Bow High field hockey is looking as sharp as ever. The Falcons moved on to their fourth consecutive Division II semifinal on Friday with a dominant win over Oyster River, 5-0.
It was a comprehensive showing, with Bow winning three penalty corners in the first quarter. The No. 2 Falcons put the game away early against the No. 10 Bobcats with three first-quarter goals.
Sophomore Ainsley Herrick opened the scoring for the Falcons, followed by sophomore Chloe Nowakowski and junior Peyton Vaughn.
After assisting Nowakowski’s goal, senior Gianna Trott scored the fourth goal of the first half for Bow with a swift shot across goal. Vaughn would score once more for Bow, assisted by Ainsley Herrick. Junior midfielder Elise Jacques had an assist.
“Definitely gives us a lot of confidence, momentum going into semis. This is for the seniors,” Trott said.
The 5-0 victory was a testament to the postseason experience and talent that Bow has put on display all year. Its nearly undefeated record, save for a loss to defending champion Souhegan, speaks for itself.
Bow will face No. 3 Hanover on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Bill Ball Stadium in Exeter in one of the two D-II semifinals.
The matchup could present some trouble for Bow defensively. The last time the two teams met was in early September, resulting in a tight 5-4 win for the Falcons. On neutral ground in a win-or-go-home scenario, the pressure will be on Bow to make it back to the finals.
Bow head coach Sarah Vaughn expects Hanover’s midfield to give them trouble with its quick passing and movement.
“Our defense needs to be on. That’s always been our focus: defense. Our offense takes care of the job lately,” Vaughn said.
Hanover advanced with a 5-0 win over No. 6 Lebanon on Friday.