By Richard Slate
For the third year in a row, the Manchester Essex field hockey team has advanced to the Division 2 North final. Thanks to a first half goal by Hannah Daley, the Hornets (20-0-1) held off Belmont (14-3-3) 1-0 this afternoon at Andover High School.
The Mauraders hit the post in the second half but the Manchester Essex defense, led by goalie Vicky Grimes kept the shutout intact for the rest of the contest.
Next up, the Hornets meet up with Watertown, who is also unbeaten with a mark of 18-0-2. The game will be held Saturday morning (11 a.m.) at North Andover High School. Manchester Essex has lost in the final the last two years: 3-2 to Winchester in double overtime in 2007 and last season to Watertown 2-1 in overtime. As it stands, Pam Grant's team is one of the last eight remaining in Division 2 across the state (North, South, Central and West) as they try to make school history.
