The top thing that coach Traci Davis wants from her Garrison Forest field hockey team is consistent improvement. The best way to do that? Erase the memories of consecutive season-ending losses in the first round of the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland tournament by winning in the playoffs this year.
“Our team goals have been to improve on our team play each and every game,” said Davis, who is in her fifth year coaching at the Owings Mills school. “So far, they have done a good job and exceeded expectations.”
After finishing 9-8-1 in 2004 and 11-5-4 in 2005, the Grizzlies are currently 14-1, including a first-place mark of 11-0 in the IAAM A Conference. Their one loss came against Harford County public-school power Fallston, 2-1, on Sept. 18. Since then, the team has won nine straight. The team, which has never won an IAAM title, will host St. Mary?s today in a rescheduled game from Tuesday.
Creating a fun, family atmosphere has been the winning formula for the Grizzlies, who are developing chemistry both on and off the field. With eight seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and eight freshmen on the roster, team unity is important to such a diverse group.
“The bonds we have with each other and how much fun we have [is important],” senior Poppy Hall said. “You?ll notice on other teams people start yelling, but we use positive criticism.”
Hall, who leads the team in goals (10), assists (10) and points (20), uses her outstanding play to do most of the talking for her. Kate Tracey is second on the team in scoring, with seven goals and four assists. The net-minding duties have been split this season between freshman Emily Cain (39 saves) and senior Megan Farber (28 saves).
“We like to focus on the next game we have, and we are looking to keep it up,” senior Caroline Markowitz said.
While the Grizzlies are thrilled with their success, they are also enjoying everything that comes along with the ride.
“It?s fun because we are such good friends, and we can have fun,” senior Keegan Billick said. “This is our family, we practice and are together 10 hours a week, if not more.”
