Field hockey beats Pomperaug during annual ‘Pink Out’ game

Playing+for+a+cure+%E2%80%94+Senior+captain+Sonali+Patel+stands+in+front+of+the+field+hockey+team%2C+all+dressed+in+pink+to+support+breast+cancer+awareness.+Patel+scored+one+of+the+two+goals+in+the+2-0+win+against+Pomperaug.+

Abby Occhino

Playing for a cure — Senior captain Sonali Patel stands in front of the field hockey team, all dressed in pink to support breast cancer awareness. Patel scored one of the two goals in the 2-0 win against Pomperaug.

Sydney Bigelow, Managing Editor

On Friday night the field hockey team shut out Pomperaug in a 2-0 win, advancing the River Hawks to 7 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie. Pomperaug formerly stood at 9 wins and 2 losses before they lost to Farmington on October 15. 

The first goal was scored by senior captain Sonali Patel and the second goal was scored by senior captain Delaney Dopp. Junior goalkeeper Lauren Frank let in zero goals throughout the duration of the game. 

“It was an exciting win for the team but it was even more special knowing we were playing for an amazing cause. The fans and our coaches helped us bring the energy for a night that is so important to our program and our community,” Dopp said. 

With the help of the booster club, the team hosts a ‘Pink Out’ game every year in October to raise awareness and money for breast cancer. Players made posters and social media posts to promote the game and encourage their peers to attend. The team wore custom pink shirts during warm ups and players wore pink socks, ribbons, and athletic tape while playing. 

Along with parents and family members, students attended the game under the Friday night lights for the 7:00 game. The team was also supported by youth field hockey players from the recreational and middle school programs. Spectators were asked to give monetary donations and additionally 100 percent of proceeds from the concessions stand directly supported the Terri Brodeur foundation. People can continue to donate by pre-ordering baked goods from the team up until October 23. 

“‘Pink Out’ Night is historically a night of great energy for a great cause. Our game on Friday far exceeded that expectation. Not only did we play well with great energy, but our crowd and supporters (our “flock”) matched the energy to create a great night of field hockey and fundraising. We hope to maintain that energy for the rest of our season,” head coach Sadie Robinson said. 

The team travels to Windsor on Monday and hosts Avon on Thursday for their last home game dedicated to the Class of 2022 seniors. The next win will put the River Hawks at 8 wins from their 16 game schedule, guaranteeing at least a 0.500 percent winning percentage and a spot in the 2021 playoffs.