Sophomore Ellie Garofalo (25) in the game against Pawling. Photo by J.Murrer.

By J. Murrer and S.Q. Dejoy

Sept. 21, 2023: The field hockey team has been competing against the weather this fall as half of their scheduled games have been impacted by heat, rain, or thunderstorms. In the first week of school, three days of heat and humidity canceled all Bronxville sporting events, including field hockey games.

During Monday’s game against Yorktown, the Broncos and the Huskers played through drenching rain in the second quarter and had just started the third when loud claps of thunder cleared the field. The game ended early with Yorktown winning 1-0.

Despite the weather, the Broncos have been able to complete five games and thus far have a 2-2-1 record. They have already played Class C opponents North Salem, Croton, and Pawling, but during the season, they also play against larger schools. Their games against Class A Mamaroneck and Scarsdale were canceled during the heat wave and will be rescheduled.

The Broncos in the win against Pawling. Photo by J. Murrer.

North Salem has also had multiple games canceled, and last Wednesday’s game against the Broncos was their first of the season. It was also the opening of their brand-new turf field.

“They are a huge rival,” said senior Annie Greatrex. “We beat them on their home turf last year during the regular season, and they were riled up for their first game on the new field.”

The Tigers defeated the Broncos 1-0 after scoring a goal in the first quarter, but the Bronco defense stepped up to keep North Salem scoreless for the remainder of the game. There were 14 corners against Bronxville, and the Bronco defense stopped 13 of them. Sophomore goalie Eva Klessel had four saves. Unfortunately, the Broncos were missing some key players due to illness and injury.

In yesterday’s home game against Pawling, the Broncos won their second game of the season. From the start, they took control of the ball and kept it in Pawling territory for most of the game. At the end of the first half, the score was 0-0, but the Broncos were able to take the lead in the 3^rd quarter with a goal by senior Lilah Keating.

Bronxville scores their only goal in the game against Pawling. Photo by J. Murrer.

Senior Co-Captains Frannie Krause and Annie Greatrex are leading this year’s relatively young team. There are 20 girls on the roster and half are sophomores. Krause has been on the varsity team for four years and Greatrex was brought up in the post-season of her sophomore year. 

“It has been a huge change since last year,” said Krause. “Last year’s senior class was a big part of our team. We had only three starters come back, and we are working together to connect on the field.”

“Coach Frawley is switching around players and trying out people in different positions to see what works the best,” added Greatrex.

Field hockey captains (l to r): Annie Greatrex and Frannie Krause. Photo by David Fenner.

Despite the youth and inexperience, Bronxville has many talented players.

“We have seven seniors this season who are all contributing a great deal,” said long-time Coach Jacquelyn Frawley. “A few younger players to watch are returners Emma Yeon, Izzy Yeon, Ellie Garofalo, and first-year varsity player Virginia Hail.” 

The Broncos will have to be on their game when they play at Putnam Valley tomorrow. Bronxville defeated Putnam Valley last year in the playoffs, capturing the Class C Sectional Championship.

The Blue Tigers will be out for revenge.

Go Broncos.