The Westport field hockey team edged Tiverton 1-0 during a physical defensive battle of two playoff teams in their first-ever meeting at Westport on Tuesday afternoon. Both teams came away with bumps and bruises after the game as they played strong defensively, making it difficult to score. 

 

"It was a really tough game," said Tiverton co-captain Leslie Ramos. "We communicated well on the field and tried our best to score."

 

Co-captain Ava Lagace agreed. 

 

"It was a great opportunity to get some good competition," she said. "Losing was a good lesson to keep us on track. Our season is going really, maybe better than it's ever been and we all have meshed really well together as a team."

 

Wildcats senior forward Maddy Melnyk stuffed a loose ball into the Tigers goal to give Westport a 1-0 lead in the second half.

 

"The goal came off a well-executed corner," said Wildcats senior Makayla Grace, who said they never play RI teams. "Miranda Perry slid a short pass across into the goal box and Maddie hit it into the goal." 

 

Westport who improved to 10-2-2, were in the midst of a rough patch going 2-2-2 in their last six games. They have just three games remaining before they embark on tournament play. 

 

"We have been pushing through," said Grace of the senior laden squad. "We have played tough competition after coming off our undefeated streak. This has been one of our best seasons. We are excited and determined to play at states. We are hoping for a long run." 

 

 

Tigers play in the semis next Tuesday

The Tigers, who fell in the semifinals last year, ended their season in second place with a record of 11-3. They will play in the Division 3 semifinals in Cumberland next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Tiverton won nine games in a row after starting the season 2-2 and are undefeated in division play. Still, somehow, the RIIL placed the Tigers in the second seed. Tiverton head coach Mikella DaSilva doesn't mind the extra motivational fuel. 

 

"It adds fuel to their fire," she said. "I think an easy path to the championship leads to big mistakes and a lack of effort. The girls will be ready to prove they’re the actual one seed."

 

The Tigers are strong both offensively and defensively this season. They scored 18 goals in their 14 regular season games and won nine one-goal games with their strong defensive play. Co-captain Brooklyn Correia wasn't expecting the team to be this good.  

 

"We have a very strong offense, despite having a new team after losing five players last season," said co-captain Brooklyn Correia. "We weren't expecting this. We just kept winning and we knew that we were on a roll."

 

The Tigers senior leaders have created a strong bond amongst the team. 

 

"We all are like sisters," said Ramos. "We are really close and play together well on and off the field. I love all them and I think we all love each other."