Bishop McDevitt field hockey is breaking records.
The Crusaders broke free Thursday from a battle between the two 25s and decided to own its offense. With that decision, McDevitt put away three goals in the second and another one in the third to take the dub in the final matchup between the rival schools.
Both teams are in District 3 Class 1A and the Mid-Penn Conference’s Capital Division. As of now McDevitt is ranked No. 4 in the standings and Boiling Springs is ranked No. 6. District 3 playoffs begin Wednesday.
The victory came about due to a number of adept field hockey maneuverings executed by the Crusaders. They have speed. They have vision. They have a team mindset. They also have a winning record that beats last year’s record and claims more goals scored than any previous season.
McDevitt is 15-1-1. Boiling Springs is 16-2.
And, most importantly, while they co-share the ownership of their respective 2023 conference division title, the Crusaders were able to shutdown the Bubblers using smart hockey; getting back on defense, double teaming, being one step ahead of their opponent, which happened to be last year’s Capital Division, District 3 Class 1A, and PIAA Class 1A champs.
McDevitt held onto the ball more often than the Bubblers. When they had the ball, they were working in twos and threes, and were forcing out Boiling Springs’ offense from the circle. The Bubblers were denied right circle entry over and over again, only to set up the Crusaders for a breakaway to their offensive 25.
On defensive corners, McDevitt wouldn’t allow the Bubblers to set up their shot. Nearly every call, once the ball was put into play, favored it coming out of the circle for the Crusaders.
The first two goals were scored on a corner and both air lifted into the cage. Mia Mattiko was credited with the first goal, assist from Evelyn Morris. The second goal was Astrid Comp, assist Mattiko.
The third goal was scored on another corner that drew out the goalie, opening a gap between the keeper and far post. Comp blasted the ball far enough out of the goalie’s reach landing in the lower left pocket. Maddi Donmoyer inserted the ball.
All three goals were scored in the second quarter.
The final goal was scored by Makenna Sanders, who spent most of the game sprinting along the sidelines stretching the field. She was assisted by Morris.
Bishop McDevitt 0-3-1-0: 4
Goals: Mattiko, 1; Comp, 2; Sanders, 1
Assists: Morris, 2; Mattiko, 1; Donmoyer, 1
Shots: 11
Penalty Corners: 13
Saves: Riley Stephenson, 5
Boiling Springs 0-0-0-0: 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Shots: 7
Penalty Corners: 6
Saves: Kate Yanity, 7
