Honesdale’s field hockey team stayed competitive deep into their match against Crestwood despite a 4-0 loss on senior night, Oct. 14. The Hornets trailed just 1-0 well into the fourth period before the top-ranked Comets pulled away with three late goals.
Crestwood entered the Wyoming Valley Conference game undefeated at 14-0-1 and ranked 16th nationally, while Honesdale carried a 6-9 overall record. Hall of Fame coach Becca Maciejewski acknowledged her team would be outmatched but vowed they would play hard and together.
“We know that we’re going to be out-skilled in this one,” Maciejewski said before the game. “But we’re going to work really hard, play as a team and give it all we have for the whole game.”
The Hornets’ defense, led by Claire Goldstein, kept Crestwood’s offense at bay for much of the match. Goldstein’s relentless pressure in midfield disrupted the Comets’ rhythm and limited their scoring chances. This defensive effort allowed teammates like captains Jaydan Beisner and Chloee Spry, alongside Emmy Wolfenberg, to take on more attacking responsibilities.
Goalkeeper Maddy Freiermuth made several crucial saves, particularly on corner attempts, keeping the scoreline close until fatigue set in late in the game. Crestwood’s first goal came with 7:31 left in the opening period from Piper Keenan-Harden, but Honesdale held firm for three quarters.
The Hornets’ resilience was especially apparent on their Senior Night, where five seasoned players were honored. Beisner, Brady, Brescia, Murray, and Spry have each contributed significantly over their four years on varsity.
“This is definitely an emotional night for me,” Maciejewski said. “I’ve been coaching some of these girls almost since they were babies, so it’s really hard to see them go.”
Beisner, a four-year varsity player and captain, plans to continue field hockey at Mansfield University while studying radiology. Brady, also a four-year varsity athlete and track competitor, hopes to compete at the NCAA level. Brescia and Murray, both four-year varsity players involved in track and basketball, respectively, plan nursing careers at Penn State and another college. Spry, a captain and exercise science major, will also continue field hockey in college.
Despite the final score, Maciejewski praised her team’s effort against a nationally ranked opponent. “I am so incredibly proud of these girls,” she said. “They just played their hearts out against one of the Top 20 teams in the nation. We definitely weren’t intimidated at all.”
Honesdale’s defense and teamwork kept the game within reach until the end, but Crestwood’s relentless attack overwhelmed the Hornets late in the fourth period, scoring three goals to seal the 4-0 win. Maciejewski noted the team’s spirit and readiness to support one another regardless of the role assigned.
“What I really love about coaching this program is that we have so many kids ready to step in and lift one another up,” she said. “No matter what role I give these girls, they all accept it fearlessly.”
The match closed out Honesdale’s regular season, leaving the team looking ahead to the playoffs with renewed focus after their showing against one of the nation’s best squads.
According to Yahoo Sports.