HIGGANUM>> Haddam-Killingworth coach Patsy Kamercia doesn’t remember her first season opener, which also happened to be the first field hockey game in H-K’s history. It was 38 years ago.
The Cougars’ 2013 opener, however, will never be forgotten.
Julia Babbitt scored two goals and Kiley Anderson and Danni Roman had one goal apiece as the Cougars defeated Canton, 4-2, in a non-league matchup Tuesday afternoon at H-K.
It was Kamercia’s 400th career victory, a milestone she certainly cherished as she reminisced about starting the program in 1976.
PHOTOS: Patsy Kamercia’s 400th win.
“When I think about the 400 I think about all of the coaches and all the players and that’s why it happened,” said Kamercia. “It’s a number and it is exciting but it is just a number and it means that I’ve been here a long time.”
Kamercia, who will be inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame next month, has a career record of 400-159-81-4. She has guided the Cougars to three state titles and 14 Shoreline Conference championships.
“Our coach always said this is all for us so it’s nice to give something to her,” said Babbitt.
Babbitt’s first goal, which deflected off a Canton defender, gave H-K a 2-1 halftime advantage. Her second goal, a backhander that bounced over goalkeeper Natalie Nardello’s stick, lifted the Cougars to a 3-1 lead with 26 minutes and 56 seconds remaining.
“I’ve always had a strong backhand,” Babbitt explained. “I had no idea it was going to go in. It was kind of an instinct. I was trying to pass it. Luckily, it went in.”
Canton senior Kylie Delos wristed a penalty stroke shot past the outstretched leg of H-K sophomore goalie Meghan Cerino (three saves) as the Warriors cut it to 3-2 with 11:44 left.
But H-K got a huge insurance goal when senior Allison Sheahan made a terrific run into the circle and slipped a pass to Roman, who was open at the cage, and Roman’s tip-in made it 4-2 with 1:45 remaining.
Kolby Burger made a key goal-line save in the second half for the Cougars (1-0).
“I thought Canton played well and came out strong,” said Kamercia. “We were kind of hesitating. I think we’re in pretty good condition for this time of the season so that played a part in the second half. It was a good way to start the season.”
And for Kamercia, a memorable way.
“It’s something you look forward too but you want to get it behind you as fast as you can,” said Kamercia. “I didn’t want them to feel the pressure by it so it was good that it actually happened in the first game because then it’s behind us.”
