Horry Valley High School graduate Fia Gladier is one of five girls from Berks County who will play on the U.S. field hockey team competing in the Paris Summer Olympics. (US Field Hockey)
The United States drew 1-1 with Spain on Monday in the second match of the women's field hockey competition at the Paris Olympics.
The U.S. lost 4-1 to Argentina in its opening match on Saturday. The tournament features 12 teams, divided into six pools. The top four from each pool advance to the quarterfinals.
Members of the U.S. field hockey team from Berks are Ashley Hoffman (Twin Valley), Kelly LePage (Twin Valley), Fia Gradiex (Olly Valley), Carly Kisha (Hamburg) and Meredith Sholder, who played for Emmaus but is a Berks County native.
The Eagles, desperate to score in Pool B, took their first lead of the tournament late in the first quarter thanks to Burks' talents.
With 1 minute, 45 seconds left, Hoffman made a strong save on the goal line and then powerfully sent a deep pass to Gradiex, who after some powerful passing on a counter attack finally got hold of a loose ball in front of the net and smashed it in for the goal.
Spain equalised with a goal from Begoña García 20 minutes into the game, with the score finishing at 1-1 at halftime.
The U.S.' next game will be against Australia on Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. and will air on E!
