The ConVal field hockey team has racked up a few wins, a lot of close games and plenty of goals this fall, and the improved Cougars looked strong in their 2-1 senior night loss to visiting John Stark on Tuesday. 

“We just worked really well as a team,” ConVal head coach Kelly Shirk said after the game. “Today was some of the best passing that we’ve done all season.”

Moving the ball wasn’t easy during Tuesday’s downpour, as a steady light rain soaked the field and nothing less than a sure strike on the ball would be enough to stop it from bogging down. Yet the Cougars were able to move it and, just over five minutes into the game, junior Josie Hodson got a couple cracks in front of the John Stark net and forced a shot the keeper for the game’s opening goal. 

  • ConVal seniors Cheyenne Costi (24) and Emma Gow (15) await their senior night introduction before the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal head coach Kelly Shirk hugs senior Emma Gow during her senior night introduction before the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal’s Penny Griffiths slams the ball during the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal’s Josie Hodson (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring the Cougars’ only goal during the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal’s Brooklynn Sipe weaves through the General defense during the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal’s Cheyenne Costi goes for the ball during the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal’s Cheyenne Costi makes a defensive save during the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal’s Audrey Higgins carries the ball during the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal goalie Breigha Rodgers makes a save during the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
  • ConVal’s Arianna Hamlin brings the ball to the offensive zone during the ConVal field hockey team’s 2-1 loss to visiting John Stark in Peterborough on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.

ConVal held that lead for about 40 minutes before the Generals finally broke through on a one-two punch from senior Addison DeCew, who scored twice in rapid succession in the fourth period to quickly turn the game entirely to John Stark’s favor. 

“[John Stark was] aggressive,” Shirk said, “and they were able to push through near the end. It  was a hard-fought game for both teams.”

ConVal got excellent play from its senior captains — Cheyenne Costi, who made several defensive saves as the centerpiece of the back line; Emma Gow, active in the midfield; and Arianna Hamlin, a dynamic forward. 

“They’re just a great group,” Shirk said. “They’ve worked really hard the last four years and are going to be hard to replace next year, especially defensively. They lead by example, and we’re going to miss them.”

ConVal does have six juniors, including Hodson; three sophomores, including goalkeeper Breigha Rodgers; and 13 freshmen between varsity and JV, including Brooklynn Sipe, a ballhawk who has scored several times this season for the Cougars. 

“We’ve got some young, young players that are coming up that should help keep the program going in the direction we’re going,” Shirk said. 

ConVal (3-12-0) has now been a part of eight one-goal games this fall, winning two. The Cougars finish out their season at Merrimack Valley on Thursday.