Springfield locks up spot in district field hockey playoffs

Despite two straight losses, Springfield was in pretty good shape to secure a spot in the District 1 Class 2A field hockey tournament going into Thursday’s regular-season finale against Interboro.

The Cougars, though, didn’t leave anything to chance.

Dana Mirigliano scored twice as the Cougars locked up a playoff berth with a 4-1 nonleague victory over the Bucs.

The win put Springfield 14th in the latest power rankings. The top 16 teams qualify for the district tournament, which begins next Tuesday.

“It was a great show of teamwork by all our players today,” Springfield coach Hope Taylor-Scott said.

Quick stick work between the midfield and the forward led to an early goal from Julia Hennessey off an assist from Arden Turner, Taylor-Scott said. A quick transition from defender Sarah Lofland to midfielder Michelle Gluck set up a goal by Eliza Donaldson, who also had an assist.

Dani Linker converted a pass from Logan Stewart in the second half to spoil Springfield’s bid for a shutout. Sophia Harley made 10 saves in goals for the Bucs, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 3-0 halftime deficit.

“It was an awesome way to end the season,” Taylor-Scott said. “All the girls wanted this win. The intensity and teamwork paid off.”

Click HERE to read the full article.

Springfield’s Dana Mirigliano scores one of her two goals as Interboro’s Madlyn Bonner looks on Thursday. The Cougars beat the Bucs, 4-1. (Digital First Media/Pete Bannan