By Andy Hutchison

NORWALK — A magical FCIAC tournament run for Staples High School’s field hockey team came to an end with a 3-0 loss to top seed Darien in Thursday’s championship game at Brien McMahon.

Staples goaltender Alexia Ninios made 11 saves, but Darien remained unbeaten as Blake Wilks had a goal and an assist, Raina Johns scored on a penalty stroke and Ashley Stockdale also found the back of the cage.

No. 3 Staples had defeated No. 2 Wilton in the FCIAC semis.

Staples Coach Ian Tapsall was more than pleased with his team’s tourney record.

“Tough loss to an extremely talented and physical Darien team. Our young team has over-achieved in reaching this stage,” Tapsall said.

Darien jumped out to an early lead Thursday, and the Wreckers took some time to get going.

“Early goal put us on back foot and didn’t realize our full potential until the third quarter when we put some consistent pressure on their goal,” Tapsall said.

“Darien’s win was well deserved, and in spite of the loss, we are extremely pleased with the effort shown on the pitch,” the coach added.

The Wreckers’ season is not over yet. 

Staples is the No. 11 seed and will visit No. 6 New Canaan in the first round of the Class L State Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. Staples defeated New Canaan 4-1 during the regular season.

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.