BOW – Bow thrashed ConVal in its season opener, 8-0, on Friday, and demonstrated that they will be a force this season in Division II field hockey. 

After reaching the semifinals last season with a young core, the Falcons will look to build upon that success in their second season under head coach Sarah Vaughn. 

Sophomore Kaylee Jacques opened the scoring in the first quarter with a reverse shot from inside the circle after a one-two touch corner play. From there, the Falcons continued to build momentum as midfielder Josie Johnson widened the lead after another corner before the end of the quarter.

Returning starter and last season’s top scorer for the Falcons, senior captain Ella Gray, went on to score a hat trick and assist once in the second and third quarters. Coach Vaughn said Gray’s performance came as no surprise. Her clinical eye for goal will remain a key to the team’s success this year as it was last season.

Freshman Peyton Vaughn also had a spectacular debut on the varsity team playing on the right wing. She assisted three times and scored Bow’s final goal. Two of her assists were for Gray, and although this was not something that they trained in practice, according to coach Vaughn, it showed that they’re both hungry for goals.

“They’re just connecting well,” said Sarah Vaughn.

Defensively, Bow shut down everything the Cougars threw at them with high pressure and very effective passing throughout the midfield.

Sophomore Shire Kelley scored and assisted, while Jacques went on to add two assists to her tally for the game.

The team gained important experience in last year’s playoff run and graduated only two seniors.