By Andy Hutchison

WESTPORT–In a clash between standout FCIAC field hockey programs, the host Stapes Wreckers edged the Wilton Warriors 2-1 on Saturday.

Mary Stevens scored in the second quarter and Daisy Hackett broke a 1-1 tie, assisted by Catherine Cirasuolo, in the third — and the defense made the lead stand up the rest of the way.

Staples stays unbeaten at 11-0 and has won 26 straight games and 37 of 38 since falling to Darien in November of 2023, the last time a Connecticut team figured out a way to defeat the Wreckers.

Wilton certainly tried its best and gave Staples its fourth contest decided by only a goal — the others were against Greenwich, New Canaan and Darien. 

“They came to win because everybody comes to beat us,” said Staples Coach Ian Tapsall, recognizing his defending FCIAC and State title-winning team has a proverbial target due to its success.

Tapsall liked the fact both goals came off set plays — penalty corners.

The Wreckers stayed perfect this fall behind strong effort, passing and a touch of physicality. The coach inserted Eve Dolan into the left midfield position to help counter Wilton’s somewhat physical approach and slow the Warriors’ attack up the right side.

Stevens had a nice performance creating scoring chances and defender Audrey Ziegler was stellar in the back.

“I think our team had a lot of composure throughout the game,” said Ziegler, adding that good passing allowed the Wreckers to move the ball up the field to establish pressure and scoring chances.

Beating Wilton was rewarding for the Staples squad.

“It feels great. It shows how all of our hard work over the summer, in the preseason and into the season has paid off,” Ziegler said. “It shows whomever wants it more in the end can come out on top.”

Staples is hoping to come out on top, when it comes to playoff time, once again and beating the Warriors gives the defending champs a sense of where they stand.

“They’re definitely top-four for sure. We’ll see them again … we’ll definitely see them again,” said Tapsall, alluding to a possible rematch in the FCIAC Tournament later this month.

The players wore pink socks as part of the program’s cancer awareness day.

Staples looks to keep it going Tuesday, Oct. 7, with a visit to Stamford at 4 p.m.