A very good season came to an end on Nov. 6 when the Hamburg High girls’ field hockey team opened the PIAA State Class AAA Tournament against Crestwood. Ashleigh Thomas scored in the first half for Crestwood and that was all they would need to defeat Hamburg, 1-0.
The Hawks ended their season with an overall record of 18-7, after finishing second in Division 2 of the Berks League and fourth in the District 3-AAA Tournament. They made it to the Berks semifinals before losing to Twin Valley, 2-1.
‘The key to our success this season was a strong defense (the Hawks allowed just 14 goals the entire season),’ said Hamburg Head Coach Jen DeNault. ‘Our offensive passing game really helped us move the ball down the field.
‘Amber Dietrich and Karlie Heistand controlled the middle of the field and the midfield support kept the ball on the offense. But the main component was the team chemistry. The girls’ got along so well and it really showed when they played. The are great kids and they were a pleasure to coach.’
Hamburg and Crestwood each had seven shots in the state opener, as Nikkole James made six saves in goal for the Lady Hawks.
