North Salem field hockey ends season with thriller against Put Valley

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - North Salem's field hockey season came to a heartbreaking end on Oct. 26, as the Tigers fell to Putnam Valley in a thrilling Class C quarterfinal.

The fifth-seeded Tigers entered the matchup looking to avenge a one-goal loss to the fourth-seeded Tigers earlier in the season. The rematch proved just as competitive, with Putnam Valley scoring on a penalty corner as time expired to secure the victory.

"It was a perfect four seed vs. five seed game," Coach Jen Frohman said. "We had lost in a one-goal game earlier in the year. Both teams showed up to play and it was a high-intensity, well-played game."

North Salem goalkeeper Anya Ghosh helped keep the game scoreless in the first half with a spectacular stick save.

The Tigers broke through in the second quarter when freshman Sadie Karam lifted the ball into the cage off a rebound following a penalty corner, giving North Salem the early advantage.

Putnam Valley answered in the third quarter to even the score, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

With the teams appearing headed for overtime, Putnam Valley was awarded a penalty corner in the closing moments. As time expired, the home team capitalized on the opportunity, scoring from the top of the circle to end North Salem's season.

Despite the disappointing finish, Frohman praised her team's progress throughout the fall and its determination against a tough opponent.

"I am very proud of the girls and what they accomplished this season. Every time we lost was only by one goal, and they left it all on the field in their last game. Exactly what we talked about doing," Frohman added.

The Tigers will now bid farewell to seniors Keely Aparicio, Molly Collura, Anvi Ghosh, Anya Ghosh, Leah Malvino, Olivia Margolin, Robin Pockriss and Kylie Robinson.

"Our seniors did a fantastic job of leading a lot of youth, including nine underclassman who were experiencing varsity for the first time," Frohman concluded. "I couldn’t be more proud of this group."