On September 6th, Fallston’s turf glistened under a bright September sun as the Cougars took to the field for the annual Alice Puckett Tournament. The tournament not only brings together some of the top programs, giving them a chance to prove themselves, but also honors one of Fallston field hockey’s most influential figures, and it is hosted right here in The Den.
The tournament is named after Alice Puckett, a Fallston field hockey coach who spent 29 years leading the Cougars to success. Throughout her career, Puckett led the team to 20 regional championships, 11 state titles, and ended with a sensational 366-89-19 record. She also spent time coaching at John Carroll. Puckett’s work and leadership inspired many, including Fallston Field Hockey’s head coach Jackie Cummings.
Puckett attended Saturday’s tournament, as her legacy shined bright throughout the whole tournament.
“They were so excited to meet Alice,” Coach Cummings said with a bright smile. “She’s the person who helped shape me into the coach I am today, and she was proud to see that, even though times have changed, our culture is still Fallston field hockey.”
Junior Marissa Walter also felt that meeting Puckett made the day even more memorable.
“It was awesome to meet Alice,” she said. “Seeing how many of our cheers and traditions that started with her, really makes you realize how much of a family Fallston field hockey really is.”
The Cougars began the tournament with an astonishing 7-1 win over Mercy High School. Walter said the first win gave the team that important boost of confidence they needed.
“We doubted our skills at first,” Walter admitted. “But beating Mercy showed us that if we work together, we really can be an amazing team.”
Their second matchup against John Carroll was not only a battle with the Patriots, but the weather as well. Temperatures climbed close to 90 degrees as the teams fought through three quarters before the storms left both teams with a tie.
“Playing two games in one day, in the heat, is a lot,” Cummings said. “But it’s a mindset. You cannot control the weather, only how you react to it.”
Cummings said the invitational was more than just winning. It was about growth, teamwork, and preparation for the Cougars’ upcoming season.
“My goal was to give my team the opportunity to play two full-length games against high competition and see how they did,” she said. “I wanted to see them be able to develop their game and work together as a team and as a unit.”
She highlighted the players’ teamwork on the field as they did their job to work the whole field, refraining from being clumped on one side. She saw a huge improvement in not only strategies used during the game, but the team’s energy and equal contributions.
With a 7-1 win, a tie, and a stronger sense of teamwork, the Cougars left the Alice Puckett Invitational tired, but immensely proud. It is safe to say that these Cougs are ready to carry the tradition of one of Fallston’s greatest coaches into the rest of their season.
