An often-torrential downpour did not dampen the spirits of the Suffield and Enfield high school field hockey teams Thursday night.
With both teams recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donning pink uniforms, Suffield received a late first-half goal from Brenna Frechette which held up, enabling the Wildcats to score a 1-0 victory against their cross-river NCCC rivals.
"Both teams did a great job playing with the elements," Suffield head coach Dan Gatto said. "We scored on a corner which was executed perfectly, but then we had to hold on. Enfield really put the pressure on the rest of the game."
After Frechette's goal, which was assisted by Tashua Sotil, both goalkeepers played exceptionally well. Dara Manness finished with five saves to earn the shutout for Suffield, while Maddie LaRusso turned aside four shots for the Raiders.
"The kids from both teams played their little hearts out," legendary Enfield coach Cookie Bromage said. "I told my kids I was so proud of them; we had some chances, they had some chances. We came on and put some pressure on."
With its third straight victory, Suffield improved to 5-2 heading into a Friday showdown at Granby Memorial. Enfield (2-5-0-1) also plays Granby in its next outing, traveling to meet the Bears Tuesday.
