By Sapna Pathak
Staff Writer

Goffstown’s Lauren Gifford fights for a pass during the Grizzlies 5-0 loss against Salem in this year’s Class L field hockey quarterfinals. Goffstown finished its season at 5-10-1 after the Oct. 21 defeat. (Goffstown News/Bruce Preston)

After a stellar performance against fifth-seeded Londonderry, the girls of Goffstown field hockey fell to No. 4-ranked Salem in a Class L quarterfinal matchup.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Grizzlies, fresh off an upset over the Lancers, dropped a 5-0 decision to the host Blue Devils. Despite the loss, ending Goffstown’s season at 5-10-1 overall, head coach Jess Brown said her team had no regrets.

“Today wasn’t our day,” said Brown after the loss to Salem. “As disappointing as it is to lose, the girls stepped up and really played well. They’re exceptional human beings, and that’s what I want them to take away from this season.”

The Grizzlies, entering the game as the No. 12 seed, matched up well with Salem’s offense in the first half. The Blue Devils finally struck with just two seconds left before halftime when Amy Dolce scored unassisted for a 1-0 Salem lead.

Salem tallied on its second play of the second half off a corner. The Blue Devils added two more goals in the next 10 minutes, then capped the scoring with two minutes remaining.

“(Goffstown) played a great game,” said Salem head coach Carol Merchant. “They’ve improved a lot since the first time we saw them, and the score didn’t really reflect how good they are.”

Despite being knocked out of the playoffs, Brown used the game against Londonderry as a more accurate portrayal of her team.

Goffstown beat the Lancers, 2-1, in a first-round game on Oct. 19.

The Grizzlies held the Lancers, whose offense notched 36 regular-season goals, to one score in the first half. Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Kiera Murphy knotted the game at 1-1 thanks to a Kaitlin Gibson assist. The score remained tied through regulation.

After two 15-minute overtime periods, the teams turned to corner plays to decide the game’s outcome.

After fending off the Londonderry offense seven straight times, Laurie Politz put the game away for the Grizzlies.

Lorenna Bouroncle started the winning sequence, finding Politz about 14 feet in front of the net. Politz drove the ball through multiple Lancer defenders and into the left corner of the goal.

“I thought it had a chance but I figured it would have to be on a deflection,” said Politz. “I didn’t think it would just go straight in. We’re more a defensive team, so I was glad they took their corners first so we could just rely on our defense.”

That defense was led by freshman keeper Tricia Larivee, who recorded 10 saves overall, seven in overtime. Brown said Larivee’s presence on the roster for another three seasons brings unmistakable clout to her team.

“She showed the poise of a veteran player today,” said Brown. “It’s not easy for a freshman to go in there knowing each game could be the last of the year. I’m just glad she had the experience of a win and a loss her first year, so next year it’ll be easier.”