Aliana Lloyd and Evelyn Ruan also contributed to this article
This year, Malden High’s field hockey team closed its rebuilding season with a night full of emotion, reflection, and team spirit as they faced Everett at MacDonald Stadium under bright lights on the turf.
“We might not have the best record right now, but the team is very close with each other and the vibes have stayed high despite everything,” shared assistant coach and alumnus Blue and Gold Editor-in-Chief, Daniel O’Toole.
Before the game, underclassmen decorated the field with posters and flowers to honor seniors Kenny Diaz Osorio, Ryan Cheung, Audrey Nguyen, and Ace Showstead. Before the game, Malden’s field hockey team set up their sticks to create an arch. As the seniors on Everett’s team were introduced by O’Toole, they proudly ran through the tunnel, some high-fiving Malden players. Each senior was then given a flower from head coach Tiffany Cane at the end of the arch, where they took pictures with family and friends.
After the Everett team was introduced, it was time for Malden’s seniors to walk down the arch of hockey sticks as O’Toole introduced them. Lastly, the team grouped up to take a photo, and players then went to their coaches for a pep-talk before the game began.
Four-year veteran player Showstead highlighted, “Listen to your elders. Listen to the seniors. Listen to the people who have been on the team because they know what’s best for you. Mostly, just work together as a team. Space out. Listen to your teammates.”. Showstead also reflected on the special traditions that make high school sports meaningful: “Mostly I liked the out-of-practice hangouts. It was really fun. I really wish we did that more this year with the whole team.” His reflections show how senior leadership extends far beyond the field and fosters long-lasting memories amongst teammates.
Within two minutes, Everett scored the first goal and then ended the first quarter with a 3-0 lead. Coaches explained that the team lacked communication and should be working together on passes. Quarter two, unfortunately, continued with the same issues. “I felt the team struggled during the game, oftentimes losing focus on what the goal is,” explained Cane. Coach O’Toole highlighted Nguyen’s passes and Osorio’s stick work, but recognized they weren’t received by the team.
Showstead expressed how meaningful the night was. “Senior Night is just a way for all the seniors to get together and celebrate with each other,” he said. “It’s important to be together as a team.”
Although junior goalie Yawen Zuo had many memorable saves, quarter three ended with Everett in the lead 7-0. Ultimately, the game ended with a 9-0 score, leaving Everett with a win. Although the Malden lost, they were able to recognize their mistakes and work on improving them throughout the game.
While this season was full of obstacles, both Cane and O’Toole see it as a foundation for the future. “This was a rebuilding year,” O’Toole noted. “Next season, the goal is to return to form and bring Malden Field Hockey back to championship standards.” As the night ended with pizza, laughter, and photos, the team celebrated not just their seniors but the unity they built together. Cane summed it up best. “It’s difficult to think about a season without them, but I know they’re all going to do great things. All four of them are wonderful and deserve the best.”
Toward the end, however, the team was faced with the realization that soon, they would have to say their goodbyes to the seniors.
“I’m so happy for them: they are such role model players and often are the ones who step up to the plate when something needs to get done. It’s difficult to think about a season without them, but I know they’re on to do great things in college or wherever else they decide to go. All four of them are wonderful and deserve the best,” shared Cane.
Showstead commented, “Senior Night is just a way for all the seniors to get together and celebrate our seniors, and the other team’s seniors.”
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