McKenna twins lead Northport to Suffolk Class A field hockey title
Northport's Olivia McKenna (6) shoots in the first quarter during the Suffolk High School Class A Field Hockey Finals between Ward Melville and Northport on Saturday Oct 29 2022 at Newfield High School. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Olivia McKenna knew if Northport lost, it would be her last game before graduation.. She said she had a healthy amount of nerves pregame but seemed to shake them off, scoring four goals and leading Northport to a 5-1 victory over Ward Melville in the Suffolk Class A field hockey championship.
McKenna fired multiple shots within the first few minutes, testing Ward Melville goalkeeper Maggie Padavan. She broke through on the team’s third corner off an assist from Emma Fabrizio with 7:02 remaining in the first quarter.
One minute later, McKenna scored her second goal. After intercepting a pass midfield, she drove into the circle on her own, ripping a shot past Padavan.
No matter the score, McKenna played at the same intensity, knowing anything could happen.
“It’s definitely nice [scoring two goals early] but we always play like it’s 0-0 because we never know what can happen,” McKenna said. “It was nice, made us more comfortable, but we didn’t try to let up at all.”
Down at the other end, Natalie McKenna, Olivia’s twin sister, gained confidence watching her sister score.
“Liv and I always have each other’s back, so putting those two in early definitely put some wind in my sails,” Natalie said. “I knew that 2-0 was a dangerous score to keep because they score one, it’s 2-1. Another one, it’s tied.”
Olivia McKenna remained poised on the attack in the second half. and scored perhaps her most impressive score of the day, dribbling into the right side of the circle and notching her third goal while falling to the ground.
Natalie McKenna had her fair share of action in goal. She made eight saves, while allowing one goal to Charley Mason in the third quarter. Mason’s goal was just the second allowed by Natalie this season.
While Northport celebrated the win, each member knew the season isn't over. The Long Island championship is on Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. at Berner Middle School.
“We are definitely happy with our success here today, but there are also things we need to work on in practice,” Natalie McKenna said. “And I think we all know that.”
