The King’s Fork High School field hockey team opened the 2013 season with a 6-0 road win over Deep Creek High School on Monday.

Lady Bulldogs head coach Courtney Van der Linden saw the game as “a continuation of last year just because we had so many returning players, and we’ve had so many different things we’ve done in the off-season.”

“I was extremely happy with them, with their overall performance,” she said.

The Lady Bulldogs struck early and held a 3-0 lead at halftime. After piling on three more goals early in the second half, the game was ended by the mercy rule with about 15 minutes remaining.

“We connected passes, we got corners, we kept the ball in the middle of the field and on our offensive side for, I’d say, 90 percent of the game,” Van der Linden said.

Junior Rachel Gist scored twice, as did senior Naajia Lyons. Junior Randi Fiel had a goal and an assist, and senior Holly Wilson also scored.

Senior Kana Hashigami was the chief facilitator on offense, with four assists, and freshman Lauren Park chipped in one.

King’s Fork went 4-10 last year overall, enough of an improvement over previous years to show the girls they could win.

Van der Linden said more wins could have been possible, however, as the team dropped some close 1-0 games, including one to Deep Creek.

The coach said last year’s loss to the Lady Hornets should have been a victory, so coming into Monday’s game, “I was expecting to win.”

She was surprised and impressed by the play of sophomore center defender Emma Marston, saying she did a great job, “especially since she hasn’t played in an actual game at center D.”

Marston had been used to playing a more offensive role on the junior varsity team, but Van der Linden was pleased she shows ability to still contribute offensively even while playing a defensive position.

“I think she can really be an asset in that position if she keeps doing well,” Van der Linden said.

Sophomore goalkeeper Carlee Morse registered a shutout with two saves in a game in which she saw little action.

“I think that it was good that we had Deep Creek to kind of get the ball rolling,” Van der Linden said. “The next game is not going to be anything like the one we just played.”

The Lady Bulldogs visit Grassfield High School today, looking to avenge an overtime loss to the Lady Grizzlies last year.