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Releigh Norrell

The varsity field hockey team warms up before their game against Cedar Cliff.

On Friday, September 16, 2016, the girl’s varsity field hockey team hosted the middle school field hockey team at youth night where they played against Cedar Cliff.

“Youth night is for the middle school team to see what a real game looks like,” stated Coach Cecelia Clippinger.

Youth night is for younger field hockey players to come to a high school game to help motivate and excite them. The younger players chanted cheers in support of the older players

Clippinger was hoping youth night would encourage middle school field hockey players to keep playing and keep improving upon their skills.

“Youth night was super fun and absolutely adorable,” said junior Allison Neslund. “We had two ball girls helping us out that came to our summer field hockey clinics for younger kids and they were very helpful- from retrieving field hockey balls to holding the American flag for the National Anthem.”

Neslund added, “Also, the middle school team came and watched our game and they brought some really great energy to the game with their cheers.”

The experience was good for the middle school players as well.

“They’re picking the game up the best they can and they’re having fun while doing it,” described middle school Coach Matt Lissner.

Overall, youth night has been seen as a success.

“I think it was a great experience to have the younger girls involved in our game,” said junior Abby Walters. “It’s awesome knowing that we have youth involved in the program who will eventually play at the variety level. I think they had fun being around the older girls and feeling welcomed.”

The team worked hard in an attempt to defeat the rival team but unfortunately the game ended with a 0-0 tie even after going into overtime.