By Andy Hutchison

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA–”Invaluable weekend.”

That is how Ian Tapsall, coach of the Staples High field hockey team, described his squad’s participation in the National High School Invitational in Conshohocken, PA, this past Saturday and Sunday.

“We showed we can compete at the highest level nationally and I’m sure made people notice that Connecticut public high school school field hockey is of a very high standard and competes on equal terms,” Tapsall said.

On Saturday, Staples lost 2-0 to Garrison Forest of Maryland. Only a 16-save performance by Garrison Forest Division I recruit kept the Wreckers from earning at least a tie.

In their Sunday clash, Staples fell 5-3 to Conestoga High of Pennsylvania, a team stacked with D-I recruits, Tapsall noted.

Staples goalie Alexia Ninios made 16 saves, matching a similar effort by her counterpart in this contest. Defensive lapses cost the Wreckers in this one, Tapsall said.

Staples got a pair of goals from Emma Larit and one off the stick of Alex Hackett.

The tournament has been run for a couple of years and although invites had been sent out to top-10 ranked Connecticut public high schools, the CIAC hasn’t allowed participation, Tapsall said.

“I lobbied pretty hard for it saying our Connecticut schools would benefit from national exposure against powerhouse schools in other states. CIAC agreed to allow this but only if we didn’t go over our allotment of regular season games allowed,” Tapsall said.

Staples is the only public school in the state that entered even though these challenging games count in state rankings. So as a result of facing such strong opponents and falling a bit short, the Wreckers may have missed out on opportunities to compile more points for a better postseason ranking and seeding.

Staples, however, gained quite a bit by participating in the event.

“I think it is imperative for teams to travel as a group if possible. Life experience, bonding and teamwork in an incredibly competitive environment will provide a lifelong memory,” Tapsall said.

Not to mention, just like tough FCIAC action prepares the Wreckers for playoff time, this competition helps prep the Wreckers for those difficult FCIAC tilts.

Speaking of which, fellow conference and state powerhouse Darien visits Staples for a big matchup at Ginny Parker Field on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 4:00.

Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories in Fairfield County, since the 1990s. Learn more about us here.