A solid victory against the Gunnery.

The Hilltoppers welcomed the Gunnery at home this past Wednesday on a field that had just drained from the heavy rains. The hosts started strong with effective combinations in their guests' defensive area which produced much pressure and two early goals. Co-captain Emma LIPMAN '19 collected a ball on the outside and deftly laid it out for Anna SIMON '20 who found an opening at the near post to start the score 3 minutes into the game. Five minutes later, Emma sent a cross that found her sister's head: Riley LiPMAN '21, did not hesitate and found the back of the Highlanders' net. Hopkins had the best of the play for the remaining of the first stanza through a very clear control of the midfield by Julia KOSINSKI '21, Ella FUJIMORI '21 and Jenny ALASKA '22. Still it took until the 36 minute to see a combination between Julia TELLIDES '20 -recently returned to field play- and Jasmine SIMMONS '21 to pay off. Julia beat one defender to slide the ball to Jasmine who beat one of her own and faked Gunnery's keeper to the near post.
The second stanza was to be played mostly in the guests' side of the field with many shots on goal that were parried by the agile Gunnery keeper who was very much tested during the game. Hopkins back-line was determined and strong throughout the contest; Sophia FITZSIMONDS '20, Katie PARK '21, Riley TOOKER '21, Melody PARKER '19 and Krista PARK '22 all contributed to deny serious chances to Gunnery's forwards. In goal, Rayane TAROUA '20, Emma DE NAPLES '19 -who unfortunately sustained an injury- and Chloe SMITH '20 contributed all to the sixth shut-out of the season. Next game will be on the road at Taft.