By John Torsiello
FVT Correspondent
The Granby High School field hockey team upped its record to 5-1 with an impressive victory Farmington this week.
Olivia Johnson found the cage with an assist by Krista Iwanicki for the only goal of the contest.
Granby goalkeeper Alyssa Grimaldi made eight saves and the Bears’ defense played a crisp game in front of her.
The only blemish on Granby’s season came last week when the Bears lost to powerful Avon, 2-0.
“It was an excellent game,” said Granby head coach Sandy Wickman. “Both teams were competitive with Avon capitalizing on their opportunities.”
Both goals were scored off penalty corners. The Falcons had four shots on goal, and Granby was unable to convert on nine penalty corner opportunities and five shots.
Said Wickman, “Avon played solid defense when it counted.”
Granby hosted Canton on the Bears’ new turf stadium at night and posted a 2-0 win, with goals from Lexi Grimaldi and Rachel Domanico. Domanico also assisted on Grimaldi’s goal.
Granby had 11 shots on goal, while Canton took only two. Alyssa Grimaldi made two saves.
Said Wickman, “It was a well matched game, with both teams penetrating each other’s defensive zone. Our defense played extremely well, denying Canton shooting opportunities.”
Enfield, a much improved team in the North Central Connecticut Conference, gave Granby a run in the first half, which was scoreless. But the Bears came out strong in the second half.
Granby scored just four minutes into the second half during a scramble in front of the net, as Lindsay Hurlbert picked up a clear from Enfield keeper Maddie LaRusso and found the back of the cage.
With just under 15 minutes left in the game, Iwanicki connected with a bullet shot on a penalty corner to go up 2-0.
Granby’s goalkeeper Alyssa Grimaldi made three saves. Enfield All-State goalkeeper LaRusso ended the game with 12 saves.
Granby was to play NCCC rival Suffield on Wednesday (after press time).
