By RICK WILSON

You want heavyweights, the best of the best? Go to the Class L field hockey championship game Sunday at Wethersfield High School’s Joseph Cottone Field. They don’t get any bigger or better than this.

You’ve got top-ranked Cheshire with its gaudy 20-1 record on one side and No. 2 Staples with its own sterling 20-1 mark on the other side. The Rams are making their 20th appearance in the title game and looking for their 10th championship. Staples is the two-time defending champion and making its fourth appearance in the title game.

Both teams were only nicked once this season, Cheshire losing to Guilford in the SCC final and Staples coming out on the short end of the FCIAC championship game against powerful Darien. Exactly how much bigger do you want it? How much bigger can it get?

“Both Cheshire and Staples lost at the exact same point, in our league finals,” said Cheshire coach Eileen Wildermann. “I am sure it helped both of us what parts of our game we need to adjust.”

It is hard to find an edge for either team. They both score a lot and don’t allow a lot scores. Both teams showed the ability to come up big or see their seasons end in semifinal victories after blitzing most of the opposition during the regular season.

Cheshire ousted gritty Newtown when Kiley Jackson deflected in Anne Eddy’s blistering shot off a corner hit in overtime. Kiley Kirby scored on a penalty shot in overtime as Staples avenged its only loss to Darien.

“I don’t know if there is such a thing as an advantage against any Fairfield Country field hockey team (FCIAC) especially a team that is as talented and deep as Staples,” said Wildermann. “But what this senior class brings is wisdom and composure that I have not coached before in a team. They really keep themselves grounded and humbled. They bring a great attitude into Saturday’s game and believe in themselves which is important. They are going to relay on instinct and composure in the inevitable lows and highs of a championship day.”

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The Rams, whose last title was in 2011 over Norwalk, 1-0; and last appearance in 2015, beat Fairfield Warde, 2-0, and Amity, 4-0, before outlasting Newtown. Eddy played a major role in the victory blasting a shot in off a corner hit with 34 seconds left in regulation before Newtown miraculously tied the game, also off a corner hit, with no time left on the clock.

Eddy set up the winning goal with her shot from the left side of the circle prompting Wildermann to admit with pride – “When we are in trouble we call Anne.”

The Rams also received solid play from co-captain Mikayla Crowley. Eight of the Cheshire players that take the field will be seniors, setting up playing experience against championship game experience.

“Staples has a roster full girls that play together both in the season and in offseason club play,” added Wildermann. “They are true field hockey players. Very few players on our varsity squad played club this year so we really rely on our athleticism more than anything. We are going to have to use that athleticism to stop their speed and skill.”

There will be several keys in the game with Cheshire hoping to slow down Staples offensive game (three games with over nine or more goals this season) and taking advantage of attacking opportunities. Should the game go OT and 7-on-7 is played, how each adjusts might dictate the outcome.

Cheshire has only played 7-on-7 once and looked solid against Newtown. Practicing 7-on-12 in practice has helped according to Eddy.

Smiles and tears about 11:30 or so will indicate the outcome but being there has its rewards.

“To get to the state championship game, I’m just so glad that we get to determine how our season will end,” said Eddy.

Cheshire Field Hockey will play for the CIAC Class L championship. From left, Lexie Hemstock, Megan Hogan, Annie Eddy, Mikayla Crowley, Sophie Cremo, Bri Floyd, Jade Barnes, and Kayla Sansone.
Steven Valenti Republican-American