Last Thursday, the Barrington High School field hockey team faced its rival, Moses Brown. Both teams entered the game with a record of 8-0, tied for the division lead. With 3:32 left in the first half, Elizabeth Lewis netted a goal, bringing the score to 1-0. With her second goal late in the second half, the Eagles celebrated a 2-0 win. Barrington goalkeeper Madelyn Cox has only given up one goal this season and Lily Gagliano and Elizabeth Lewis are leading the offensive charge. On Monday, the Eagles tied LaSalle 0-0, moving their record to 9-0-1.

One star of the team is captain Julia Soares. A senior, her accolades include First Team All-State and All-New England honors. Recently named WPRI’s Hometown Hero, Julia is hoping the team continues to have a successful season. She's also considering playing field hockey in college.

BT: Let’s take it back to the beginning. When did you first start playing field hockey?

JS: I first started playing in fourth grade as part of a very informal afterschool enrichment program and then played all throughout middle school. I didn't decide to play field hockey in high school until eighth grade, before that I had always thought soccer would be my number one sport. I started playing more intensely and joined my club team, Lead The Way, in the beginning of high school.

BT: I’ve heard you are looking to play in college. Any particular schools that you think would be a good fit?

JS: I am looking to play Division III, as I want field hockey to be part of my college experience but not my number one priority. I have been talking with a few college coaches recently but have not made any final decisions.

BT: Last year Barrington made it all the way to the championship and this year is looking even more promising. How would you say the squad from last year and this year compare?

JS: Going into this season many people (including myself) thought it would be a rebuilding year for us with a new coach and having graduated eight starters. However, I think we surprised ourselves with how well we all play and work together. I think this year the team is very close, we all get along so well and love being around each other on and off the field. Everyone has just stepped it up so much from last year, players who went from seeing no playing time last year to starting this year are showing so much confidence and I couldn't be more proud. Personally, I believe the most successful teams are those that trust each other and constantly give one another encouragement, which characterizes our team very well and is the main reason we are doing so well this season.

BT: The win against Moses Brown last Thursday was enormous. What was the atmosphere like after the game?

JS: It was a very big game, probably our biggest thus far but I think we had confidence going into it and we knew we could beat them. We went into it thinking we were the better team and came out knowing we were. Our team was obviously very excited but we kept in mind we still had the whole second half of the season to get through so we didn't let it get to our heads.

BT: What does a victory like that mean for the team?

JS: It was a very exciting win given our history with Moses Brown but we are still not settling with just this one victory. I think the positive outcome of this game gave our team the confidence we will need to stay focused the rest of the season and perform as best we can. We recognize this was a huge victory, however we don't want to settle with this one win when there are still many more games to play and more to accomplish.

BT: Thank you very much for your time. The whole school is rooting for the team.

JS: Thanks so much, I hope Barrington can keep up the positive support!

— By Jared Jageler