Breath was held and fingers were crossed as SDA’s girls Field Hockey sprinted downfield to defend their goal against Rancho Buena Vista’s breakaway in the first two minutes of overtime, Wednesday. A determined battle in the box lead to RBV’s third and final goal, breaking the tie with a 2-3 loss for SDA.

Coach Dana Evans said, “I don’t think I could’ve asked anything more from them. That was an Open Division team, and they played really well. We had 22 kids on the team, and we played 18 of them.”

With one goal per team in the first five minutes, SDA and RBV began their game highly competitively. Action fizzled as the first half progressed, and only one more point was scored by SDA- a swift shot by Senior Maya Goldschmidt which bounced off an RBV defender’s stick and into the left corner of the goal for an impressive Mustang victory.

SDA’s defense made incredible saves throughout the game, backed by senior goalie Angelina Saunders who was crucial to the team’s near success. “We’re gonna be really sad when our goalie graduates!” said Evans, “She’s the best!”

The Mustang’s momentum towards victory slowed somewhat in the second half as RBV scored to tie the game 2-2. Two minutes into overtime, RBV scored their final goal, securing SDA’s loss and bringing the team’s season record to 11-9-1.

Throughout these wins and losses, SDA’s varsity field hockey has fostered a close bond. Coach Evans said, “I like to see the kids develop, not only athletically but emotionally. I can tell you pretty much what math class they’re all in, and what books they’re reading for English. We’re only together for 13 or 14 weeks but I love seeing the progression.”

The Mustangs are on the road tonight as they take on Sage Creek at 5:30 pm.