Bedford’s ‘magic’ field hockey ride continues with win over North Reading

NORTH READING — Stella Day is the only player remaining from the Bedford field hockey program’s first state tournament appearance in 2021 – which resulted in a first-round exit.

Less than a week after the team earned its first playoff win, and two years removed from an 0-14-1 season in 2022, it’s only fitting then for the senior co-captain to help keep the magic of the program’s best season ever alive on Thursday night.

Day’s fourth-quarter goal paired with two other goal-scorers in a well-rounded effort to power the No. 10 Buccaneers (14-2-2) to a 3-2 upset win over No. 7 North Reading in a Div. 3 state second-round matchup.

The goal originally came as insurance in a 2-1 lead at the time, but it proved to be the game-winner by the end.

Bedford advances to its first state quarterfinal for a matchup with three-time defending champion and No. 2 Watertown on Saturday at 11 a.m., while the Hornets’ own historic season ends at 14-4-2.

“It’s just such a nice feeling knowing that we had such a low season (in 2022) and we completely (flipped) that around,” Day said. “I think this year, the team is closer than ever, which really helped. … It’s so nice to see that connection that helps us move forward that we lacked in the last few years.”

Bedford handled the pressure of navigating new waters well early on, setting the tone with a dominant 2-0 first quarter.

Patience was the name of the game, methodically working up the field to create a pair of corners – which both goals came on. Sophomore standout Sophia Demeo tallied the first on a reverse chip less than four minutes in, before fellow sophomore Elora Fennell buried the 2-0 advantage off a rebound.

Bedford’s midfield kept the ball on the offensive end for much of the frame, helping it lead North Reading in shots-on-goal, 6-0.

“I told the girls to channel that energy, that nervousness, into the (start),” said Bedford head coach Roseanne Ham. “We always want to score first and we’ve been managing to do that.”

The Hornets looked more like themselves in the second and third quarters, creating a wealth of offensive opportunities while preventing the Bucs from getting another shot on goal. Ellie Moberg’s goal about midway through the second quarter cut the deficit in half, and North Reading generated three shots and a pair of corners to threaten for a tie.

All it took was 23 seconds into the fourth quarter for Bedford to channel its early success, with Fennell setting up Olivia O’Brien at the right wing inside the circle for a shot on goal. The ball bounced off Theadora Panousos’ (five saves) pads to Day at the far post, and she buried the 3-1 lead.

“The game picked up, so we picked it up again right at the start of the fourth, like we did in the first,” Day said. “It feels so great, especially knowing that I had my teammates supporting me all the way. Without the team, none of this would’ve been able to happen.”

North Reading sophomore Willow Reyen followed a rebound to bring the deficit back to one goal with 8:14 left, but Bedford held on from there to keep its dream season going.

“It’s magic,” Ham said. “You know how the stars align? Just the right group at the right time. This is unprecedented in the Bedford field hockey program. I’m just so happy.”