Field hockey escapes at John Paul the Great, 1-0

Junior Kelly Mathews (6) scored the game's only goal in Ireton's 1-0 win on the road at John Paul the Great Friday.

Bishop Ireton rode a Kelly Mathews goal in the game’s second half to a 1-0 win in Dumfries over John Paul the Great Friday. The win evened the Cardinals record for year at 5-5.

The Cardinals, playing on a natural grass field for only the third time this season, experienced an uncomfortable first half adjusting to the pitch. They played well defensively but couldn’t solve the field or the Wolves’ defense.

The Cardinals found the net in the second half thanks to a goal from Mathews, who scored off a penalty corner to provide the only tally on the day. Anna Fracasso shut out the home team on the chances she did face in her 4th shutout of the year.

Bishop Ireton’s junior varsity had similar luck with more offense in a 4-0 win in the nightcap.

Ireton has a Monday game with Middleburg Academy followed by a nonconference game at Potomac School on Thursday. The Cardinals end the WCAC regular season with a visit to Bishop O’Connell.