TURNER – The Leavitt field hockey team has played with enough vigor to remain competitive in the KVAC.

But the Hornets met their match Tuesday.

A pair of goals by Jillian Ross and Brittni Reed in the first half proved to be enough as Belfast remained unbeaten with a dominating 3-0 win.

Leavitt (2-4) had its best chance early as forward Jessica Paladino and wing Tiffany Poland advanced the ball into the offensive zone. The attempts to get clear shots off were thwarted away by the Lions.

“We certainly had our opportunities,” Leavitt coach Wanda Ward-MacLean said. “The ball would get inside the circle, but we couldn’t (finish). That was in large part because of Belfast, they are a good team.”

Utilizing a well-balanced attack, Belfast (6-0) applied unrelenting pressure on offense. The crisp passes and ability to carry the ball up the field was evident, with right wing Brittney Cummings.

Belfast wasted little time getting things going. A trio of penalty corners was called and Ross drilled a shot between the pads of Hornets goalie Kristin Schrepper five minutes into the game.

“One key was being aggressive in the circle,” Belfast coach Allen Holmes said. “We also had a lot of ball control and we passed the ball well. That allowed us to use the entire field.”

Belfast made it 2-0 when Reed got behind Schrepper and scored. Skye Ellis had taken a shot and Schrepper (17 saves) stepped out to block it, but Reed corralled the rebound.

“Kristin was certainly busy,” Ward-MacLean said. “She had to rush forward and cut down the angle on several shots. This is her second varsity season and we expect big things from her.”

Our defensive players are new this season, so they all need to get in position.”

Midfielder KateLyn Beeckel was effective at rushing forward to intercept passes for Leavitt.

Reed scored her second of the game three minutes into the second half.

“We knew Leavitt would be tough on its own field,” Holmes said. “So, we prepared for a tough game and it was a long bus ride down here.”