The Bow Falcons secured a decisive victory over the John Stark Generals with a final score of 4-1 in the Division II field hockey semifinal held on October 30, 2025, in Exeter. This win marks Bow’s return to the state championship for the first time since their last title in 2011.
Bow’s performance was highlighted by the skill of freshman forward Ainsley Herrick, who scored two crucial goals in quick succession, leading the team to victory. The Falcons, ranked second with a record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws, faced off against the third-ranked Generals, also boasting a record of 14-1-2.
The match began with both teams struggling to maintain possession on the fast and slippery turf. Bow’s junior goalkeeper Aubrey Merrill showcased her talent by saving eight out of eleven penalty corners, making multiple diving saves to keep the game tied for most of the first half. “We’ve played John Stark for a really long time and we always lost,” Merrill stated. “We all really collectively wanted this.”
As the game progressed, Bow’s early goal by sophomore forward Peyton Vaughn set the tone. Vaughn executed a powerful shot into the bottom left corner, using the slick conditions to her advantage. Shortly after, John Stark equalized when junior midfielder Karrington Telgen capitalized on a rebound, leaving the score tied at 1-1.
The second half saw Bow gain momentum with Herrick’s two goals, the first late in the third quarter and another early in the fourth. Her positional awareness and ability to read the game were evident, impressing both fans and teammates alike. Herrick remarked, “We’ve really connected as a team and got some good passes together, and connected the dots.”
Bow’s head coach, Sarah Vaughn, emphasized the mental aspect of the game, particularly given the challenging weather conditions. “Everyone wants this, loser goes home, no one wants to go home,” she said. Vaughn’s strategic preparation paid off as the team maintained focus throughout the match.
As the game neared its conclusion, sophomore midfielder Brianna Gravel added a fourth goal for the Falcons, sealing the victory at 4-1. The win not only advances Bow to the state final but also serves as a significant moment for a team that has steadily improved over the years.
Looking ahead, Bow will face the top-seeded Souhegan Sabers in the state championship at Bedford High School on Saturday, November 4, 2025, at 17:00. The Falcons are eager to continue their success and capture the championship title after a long absence.
In contrast, John Stark’s head coach Cassidy Toms expressed pride in her team’s efforts despite the loss. “I’ll miss my offensive seniors because they were the strongest, they were our goalscorers, but we got a strong team next year too,” Toms noted, highlighting the potential for future seasons.
The match showcased the determination and skill of both teams, with Bow emerging as the victor and setting the stage for an exciting championship matchup ahead.
