Mack Keating also contributed to this article.
From the minute they tie their laces for their first game, many student-athletes view the prospect of senior night as the overarching end goal. In every sport, senior night provides an opportunity to reflect, transforming a typical game into a heartwarming display of achievement. In many cases, senior night brings in an influx of family and friends to stop by and show support, and for less mainstream sports, this additional encouragement is incredibly significant. One of these lesser-known sports is field hockey, and on Wednesday, October 16th, the seniors celebrated a hard-fought 1-0 victory, receiving overwhelming support from the wider community.
“It’s amazing to be able to walk out onto that field knowing that what you’ve done for the team, all the time you spent going to all of these practices and games, is being appreciated,” enthused senior captain and goalie Ashlyn Cullity. “What we have here as a team is so special and important.”
Before the game, coach and MHS alum Daniel O’Toole reflected on his senior night. “The energy was high; you’re really excited; you get to see all your friends and family, ready to honor you for all the service you brought to the team… I hope we can bring that energy into this game.”
Earlier this month, the team faced Revere for their senior night, which resulted in a disappointing 0-0 tie. Despite this, going into this game, they felt confident regarding the issues they formerly encountered. “I think communication has been improving a lot more. We’re looking a bit smoother; that happens as you get further into the season, but I’m hoping we keep that up,” said O’Toole. He reinstated the importance of the game as a Greater Boston League (GBL) match, serving as a crucial stepping stone to a shot at the GBL Title.
The game began with a heartwarming ceremony to celebrate the seniors. Underclassman players stood on the field and lifted their sticks to create a tunnel for seniors to run through. Cheering and screaming could be heard from the stands, full of friends, family, and even MHS field hockey alums.
Edmond Chen, a former player and now a sophomore at UMass Lowell, reflected on returning to the stadium: “I miss the feeling of being in a team, but I’m also really proud of the underclassmen who are in the same position that I was in a few years ago.”
“When I was a senior, they all seemed so young, and now I feel old,” said Sabrina Flores, another former player. “I’m back here, and I’m like, I guess I do miss high school!”
Right off the bat, Malden’s offense was electric, dominant, and effective. Four minutes into the first quarter, Kevin Chen shot a smooth pass across the field to Matthew Garcia, who scored.
Despite Revere’s impressive defense, Malden’s communication on the field allowed for quick passes and strategic movements; players constantly called out plays and supported each other. This cohesive teamwork led to a remarkable domination of time of possession.
Two minutes later, Everett aimed the ball directly toward a gap in the goal, though senior Satvir Singh’s dive blocked this gap and returned the ball to Malden’s possession.
The energy in the team huddle was very encouraging. Despite Malden’s lead, Coach Tiffany Cane encouraged Malden to keep applying pressure. “When we get out there, we stay out there. We can’t back down,” said Cane.
Despite this, the second and third quarters were less effective for Malden’s offense. At the beginning of the second quarter, Shawn Chen ran the ball down from the midline and shot it down to Garcia by the net. Unfortunately, Revere interfered and ran it out of bounds. The ball bounced between Malden and Revere in mid-field, never reaching another net for the next 10 minutes. Sensing Malden’s increasing fatigue, O’Toole encouraged, “Don’t wait for them to back down. They won’t. We need to have more stamina.”
On the sidelines, younger players were just as active as those on the field, repeating chants, never taking a seat on the bench, and even wearing blue and gold glitter to show camaraderie. Yawen Zuo, a sophomore player, expressed her admiration for the senior players. “I’m going to miss the seniors.” Similarly, freshman player Emme McWayne commented that the seniors are “all really inclusive” and that they have welcomed her into a “really good community.”
By the fourth quarter, Malden nearly scored, and while the ball left their possession, it did not leave their side of the field. Revere made numerous shots on goal, with Malden’s defense retaliating tirelessly. With just 4 minutes on the clock, senior Kyle Huang passed to Garcia, who took a powerful corner shot. While they could not seal the goal, they withheld the ball from Revere just enough to conclude the score 1 to 0.
After the buzzer rang out, celebratory yelling filled the air. Senior players ran to one another in excitement, and after engaging in an uplifting team huddle, they headed to enjoy Pisa Pizza and take pictures with friends and family.
“A win is a win,” remarked O’Toole after the game. “Another win closer to States; you focus on the good.” Looking forward, MHS Field Hockey has a pivotal match against Everett coming up, which will prove to be their most important game of the year. “If you win that, you win GBL, simple as that.”
Reflecting on the environment, O’Toole was moved by the turnout, specifically that of alums. “It just goes back to the culture of the team. I think we have one of the best cultures, if not the best culture, of a team at Malden High School.”
Another former player, Marianne Rivadeniera, joyfully expressed that she is “proud the team is still going strong.”
However, the impending gravity of GBL on the horizon was put on hold for a night of joy, memories, and celebrating all the relationships one has built within the last four years. While many seniors will be closing their Field Hockey chapter, senior night proves to be a reminder that many chapters are just beginning. As Coach O’Toole puts it: “It’s moments like tonight that you look back, and you really see: that’s why.”
Nearly two weeks later, the team went on to secure a final record of 6 wins, 6 losses, and 2 ties, leading them to win the GBL by only a rematch tie to Everett and additionally qualifying them for states, which will come in the following weeks. The hard work the team has put in for the past two months is reflected in their team status, proving to be an uplifting end to a great season.
