Bryn Mawr Dominates Spalding 2-0 for IAAM A Field Hockey Title

The top-ranked Bryn Mawr field hockey team triumphed over No. 2 Spalding with a decisive score of 2-0 in the semifinals of the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) A Conference on October 25, 2023. This victory propels Bryn Mawr into the championship game against No. 4 Notre Dame Prep, which previously defeated No. 3 St. Mary’s 3-2.

Following their first loss of the season just six days earlier, Bryn Mawr focused on team unity and positivity leading into the semifinal match. Coach Carey Fetting-Smith emphasized the importance of team culture over technical strategies. “We worked really hard on re-centering around our team culture,” she stated. “Positivity and really focusing on coming out to play as a team, to play for each other and to have fun.”

Bryn Mawr’s junior Audrey Lutz scored the pivotal goal just before halftime, giving her team a 1-0 lead. With only 33 seconds remaining in the first half, Sabine Schwartz made a crucial pass to Lutz, who capitalized on the opportunity. “I knew we would have numbers if I sprinted down, so it was just me and the goalie,” Lutz recalled. “Sabine passed it perfectly on the ground right to me.”

The match remained highly competitive throughout, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Spalding nearly took the lead earlier in the game, but a goal from Ella Jane Ostrowski was disallowed due to a dangerous play violation. As the game progressed, Bryn Mawr’s defense, led by Clara Espenshade and Anna Powell, proved formidable. Goalkeeper Zoe Herkalo made several key saves, including a crucial stop against Spalding midfielder Izzy Chardiet, preserving the shutout.

As the clock wound down, Bryn Mawr extended its lead with a second goal scored by freshman Jagger Graham, assisted again by Schwartz. This final goal, coming with just over three minutes left in the game, sealed the victory for the Mawrtians.

Looking ahead to the championship game on October 29, Bryn Mawr aims to defend their title. They previously defeated Notre Dame Prep 3-2 in a close match earlier this season. The stakes are high as they seek to secure back-to-back championships after winning their first title in 18 years last season.

Despite the loss, Spalding’s first-year coach Logan Edmondson expressed pride in his team’s performance. With only four returning players from last season due to the graduation of 15 seniors, he noted the significant achievement of pushing the top-ranked team to their limits. “This is a new group,” Edmondson said. “For them to go out, dig their heels in, and buy in this entire season, I am incredibly proud of what they represented for Spalding field hockey.”

As Bryn Mawr prepares for the championship, the team is focused on maintaining their positive momentum. Lutz summarized the team’s approach, stating, “We just need to stay composed. We need to play our game… and I think we really did that today.”

With the championship game approaching, the excitement builds for both teams as they strive for victory in the IAAM A Conference.