FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP -- It is a sad night for players, students, and others in Columbia County.
A high school field hockey team played its first game since their coach died in a fire.
Ellen Sosnoski died in a fire at her home near Shamokin on Saturday morning. The coroner said Sosnoski died from breathing in too much smoke and added that the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
The team played that game Tuesday afternoon at Southern Columbia Area High School.
We spoke to the players before the game who said although it was tough, they were playing the game in honor of the coach they lost so suddenly.
A moment of silence was held for Sosnoski. The Southern Columbia Area field hockey team asked her family to join them on the field for that moment of silence.
Ellen's husband and two young sons along with her mother and sister were met with hugs and flowers.
Other Southern Columbia teams joined in honoring the field hockey coach by forming a circle around the field.
The district canceled Monday’s field hockey game to allow players and coaches to grieve.
“It’s really tough. We loved her as family and a friend. We just loved her. Tonight, we just hope to play for her and make her proud because we know she would always be proud of us, and tonight it’s for her, and for the rest of the season, it’s for her,” said Lauren Hower, field hockey captain.
Southern Columbia won its game against Muncy 4-1.