Written by Lauren Roth
Roanoke athletes have had quite an adventure this year in trying to determine if they would have a season. These athletes went through ups and downs, initially thinking they would have a season with no issues, to having their season taken from right underneath their feet. This past week, Roanoke College had the joy to see one of these fall teams go all the way to the semifinals for ODAC playoffs: the field hockey team.
The Roanoke College field hockey team finished the season with a 6-3 record, 5-1 at home, and 1-2 away. The challenges to get this season together did not stop once the season began. The team had to be abundantly cautious all semester due to COVID-19, getting tested at least once a week, and limiting interactions with others. In addition to the hardships the team faced due to COVID-19 restrictions, they also had weeks in which players were out due to injuries. Despite these numerous obstacles, the team remained optimistic about what they could accomplish.
This was the fourth year in a row in which the field hockey team made it to the ODAC semifinals. This season, their first victory came against Randolph-Macon with a 1-0 win in the quarterfinals at home. The team then traveled to Washington & Lee University for the semifinal game. Roanoke scored within the first minute and a half from a corner from senior attack/midfielder Emilee Wooten. For the next 50 minutes of the game, Roanoke would hold the Generals to zero goals. With ten minutes left, the Generals scored and made it a tie game. Out of nowhere, they came back again to score against the Maroons in the last five minutes, leading the Generals to a narrow 2-1 victory. The game was fast-paced with incredible play from both teams. The teams were evenly matched, both having a beautiful passing game. Despite the tough loss, Roanoke did not have their heads down as they left the field for the final time this season. They remained hopeful knowing that next season they would see Washington & Lee once again along with the rest of the ODAC teams.
Despite all of the uncertainty that faced the team at the beginning of their season, both Emilee Wooten and Alexis Wright were named to All-ODAC teams following their successful season. Both players are vital assets for the team and will fortunately be returning in the fall for a full season. The Maroons look forward to the fall of 2021 for their next full season of competition
