Last week on a beautiful autumn afternoon, a battle between two rival hockey teams took place at Wilmer-Tull field in Seaford, and the Lady Bulldogs outlasted the Lady Blue Jays in overtime, 1-0.

Even though both teams were looking for their first win of the season, there was aggressive, hustling play on both offense and defense sides of the ball for both squads.

The edge actually went to Laurel when they outshot the Lady Blue Jays, 13-4, and again in penalty corners, with 16 for the Lady Bulldogs and four for the Lady Blue Jays. But despite the numerous shots and penalty corners, the score was 0-0 after 60 minutes.

The Lady Bulldogs’ goalie Emely Sofia Garia Gonzalez did not record a save, while Seaford’s goalie Patience Short turned away 10 shots on goal in the match.

The game-winner came off a penalty corner in overtime, when Savannah Harrington banged home the winning goal with an assist from Kelsie Wooters.

After the match, winning head coach Jami Gordy was excited and happy with the team’s first win of the season.

“We didn’t start the game playing our best field hockey, but I’m so proud of the heart and determination these girls showed,” she said. “Going into overtime, I put my trust in our seven seniors, and they delivered. Watching them come together and score the winning goal was such a special moment. They’ve given so much to this program, and seeing them share that victory together is something I’ll never forget. As a coach, it’s moments like these that mean the most.”

The Lady Blue Jays’ head coach Syerra Smith was also more than proud of her young squad’s effort after the match.

“We don’t have individual shout-outs for today’s game because honestly, the entire team deserves to be recognized,” said Smith. “As I look at the scoreboard today, I don’t see a 1-0 loss. I see the overtime we had to go into; the dedication these girls showed; the heart they had for the entire game; the grit and fight until the clock ran out; and the sportsmanship to each other and to Laurel.

“And most importantly how absolutely amazing these girls played. The teamwork they showed today was more than any other game and I am beyond proud of them and so lucky I get to see their skills unfold in real time.”