By Andy Hutchison

WESTPORT–The Staples field hockey team shook off its first loss of the season, a 4-1 setback at Wilton on Saturday, with a 2-1 victory over visiting Ridgefield on Thursday. Coach Ian Tapsall’s squad improved its record to 4-1.

The Wreckers handed the Tigers their second consecutive defeat (3-0 loss to Darien) following a 4-0 start.

Charlotte Strange and Francine Stevens both had goals and Emma Nahon notched an assist in the win.

The Wreckers outshot Ridgefield 19-6. Staples goaltender Alexia Ninios made five saves.

Next week, Staples hosts Darien Tuesday at 4 p.m. Darien was unscored upon in its first four contests and remains unbeaten following Thursday’s 6-2 triumph over Guilford. Darien, like Staples, has dominated against some of its FCIAC foes. Both Staples and Darien blanked Westhill 10-0; Staples beat Norwalk 7-1 and Darien toppled Norwalk 8-0. Darien also defeated Ridgefield 3-0.

Prior to returning to regular league play, the Wreckers are scheduled to compete in the National High School Invitational in Pennsylvania this weekend.

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.