I apologize for the lengthy delay in posting on this game. I had to write my story then was taking other field hockey games over the phone.

With that said, here we go. Both teams entered the game undefeated and had pretty mucvh handled their respective opponents. So, this made me even more anxious for the game.

Lakeland opened and would assert its authority early with Chelsea Robinson, Cassie O’Mara and Caitlin Collins taking turns with the ball. Lakeland would score on its first penalty corner with Robinson converting a reboud. Lakeland would added a few more first-half corners, but fail to score.

Putnam Valley ventured into Lakeland’s circle at the 15-minute mark. From that point on, Putnam Valley had the better of the play and even created a few scoring chances.

At halftime, Chelsea Robinson spoke to the team and it lit a fire under them. Lakeland came out charging in the second half and scored twice in four-minute span, increasing its lead to 3-0.

Tara McGovern doubled the lead to 2-0, scoring on Lakeland’s first penalty corner of the second half. After she initiated the corner with a pass to Caitlin Collins, McGovern slid over to post and deflected in Cassie O’Mara’s pass at the 5:45 mark. This was McGovern’s 10th goal of the season.

McGovern is having an outstanding season at center back, stepping for the graduated Amy Voelkel. Last year, McGovern was one of Lakeland’s most consistent backs. Not only is she providing leadership for the new defensive starters – Lorraine Campanaro, Casey McGowan and younger sister Bridget McGovern, Tara McGovern has become a lethal offensive player on penalty corners.

Four minutes after McGovern’s goal, Robinson set up Collins for a deflection. Robinson was angling right just outside the circle, then ripped a pass in and Collins got her on it. Collins would do the same thing for O’Mara 9 minutes later.

Putnam Valley’s stand-out center back Brittany Kinsley halted the shut-out bid with 8 minutes on the clock.

Lakeland is always impressive and in O’Mara, Robinson, Collins and Tara McGovern, they have four of Section 1’s finest, impact players. Robinson, Collins and O’Mara have amazing stick skills and there is no one in Section 1 faster and more explosive than Robinson. If Robinson wasn’t playing lacrosse in college, Division 1 field hockey coaches would be lining up for her.

Even though it was Putnam Valley’s first loss of the season, the Tigers played a good game. Brittany Kinsley is an amazing center back. She is tough, physical and has excellent stick skills. There were numerous Kinsley rushes down field. Ashley Morgan fits into this category also, excellent stick skills, quick, fearless and a playmaker. Putnam Valley will be playing Rye for the Section 1 Class B title that first Saturday in November. However, the teams will play Thursday at Putnam Valley.

With Kinsley and Tara McGovern playing defense last summer, it’s no surprise the Hudson Valley scholastic women’s field hockey team did not give up a goal in winning its third consecutive gold medal.

I can’t wait for Rye and Lakeland Saturday night at 7:15 p.m.

Before I forget, I’ve noticed in the last two years that Lakeland assistant coach Mike Robinson gets into each game. Robinson (father of Chelsea and new Edgemont field hockey coach Lindsay Robinson), who helped brother and varsity baseball coach Dennis Robinson build Lakeland into one of Section 1’s finest baseball programs, is right there with Lakeland coach Sharon Sarsen giving instructions, commending the players for a good job and commenting on a questionable official’s call.

Okay, I’ve exceeded my word limit. Good night John Boy. Good night Mary Ellen.