The LSM Field Hockey Team has been something memorable since the state championships last year, when the Spartans brought home victory. This year, they worked tirelessly to reclaim their title, including at their annual Play Pink Game on Oct. 2. This game was held to support Breast Cancer Awareness, and the team definitely delivered the message.

Pink streamers lined the fence, setting the stage for what promised to be an exciting game. Neon pink socks were worn by every player, showing their spirit for their cause, and, better yet, the weather was perfect. Even the field hockey ball was a bright pink. Every player was fighting with a purpose, playing for a reason, and it showed. One of the varsity captains, Julia Arel, stated after the game, “In the past we’ve struggled with connecting the three lines, but today we worked hard, and because of this, everyone got the chance to play. I think that today, all our hard work paid off.”

It’s plain to see that with one common purpose, the team really did connect, and with a final score of 7-0 against Housatonic, the fans would agree.

By halftime, the score was 4-0 in Mills’ favor. Although it was certain that the Spartans would take the game, they did not drop their guard. This was a game of many firsts as well: Amanda Sullivan scored her first goal of the season, and Goalie Jillian Mazon, made a total of four saves, the most she’s made in a game so far, she said. Arel also did very well, scoring three of the seven total goals for the Lady Spartans.

During the last ten minutes, the score was 6-0 and it was evident that Mills would take the game. In the midst of Housatonic battle for redemption, number 20, Emma Kryzanski, a defender, found herself with the ball, and dexterously began to dribble her way up the field towards the goal. With an undeviating swing of the stick, the ball flew past the Housatonic goalie, and into the net for the seventh and final goal of the match. This marked Emma’s first goal of the season, which resulted in cheers erupting on both the field and the sidelines.

Throughout that entire game, the JV team stood on the sidelines, cheering on their varsity players, wearing their pink LSM Play Pink Shirts, which were worn in school earlier that day. Joanne Neuhausser, the varsity field hockey coach, stated, “The girls played very well. They all got playing time and used it well. We can’t underestimate Housie; they do have a admirable defense even if the score didn’t show it.”

After the game, food made by all the girls was set up and donations were accepted for breast cancer awareness. The winner of the Play Pink Raffle was junior, Jordan Perzan, who won a new field hockey stick. After the game, Emma Kryzanski, reflected on the Play Pink game.

    “The team played well and kept their intensity up even though it wasn’t the most exciting game,” she said.

    While many people, would disagree; the annual Field Hockey Play Pink Game was a major success for the former field hockey State Champions. The team’s season concluded last week, after suffering a post-season loss to Thomaston.