Hilltoppers Fall to Local Rival

The Hilltoppers made the short trip to Beckerman Athletic Center to take on their chief rival, the Hornets of Hamden Hall. Both teams ran their best intimidation gambit: Country Day School stormed the field waving an American flag; when a ball rolled across the midline during warm ups, a Hopkins player walked over and retrieved it from a Hornets crosse. Looking to carry momentum from a strong performance against Brunswick, the Hilltoppers were physical early. Sophomore Chris Lee was charged with the task of guarding Hamdens number one threat. Hard work in practice before the game led to a better and more controlled Hopkins defense. Lee and his cohorts honored their assignment of constant pressure. An opening goal from Mike Shewaye and an early 2-0 lead showed that Hopkins came ready to play. Hall withstood the initial pressure, scoring three straight. A behind the back goal and a perfect fast break from Toby Scheps tied the game at three. Hopkins would not score again until the fourth quarter. Once again, the boys inability to successfully clear and control the ball would be their downfall. Preached and planned physicality led to costly penalties. Hamden Hall’s man up unit capitalized. Momentum shifted in the second quarter and Hamden Hall went into the half with a three goal lead. The second half was difficult offensively. In what has been the story of the season, Hopkins found the halftime deficit too much to overcome. Luca Angelini and Will Hensel galloped non stop in their thankless D middie spots. Hensel had seven ground balls. As always Hopkins was protected by their star keeper. Brenden had 26 saves. The game was never fully out of reach for the Hilltoppers, a fact not lost on Matt Goos as he continued to put his body on the line for his team. Goos attempted nine shots and was unlucky not to score several. Freshman lefty Holden Scheps netted Hopkins’ only second half goal. Eventually the depth of Hamden Hall proved to be too much. Hornets 13. Hilltoppers 4. The sting of defeat should be a motivator as Hopkins takes on Cheshire Academy on Wednesday.