Chelmsford High Grad Maddie Priestly Helps Vermont To Record-Tying Win

BURLINGTON, VT — When the University of Vermont field hockey team won its 12th game Sunday, equaling a program record, the victory was punctuated by a goal from a former Chelmsford Lion.

The Catamounts led Dartmouth 3-0 early in the fourth quarter, when freshman forward/midfielder Maddie Priestly, a Chelmsford High grad, got into position in front of the Dartmouth net.

Vermont senior Alina Gerke, streaking down the right flank, flipped the ball over the Dartmouth goaltender and into Priestly's path. The freshman took one swing at the ball, knocking it out of the air, and then shoved the ball into the goal to put Vermont up 4-0. That ended up being the final score.

The Catamounts improved to 12-4, winning a 12th game for only the second time in program history. The previous time was in 2007.

"We've had a few slow starts this season and when you come off a big, emotional game like we had on Friday night up at Maine (a 2-1 loss), you're not sure what you're going to see (in the next game)," Vermont coach Kate Pfeifer said. "It was reassuring and exciting to watch us come out of the gates strong (against Dartmouth). You just could see straight away they weren't going to lose this one today."

Priestly's goal was her second of the season. She also has one assist and has seen action in 15 of 16 games for Vermont.

It's been a solid first campaign for the player who captained the CHS Lions field hockey team during her junior and senior seasons.

Priestly was named a Merrimack Valley Conference First Team All-Star following her senior season, and she finished her high school career with 22 goals and 16 assists.

Priestly also ran track in high school, and she was a 2019 state qualifier in the 55-meter dash.

Vermont is scheduled to close out the regular season at noon Sunday at home against the University of California.