Bobcats finish 2011 Season With A 1-0 Win Over Mules!

The seniors were all smiles following the win!

Bates Field Hockey finished up the 2011 season with an exciting victory at Colby College. Wednesday, October 26, the Bobcats traveled to Bill Alfond Field in Waterville, Maine, ready to defeat the Mules and end the season with a NESCAC win.  Saddened by the idea that this would be their last game of the season, but determined and ready to leave it all on the field, the Bobcats came out firing with several breakaways and scoring attempts.  Right away they put strong pressure on the Mules, in both the offensive and defensive circle.  The practice and hard work put into this season was clearly shown when the Bobcats came together for some beautiful passing combinations within the first twenty minutes.

Despite several attempts Bates was unable to score first half, but certainly did not give up.  With 30:58 left in the second half, Sophomore Polly Merck (Beverly, Mass) netted the game-winning goal. In a scramble in front of the net, Merck got a stick on the ball and reverse shot it past the Colby Goalkeeper. Bates Goalkeeper Sophomore Becca Otley (Falmouth, Maine) recorded her third shutout of the season with a total of seven saves. This was Otley’s first return to action after missing the previous two and a half games due to injury. 

Finishing their careers on a winning note were Bates seniors Lyndsay Beaton (West Newbury, Mass.), Amanda Brusca (Beverly, Mass), Mackenzie Ross (North Yarmouth, Maine), and co-captains Kelly Mcmanus (Plymouth, New Hampshire) and Sarah Merullo (Essex, Mass.). All five demonstrated great leadership the entire season, and their fire and intensity set the tone for the rest of the team. We will certainly miss them next season.

Overall, it was an exciting day for the Bobcats! The victory was a great way to wrap up the 2011 season and set the tone for next year! 

Fall Break Trip to “The Gaunlet” Hayride

On a cool October evening during Fall Break, the Bobcats ventured over to Harvest Hill Farms in Mechanic Falls for a night full of monsters, ghouls, goblins, and more.

Harvest Hill is a family owned and operated farm that is home to the Gauntlet night ride, an annual hayride through the Deep woods of route 26. After waiting in line they finally boarded their own personal team wagon, and waited in anticipation to enter through Gates of the Gauntlet into the darkness. They were soon greeted by the “Lady in White,” the legendary ghost of Route 26 who was said to have been murdered on her wedding night long ago, and who’s spirit often roams the woods looking for a ride to the wedding chapel. As they continued their ride deep into the forest they came across more ghosts, clowns, and their favorite “The Headless Horseman.” 

Overall the ride was certainly thrilling and definitely had some Bobcats jumping out of their seats! I think they will definitely return next year for some Halloween fun. Before they left they stopped to take a team picture in front of the giant Pumpkin entrance.

Video footage from the Dempsey Challenge

Team Exergy Twenty12 is a professional women's cycling team that participated in the Dempsey Challenge and they produced this video clip about their experience. I hope that you all enjoy it!

Exergy TWENTY12 rides and supports The Dempsey Challenge from Exergy TWENTY12 on Vimeo.