Rondout Valley High School’s field hockey team secured a decisive victory against Bronxville, winning 6-0 in the first round of the Class C state tournament on November 5, 2023. The team’s strong performance featured two goals each from Audrey Dennin and Samantha Schneller, alongside contributions from Scarlett Kormondy and Madison Shanley.
Ganders Control the Game
Rondout Valley’s dominance was evident throughout the match, as they outshot Bronxville 22-2 and had a commanding 7-0 advantage in corners. After a scoreless first quarter, the team surged ahead with four goals in the second quarter, establishing a 4-0 lead by halftime. Sienna Sergio, the Ganders’ goalkeeper, made two crucial saves to help maintain the shutout.
Following the game, head coach Nanette Simione praised her players for their execution of the game plan. “Today was a great game for us,” she said. “We put everything together we had been working on defensively with double teaming and winning the ball back while pressing to force turnovers.” Simione specifically highlighted the efforts of Ziqing Liu, who played a vital role in regaining possession through her tenacious pressing.
The team’s strategy of fast-paced attacks and effective passing led to numerous scoring opportunities. Dennin’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as she recorded her 100th career point during the match, marking a significant milestone in her field hockey journey.
Looking Ahead
Rondout Valley’s victory propels them into the next round of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the match between Section 2’s Greenwich and Section 3’s Little Falls. The date and location for this upcoming game will be determined shortly. The Ganders, with an impressive record of 17-1, are eager to continue their playoff run and aim for a spot in the Class C Final Four.
As the tournament progresses, Rondout Valley will seek to build on their strong performance and capitalize on the momentum gained from this dominating win.
