Ava Stunder, Sara O'Sullivan goals lead Sachem East field hockey over Connetquot
Sara O’Sullivan scored the second and, ultimately, the deciding goal during the first half of Suffolk I matchup against Connetquot on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2022. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Sachem East was aiming for one last conference win and it was right on target.
Lauren Brodowsky drew the ball back and launched a pass to Ava Stunder, who fired it into the goal five minutes into the game to give Sachem East the early lead in its 2-1 victory over Connetquot in Suffolk I field hockey on Tuesday night.
“I knew we had to be in the right spots after our defense did such a great job getting the ball out of our defensive zone right away,” Stunder said.
Sachem East continued to pressure the ball and bring it into their possession as East (11-3) came out on top against Connetquot (7-7).
At the start of the second quarter, Sachem East once again came out looking sharp. Sophomore forward Kayla Richter found junior centerback Sara O’Sullivan for another goal. The sideline roared with cheers as Sachem East led 2-0.
O’Sullivan was moved up to centerback this season after showing her versatility as a midfielder.
“I thought she really stepped up for us today,” Sachem East coach Tina Moon said. “She was the deciding factor in how our offense was going to operate and ultimately proved her talent.”
Junior midfielder Shannon Abraldes also played a key role in the win. Abraldes was there with her stick on the ground ready to intervene. She cut off almost every pass and brought the ball into scoring position. Connetquot goalkeeper Ava Catania made 16 saves against direct shots on goal.
In the fourth quarter, the Thunderbirds recharged. Senior forward Kayla Unterweiser scored off a pass from senior midfielder Farah Amarando.
"They came back in the second half ready to play hard and cut off passes,” Connetquot coach Jennifer Piscitelli said. “I’m very happy that they were able to make those adjustments.”
Connetquot fell to Sachem North, 2-1, in a double-overtime game on Monday night that left the Thunderbirds hungry for a win.
“They had heart and hustle and came on strong at the end,” Moon said.
Sachem East will enter the playoffs with an 11-4 overall record and look to claim a county title this season after falling short to Ward Melville in the semifinals last fall.
“We all have that loss in the back of our minds,” O’Sullivan said. “We did this for the playoffs.”
