By Ian Graig

George Mason High School’s field hockey team started their second varsity season with two wins in the first three games of the regular season.

The Mustangs opened the year at home against Bruton High School, a perennial field hockey powerhouse from the Williamsburg area that defeated the Mustangs in last year’s playoffs.

The score was similar this year, with Mason falling to Bruton 6-0. But this year’s game was closer than the score implied as Mason mounted several good offensive runs and put up a solid defensive front. Junior goalie Caroline Duffett had several saves.

The Mustangs next traveled to Virginia Beach, the hotbed of field hockey in Virginia, to take on two larger schools over Labor Day weekend. First, the Mustangs defeated Group 5A Hampton High School 3-1.

Sophomore goalie Rachel Skomra held Hampton scoreless until the final minutes of the game. Mason’s goals were scored by sophomore forwards Sarah Lubnow and Lydia Gorman and senior forward and co-captain Eleanor Langford. The Hampton goalie was forced to make several saves to keep the game close.

The Mustangs took on Group 6A Bayside High School in their second match of the weekend and emerged with a 2-0 victory.
Mason’s goals were scored by Langford and junior midfielder Darcy Jones, who scored by deflecting a long shot by junior midfielder and co-captain Caroline Stricker.

Mason’s defense was solid throughout, anchored by Stricker, Duffett, senior defender and co-captain Emma Graig and senior defender Caroline Jarrard. Gorman and juniors Julianne Kelly and Callie Gaskins were strong on the attack.

The Mustangs host Wakefield High School tonight in a rematch of their 2-1 loss to the Warriors last season.