The varsity field hockey team circles up with their sticks held together for a cheer to begin the game against Kirkwood High School on Friday, Oct. 11. Kirkwood defeated the Mustangs 2-1

Seniors Chloe Ebner and Lauren Scott line up for the beginning of the game. Ebner donned the pink fabric around her right shin that displayed her position as captain of the team.

Nina Walters, head coach, watches intently as her team plays hard. She was ready to give feedback at the next possible moment and elevate her team’s gameplay.

Racing after the ball, Pooja Ganesh, junior, pulled up from the junior varsity team, fights off a Kirkwood player. She beat her opponent and was able to get the ball out of MHS’ defensive zone, allowing her teammates to form a rush on the offense

In the midst of Kirkwood’s offensive attack, Riley Bossi, senior, stands at watch in goal.

Halfway through the game, coach Nina Walters gives pointers to her team. She visually demonstrated a move as her team huddled off to the side, listening to their coach’s insight

Brynn Traxler, senior, battles for the ball. She planted her feet and won possession, successfully defending against a Kirkwood player.

During a break in the play, goalie Riley Bossi and teammate Karina Lay, junior, bump sticks in appreciation of each other’s efforts. Lay prepared to line up in the defensive zone, with her goalie at her side.

The Mustangs gather around to celebrate their first goal of the game, which tied the game momentarily.

From the bench, junior Elaine Nelson and her teammates watch the game. Even from afar, these girls worked to boost morale.

In the end, Kirkwood defeated the girls with a score of 2-1. The end of this close game was followed by cheers from the crowd for the Mustangs.