how strong we came out on Colby’s field turf as it is an adjustment from our Astro turf here at Hamilton. It was great to see that our adjustments to this slower surface were made during warmups and our practices on Withiam Field rather than needing an adjustment period at the beginning of the game.

Sitting at 3–3 in the NESCAC, the team has earned some big wins, while only falling to some of the best teams in the country. How would you assess the team’s performance so far this season?

I think we have shown that we are capable of playing at a very fast pace and competing with very strong opponents. Despite the losing scores in some of these games, we were happy to see that we were able to make some of the best teams in the country nervous. This has always been a very positive and motivating team, and our performance so far makes me excited about our potential for our future games.

You have been a key part of a strong defense this year. How have your (and the rest of the defenders’) efforts helped guide this team to a solid 6–3 overall record?

I think our defense has been so strong because we trust each other. Maggie Reville ’22 is great at directing us where we need to be, and we communicate well when it comes to picking up our marks and who is stepping to the ball. I think our defense is great at staying low, anticipating the other team’s passes and giving our teammates help when it is needed. I think something I bring that helps our defense is a sense of patience and calmness, as it is important to wait for the right moment to get your stick in there defensively.

Another reason we have been successful is because our defense is also strong offensively, which allows us to get the ball out of our backfield. Keeley Duran ’22 in front of me is especially good at finding the space to get the ball up our left sideline, and Maura Holden ’23, Maeve Eskandari ’24 and Grace Cooper ’24 are great at finding the passing lanes up the right and middle of the field to work the ball up to our midfielders.

What are you and your team’s goals for the rest of the season?

Our plan is to take it one game at a time, as NESCAC games are always tight and highly competitive, so we are working to pay close attention to the scouting reports provided by our coaches, as well as to play like the score is 0–0 all the time, no matter what the actual score is. Field hockey is a sport where the scores can change in an instant, so you cannot feel comfortable with a 2–0 lead or get defeated if you are down a couple goals, you must continue to play as if there is no score at all. Some more specific goals we have are to keep up our communication throughout the game, keep the accuracy of our passes consistent and to step hard to every ball in order to outstep and outwork the other team.

Lightning Round:

Any team road trip traditions?

On overnight stays we often have our own little nail/hair salon going on in a hotel room thanks to Mary Kate (MK) Sisk ’22’s and Anna Villamil ’22’s skills.

Favorite pregame meal/snack?

We have been going through plenty of apples lately, although ice cream the night before is a more fun pregame day snack.

Best show/movie you’ve watched recently?

Squid Game

Teammate with a secret talent?

Maura Holden ’23 makes very realistic bird sounds.