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Sports

Rams Can't Sully Blue Wave's Record

Darien still undefeated with a 4-1 win over New Canaan.

The New Canaan Rams were 11-1-1 with nine shutouts heading into Monday's field hockey game against Darien. Darien had even more impressive statistics. They were 13-0 with eleven shutouts. In what was billed as an FCIAC Championship preview, the Blue Wave carried the day.

With two goals in each half, Darien led 4-0 before New Canaan scored its only goal with under one-minute left in the game, making the final score 4-1.

The Blue Wave scored the first goal mid-way through the first half when Sophie Waters, on an assist from Sophie Doering made it 1-0. Darien showed patience as they controlled the play with "small-ball".

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"This was our game plan—ball control and discipline and everything went well in that first half," said Darien coach Mo Minicus, after the game.

Near the end of the half, Darien struck again. Sophie Doering scored the second goal with just over three minutes remaining. She was assisted by Leslie Gill and the Blue Wave had a 2-0 halftime lead.

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The first half statistics were indicative of Darien's dominance: five penalty corners for the Blue Wave to none for the Rams; 12 shots on goal for Darien to none for New Canaan.

Despite two more goals for Darien, the match was much more competitive in the second half. New Canaan had two or three quality opportunities to get back in the game, but they couldn't finish. Just four minutes in, Leslie Gill scored on an assist from Ellie Riegel. Darien led 3-0. Three minutes later the home team made it 4-0 when Sophie Doering got her second goal, this time Leslie Gill got the assist.

It appeared that Darien would get its twelth shutout but with under one minute left to play, Betsy Hart got the Rams only goal on a deflection, Final score, 4-1 Darien.

Darien had 10 penalty corner kicks to 3 for New Canaan; 17 shots on goal for Darien to 10 for New Canaan; and five goalie saves for each team.

Rams coach, Erin Gildea said her team, "played well in the second half but dug too deep a hole in the first half. Darien's too good to come back from that."

One of Darien's captains, Taylor Wells thought her team"was sharp and disciplined all game."

Darien, in its 14 games has outscored its opponents, 70-3. New Canaan not so bad either. Despite the loss they've outscored their opponents 40-9.

Both squads head into the FCIACs starting on Friday .

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