Staples Knocks Off FCIAC Rival Darien In Field Hockey Title Contest

WETHERSFIELD, CT - The old adage "the third time's the charm" certainly manifested itself Saturday in Class L field hockey championship game. After falling twice to top-seeded Darien during the season, Staples scored a pair of second-half goals to upend the Blue Wave 3-1 to claim its fifth state title, and first since 2019.

Neither team managed a shot on goal until Hope Hapgood scored for Darien of an assist from Victoria Stockdale with 12:54 remaining in the first half. The Wreckers knotted it with 4:49 left before intermission on a tally by Sofia Fidalgo Schioppa.

Staples struck quickly after the break, with Leah Larit converting a penalty corner, assisted by Caroline Roschen, just 1:18 into the second half. In the opening two minutes of the fourth quarter, Storey Ahl added an insurance goal, chipping the ball over the head of Darien goalkeeper J.J. Maher, then batting it into the net.

Paige Knesich earned the victory in goal for the Wreckers, stopping four shots. Ella Cherenek and Maher combined for four saves for the Blue Wave.