Senior captain Emma Flanagan lost her jersey, but found the back of the net for the lone tally on Thursday night as the Meridian High School field hockey team beat Kettle Run 1-0 for their 13th consecutive win.
The Meridian Mustangs just keep on rolling, without a single blemish on their record ever since their season-opening 2-1 loss at Annandale back on August 25th. Thursday’s contest was more challenging than most, against a formidable Kettle Run program, and there were no goals scored during a first half that saw both teams earn some quality chances.
Finally, Flanagan got Meridian on the board with just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Mustangs’ standout midfielder has been wearing No. 10 in recent home games instead of the No. 3 she has worn throughout her high school days, due to a misplaced jersey. Whatever the case, it seems to be working for her – she scored twice in Meridian’s 6-0 win against Thomas Edison last week, and had the crucial big play on Thursday.
That proved to be the final score, as Meridian stayed aggressive offensively and staved off a few more Kettle Run pushes in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t the one-sided the Mustangs are accustomed to delivering, but being able to win the close ones is just as important.
Head coach Anne Steenhoek was pleased with the performance. The result’s biggest difference-maker was simple, she pointed out: “We were the ones who were able to put one in the net.”
Next up, the Mustangs will conclude their regular season against Fauquier next Wednesday. They beat the Falcons 1-0 in overtime on the road back on September 16th.
