Best of 60 field hockey: A fitting send-off for state’s top seniors

BOLTON – The field hockey season and its seniors’ high school careers came to an official close Sunday morning at Nashoba, but not without one last reminder of what the sport is losing from the state’s top graduating players.

The two Massachusetts State Field Hockey Coaches Association Best of 60 Senior All-Star Games showed plenty of offensive firepower and defensive execution in a final hoorah, with Team Dark Green beating Team Neon Orange 5-2, and Team Neon Green playing Team Navy to a 1-1 tie.

The top seniors from state title-winning programs, state finalists and a bevy of other contenders were randomized to comprise all four rosters, and the skill level was even across the field in both games.

Reading senior Natalie Wall’s heart rate didn’t exactly climb when her Navy teammate Norah Bargatti (Westfield) tied the score late in the fourth quarter of their game, but certainly was pleased to be among the competition.

“It’s low stakes, we just came out here to have fun,” she said, the day after the Rockets won their first Div. 2 state title. “Sometimes it’s just fun to just play field hockey and not have to worry about making it into the tournament. It’s less stressful and more fun to just meet some new people and just play out there. It’s also fun because everyone has different playing styles, it’s really cool to see.”

Neon Green’s only goal in that tie came in the first quarter on a slam at the far post from North Attleboro’s Emily Burnham. Winchester goalie Molly Hillier nearly preserved the lead with a few spectacular kick saves, but couldn’t hold off Bargatti in the final couple minutes.

The game wasn’t a high-flying display of offensive chances and epic defensive stands, but still showed a wealth of talent that left Danvers coach Kristen McCarthy impressed. She made her debut coaching in the all-star game on the Neon Green sideline, which was a “full-circle” moment for her after playing in the game as a senior.

“It was exciting to have a group of 30 kids that are at the elite level, ready to play in college,” she said. “It was definitely an honor.”

The first game had a little more flare, with Watertown’s Molly Driscoll showing off her signature scoring prowess in an early 1-0 lead for Neon Orange. Quabbin goalie Juliana Stanger and Walpole goalie Abby Johnson (Dark Green) traded noteworthy split and kick saves to stave off high-danger offensive chances as the score remained low through a thrilling first 35 minutes.

Hopkinton’s Camille Perlov went on to explode for four goals, however, lighting up the scoreboard with a bevy of rocket shots Stanger couldn’t get to – including a top-shelf reverse chip.

“It was pretty good, I wasn’t expecting it going into it but I just decided to play my game and stick to it,” Perlov said. “It was amazing (to play), the energy was great, everything was awesome. It was so good to play with girls that keep up the intensity and keep up the great work.”

Somerset Berkley’s Karissa Albin tipped in a Driscoll shot to cut the deficit to 4-2, before Nashoba’s Kayla Flanagan assisted Wolves teammate Lauren DiTullio for the final time on their home field.

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