In three games so far this season, the Manchester Essex field hockey team has yielded just two total goals.
The Hornets defensive prowess has shined bright in the early stages of the campaign, and senior captain Madeleine Franco has been right at the center of it.
An experienced left back, Franco has led charge both vocally and tactically, helping to orchestrate a back unit that includes numerous underclassmen.
“She’s been working crazy hard to develop her younger backfield,” said Hornets’ coach Courtney Brown. “She’s been insane, modeling clean tackles, staying composed and keeping her team defense organized.”
Manchester opened up the season with a 5-1 win over Rockport last Wednesday and followed that up with another convincing 5-0 shutout of Amesbury two days later. In the Hornets’ latest contest on Monday, Franco anchored her squad’s defense yet again in a 1-1 tie at home against a talented Ipswich team.
Last fall, Manchester hung its hat on defense, securing 11 shut outs before advancing to the Division 4 Elite Eight. If Brown’s group hopes to make a similar run in the state tournament, while also competing for a Cape Ann League crown once again, it’s going to take more of the same consistent defensive efforts game in and game out.
And so far, Franco has certainly set the tone in that department.
“Madeleine has stepped back into her role as left defender even stronger. She has a consistent and fierce tackle, hard for a left back to execute,” added coach Brown. “As a captain, she’s been key in developing a younger backfield, helping them make smart decisions and develop their confidence.”
Manchester has another league battle at home against Pentucket on Wednesday (4 p.m.) before enjoying four days off ahead of next Monday’s marquee matchup against Masconomet back at Hyland Field.