Olivia Planty was nervous as she prepared to protect Cicero-North Syracuse's cage against Fayetteville-Manlius on Tuesday.
"She was a little scared to go out on that field. She was afraid to let the team down," C-NS coach Pat Kennedy said.
The first shot Planty allowed ended up giving F-M the early lead. Once she found her groove, Planty helped the Northstars find their way to a 2-1 season-opening victory.
Planty, an eighth-grader, made her first career start for C-NS. She finished with one save.
"(F-M's) first shot was great. It cleanly beat (Planty)," Kennedy said. "After that, our returners settled her down and she played great the rest of the way."
C-NS's two goalies — Avery Richardson and Rocky Boismenu — graduated after last season. This left the Northstars' goalie situation wide open.
Planty, who played modified field hockey for C-NS during the 2022 season, stepped up this year.
"She had a solid outing (at tryouts), so we went with her," Kennedy said.
F-M's 1-0 advantage in the opening minutes of the first period came on a goal from the corner by Audrey Burke.
Nicole Conklin notched two unassisted goals halfway through the first and second periods to clinch a win for the Northstars before the break.
The Northstars' defense solidified their presence in the second half. The core as a whole gave up just two shots on goal throughout the contest.
Kennedy is hopeful it's the start of something good for C-NS, last season's Class A state runner-up.
"We're happy with the win," Kennedy said. "Hopefully we're picking up where we left off."
Goalie Emma Dobrovech recorded 10 saves for the Hornets.
"She played a really good game," Kennedy said of Dobrovech.
C-NS (1-0) hosts Clinton at noon Thursday. F-M (0-1) is holding its Hornet Pride Tournament this weekend.
