Running towards the freshman goalie Annie Stevens, junior forward Lia Concannon swiftly flicks the ball into the goal to start off the annual Purple and White field hockey scrimmage.

The Purple and White scrimmage is the annual field hockey game where the varsity team plays the junior varsity team. The scrimmage allows players to practice their skills and build up their team chemistry. 

“I feel like our varsity team is really experienced because a lot of the juniors have been playing since their freshman year,” junior midfielder Emma Grojean said. “We also have some freshmen that are getting the hang of it really quickly.”

The team attracted 11 new freshmen, one sophomore and one junior to join field hockey this season. The team also introduced a new junior varsity and c-team assistant coach, Sion alumna Kristen Murphy. Murphy played on the field hockey team for all four years at Sion.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the girls and just having a fun season,” Murphy said.

Right before the end of the first half, freshman forward Shelby Beck swiftly sweeps a long pass to freshman forward Bridget McDaniel. Concannon then follows up and pushes in another goal for varsity. 

“I thought we played really well as a team and we’re more prepared this year. I’m super anxious to see how well the freshmen adapt and if they could potentially steal a spot on varsity,” Concannon said.

Senior forward and team captain Sophia Angrisano scores the final goal 12 minutes into the second half. 

The varsity team will travel to St. Louis this weekend to compete in the Gateway Tournament. Their first home game is Friday, Sept. 6. Team captain senior Fiona Gowin said she and the rest of the team have high hopes for their season.

“I’m really excited to improve for my final year as a team and win some games together,” Gowin said. “Pembroke [High School] has had the same starting lineup for the last four years, so now that they’ve graduated I’m confident we’ll have a chance.”