WASHINGTON TWP. -- What would the 59th meeting between rivals Voorhees and Warren Hills be without another overtime classic? You almost come to expect it.
Senior midfielder Hannah Schiavo picked the right time for the first game-winning goal of her high school career, a nifty dodge-and-go with 4:46 left to give Voorhees a thrilling 1-0 win on Tuesday night in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division clash at Warren Hills School District Stadium.
For the second straight year, Voorhees (7-2, 7-1 division), ranked No. 2 in the area by Open Mike, knocked off No. 1 Warren Hills on its home field. The Vikings scored a 2-1 win early last season before the Blue Streaks, the two-time defending Group 3 state champions, turned the tables with a 2-1 win on strokes in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament semifinals.
"It's good to get that first win and against a big team like this is great for us," said sixth-year coach Taylor Webb, now 5-7 overall vs. Warren Hills. "We've had a competitive schedule so far [with losses against state powers West Essex and Bridgewater-Raritan]. We worked on a lot of things based on those two losses [both on grass]. This was on turf."
Warren Hills (7-1, 6-1) came into game having reeled off six straight shutout wins and had yielded just one goal in its first seven games -- a 2-1 win over Hunterdon Central on Sept. 10. The Streaks, now 21-32-6 overall in the series dating to 1975, were without star forward Dani Profita, whose senior season ended abruptly with an ACL injury sustained in a 6-0 win over Phillipsburg on Thursday.
Voorhees, now alone in first place in the division, was well aware of Profita's injury, but Schiavo said it didn't alter the game plan.
"I feel so bad [for Profita], it's the worst thing that can happen," said Schiavo, who plays club hockey with several of the Warren Hills players. "We didn't really think about her not being there. They're still a really strong team, so you don't think about it. These games are so intense. It steps up everyone's game."
Voorhees certainly stepped it up in the seven-aside overtime period. Schiavo and her teammates took control right away, creating two penalty corner opportunities in the first two minutes. Schiavo got off a shot on the first one, while outstanding Warren Hills goalie Jackie de Raismes made a great play by coming up to the top of the circle to deny another surge.
After that save, Warren Hills came right down the field as junior Tali Popinko got loose on a breakaway down the left sideline. But the momentum was fleeting as Voorhees stopped the drive and proceeded to bring it back up the field.
Inside the circle, Schiavo collected the ball and made a great dodge to her right to get around de Raismes, tucking the ball into the right corner of the cage to set off a wild celebration.
"I got a really good pass from [senior midfielder] Danika [Berman] and I knew [de Raismes] was going to come out and the defense wasn't back there," Schiavo said of her first goal in this rivalry and her fourth of the season. "I anticipated and it worked."
As a midfielder, Schiavo hasn't had as many opportunities to score, especially with Kathryn Roncoroni, the school's all-time leading scorer who is now at American University, doing major damage on the forward line the previous four years. But Webb made a move that smart coaches tend to make -- putting her best player in position to impact the game by moving her up in the seven-on-seven.
"We want her up by the goal and possessing the ball," Webb said. "She's a strong, confident and experienced player. She wanted that goal."
A defensive struggle for the most part, Voorhees finished with 3-0 edge in shots in OT and 5-2 for the game, which was the third in the last seven meeting to go overtime. Vikes goalie Annie Weiler made two key saves, including a rifle shot by Mikayla Dugan off the pads on a corner in the first half.
"We had a lot more scoring opportunities, and we haven't been scoring as many goals as we need to," Webb said. "Our seven dominated in overtime. We had really clean skills in the open field. Our corner defense was very strong today.
The teams will get a rematch at Voorhees on Thursday, Oct. 20. As the top two seeds in the HWS Tournament, they could very well meet a third time in the championship game two days later at Hackettstown High School. No. 1 seed Warren Hills has won the last three tri-county titles, including a 5-0 win over Voorhees in 2014.
"It's always good to get the first one over with," Schiavo said. "The second one will be like a new start. You have to take it like you didn't win at all."
Voorhees (7-2, 7-1) 0 0 1 -- 1
Warren Hills (7-1, 6-1) 0 0 0 -- 0
Scoring
Overtime -- V, Hannah Schiavo, 4th, 4:46.
Shots -- Voorhees 5; Warren Hills 2.
Saves -- Annie Weiler 2 (V); Jackie de Raismes 4 (WH).
Penalty corners -- Voorhees 6; Warren Hills 5.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
Field hockey: No. 1 vs. 2 highlights HWS rankings
With the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament underway, the season is starting to heat up. And it will get a lot hotter on Tuesday night when No. 1 Warren Hills hosts No. 2 Voorhees at 6 p.m., in the one of the best rivalry games in the state and a key Skyland Conference Raritan Division matchup.
Warren Hills (7-0), which has won six of the last nine in the series, including a 2-1 victory on strokes in the HWS semifinals last year, will enter the 59th meeting at less than full strength. Outstanding senior forward Dani Profita will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, while junior defender Sydney Moskal also missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Ridge with an injury.
Voorhees (6-2), which owns a 31-21-6 edge in a series dating to 1975, is coming off a tough 2-0 loss to perennial Group 4 finalist Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Saturday. A pair of freshman forwards -- Brooke Hyland (six goals) and Cassie Boyce (four goals) -- have helped pick up the offense, which was a question coming into the season with the loss of Kathryn Roncoroni, the school's most prolific scorer. The Vikes stunned the Streaks, 2-1, in Washington last year in a regular-season clash before dropping the rematch in the HWS semis. Four of the last six meetings were decided by one goal.
Great to see the teams back in the same division this season, guaranteeing at least two meetings this season and a very strong chance for a third in the HWS final, with Warren Hills the top seed and Voorhees the No. 2.
Here is the first set of our area rankings:
1. Warren Hills (7-0) -- Blue Streaks have stormed out of the gate in pursuit of a third straight Group 3 state championship. Profita entered the week as the area's leading scorer with 14 goals, and the rest of the offense must step up to make another title run. The defense, anchored by senior goalie Jackie de Raismes, has produced five straight shutouts, including a 6-0 win over No. 10 Phillipsburg on Thursday.
Up next: Voorhees at home on Tuesday; at Bridgewater-Raritan on Thursday; Montgomery at home on Saturday.
2. Voorhees (6-2) -- Vikings went 2-1 last week, including a 2-0 win over Ridge, which also dropped a 2-0 decision to Warren Hills on Saturday. Senior midfielder Hannah Schiavo scored in back-to-back wins over Ridge and Montgomery (3-1 on Thursday). Vikes' two losses are to state powers West Essex (3-0 on Sept. 10) and Bridgewater-Raritan (2-0 on Saturday).
Up next: at Warren Hills on Tuesday; at Pingry on Thursday; at North Hunterdon on Saturday.
3. Hunterdon Central (5-2) -- Red Devils, who drew the No. 3 seed for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, have won four in a row. They went 2-0 last week with wins over Montgomery (5-0 on Tuesday) and Hillsborough (6-0 on Thursday). Junior forward Brittany Bill scored four goals in those wins, while senior midfielder Nikki Freeman had a two-goal game against Hillsborough. Senior forward Liza Higley has scored in four straight games. Central looks to snap an eight-game skid against nemesis Bridgewater on Tuesday.
Up next: at Bridgewater-Raritan on Tuesday; Watchung Hills at home on Thursday.
4. Newton (6-0) -- Braves drew the No. 8 seed in the HWS Tournament due to a low power-point total and having only four of the maximum six games played before the cutoff. Senior forwards Natalie Rivas (nine goals, seven assists) and Kate Barbato (four goals) are off to strong starts, while junior forward Morgan Mendel (four goals) has helped balance the offense. The defense has yielded only two goals through six games.
Up next: Wallkill Valley at home on Monday; at High Point on Wednesday; Wallkill Valley at home on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
5. Delaware Valley (5-1-1) -- Terriers are off to fast start with their highest ranking in our poll since its inception in 2009. They enter the week off a 1-1 tie with Bernards, which snapped a five-game winning streak. Senior forward Riley Ferrara has led a balanced offensive attack with four goals and five assists, while senior midfielder Ann Bill (four goals, four assists) and junior forward Sarah Babcock (three goals, four assists) have chipped in. Light week with only No. 8 Belvidere on tap.
Up next: Belvidere at home on Tuesday.
6. Belvidere (5-0-1) -- County Seaters, who drew the No. 6 seed in the HWS Tournament, won their first four games before a 2-2 tie with Bernards on Tuesday. They bounce back with a 4-0 win at North Plainfield as sophomore Abby Bronico, who leads the team with five goals, notched her second assist. Sophomore forward Angie Santini has chipped in three goals, while sophomore goalie Anya Logan has anchored the defense with four shutouts.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Tuesday; Hackettstown at home on Friday; Phillipsburg at home on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
7. Hackettstown (5-2) -- Tigers have won three in a row, including a 2-1 win over No. 7 High Point on Wednesday in an important NJAC Freedom Division clash. They closed the week with a 4-1 win over Kittatinny in the preliminary round of the HWS Tournament. With opponents keeping an eye on senior midfielder Molly Gorczyca (three goals), sophomore forward Jordan Vandermark (six goals) and sophomore forward Kayla Cichlar (six goals) have boosted the offense.
Up next: at Lenape Valley on Monday; Kittatinny at home on Wednesday; South Hunterdon at home in HWS Tournament.
8. High Point (4-2-1) -- Wildcats, who went 7-12 a year ago, have relied on defense through the first seven games and some timely offense. Credit veteran coach Bev Keur for going out and getting No. 3 Hunterdon Central on the schedule -- a 3-1 road loss on Sept. 17. Senior forward Kelsey Little leads the offense with three goals after scoring a total of five in 2015. Little had the lone goal in a 2-1 loss to No. 6 Hackettstown on Wednesday. Big week with No. 5 Newton at home on Wednesday.
Up next: at Vernon on Monday night; Newton at home on Wednesday; Sparta at home on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
9. Wallkill Valley (4-3) -- Rangers have had a bit of an up-and-down season, with losses to No. 5 Delaware Valley (3-2 on Sept. 10), No. 8 High Point (1-0 on Sept. 15) and No. 7 Hackettstown (2-0 on Thursday). Junior forward Morgan Carr leads the offense with 12 goals, while the return of senior forward Danielle Seabeck (four assists), who missed all of 2015 with an ACL injury, has helped bolster the unit.
Up next: at Newton on Monday; at Vernon on Wednesday; at Newton on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
10. Phillipsburg (2-4-1) -- Stateliners are coming off a 1-1 week, dropping a 6-0 decision to No. 1 Warren Hills on Thursday before rebounding with a 3-0 win over Pope John in the preliminary round of the HWS Tournament. Forward Julia Dalrymple scored two goals and sophomore midfielder Gabby Dudek added a goal and an assist in the win over the Lions.
Up next: at North Hunterdon on Tuesday; at Ridge on Friday; at Belvidere on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
On the bubble: South Hunterdon (4-3); Sparta (3-4).
Warren Hills (7-0), which has won six of the last nine in the series, including a 2-1 victory on strokes in the HWS semifinals last year, will enter the 59th meeting at less than full strength. Outstanding senior forward Dani Profita will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, while junior defender Sydney Moskal also missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Ridge with an injury.
Voorhees (6-2), which owns a 31-21-6 edge in a series dating to 1975, is coming off a tough 2-0 loss to perennial Group 4 finalist Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Saturday. A pair of freshman forwards -- Brooke Hyland (six goals) and Cassie Boyce (four goals) -- have helped pick up the offense, which was a question coming into the season with the loss of Kathryn Roncoroni, the school's most prolific scorer. The Vikes stunned the Streaks, 2-1, in Washington last year in a regular-season clash before dropping the rematch in the HWS semis. Four of the last six meetings were decided by one goal.
Great to see the teams back in the same division this season, guaranteeing at least two meetings this season and a very strong chance for a third in the HWS final, with Warren Hills the top seed and Voorhees the No. 2.
Here is the first set of our area rankings:
1. Warren Hills (7-0) -- Blue Streaks have stormed out of the gate in pursuit of a third straight Group 3 state championship. Profita entered the week as the area's leading scorer with 14 goals, and the rest of the offense must step up to make another title run. The defense, anchored by senior goalie Jackie de Raismes, has produced five straight shutouts, including a 6-0 win over No. 10 Phillipsburg on Thursday.
Up next: Voorhees at home on Tuesday; at Bridgewater-Raritan on Thursday; Montgomery at home on Saturday.
2. Voorhees (6-2) -- Vikings went 2-1 last week, including a 2-0 win over Ridge, which also dropped a 2-0 decision to Warren Hills on Saturday. Senior midfielder Hannah Schiavo scored in back-to-back wins over Ridge and Montgomery (3-1 on Thursday). Vikes' two losses are to state powers West Essex (3-0 on Sept. 10) and Bridgewater-Raritan (2-0 on Saturday).
Up next: at Warren Hills on Tuesday; at Pingry on Thursday; at North Hunterdon on Saturday.
3. Hunterdon Central (5-2) -- Red Devils, who drew the No. 3 seed for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, have won four in a row. They went 2-0 last week with wins over Montgomery (5-0 on Tuesday) and Hillsborough (6-0 on Thursday). Junior forward Brittany Bill scored four goals in those wins, while senior midfielder Nikki Freeman had a two-goal game against Hillsborough. Senior forward Liza Higley has scored in four straight games. Central looks to snap an eight-game skid against nemesis Bridgewater on Tuesday.
Up next: at Bridgewater-Raritan on Tuesday; Watchung Hills at home on Thursday.
4. Newton (6-0) -- Braves drew the No. 8 seed in the HWS Tournament due to a low power-point total and having only four of the maximum six games played before the cutoff. Senior forwards Natalie Rivas (nine goals, seven assists) and Kate Barbato (four goals) are off to strong starts, while junior forward Morgan Mendel (four goals) has helped balance the offense. The defense has yielded only two goals through six games.
Up next: Wallkill Valley at home on Monday; at High Point on Wednesday; Wallkill Valley at home on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
5. Delaware Valley (5-1-1) -- Terriers are off to fast start with their highest ranking in our poll since its inception in 2009. They enter the week off a 1-1 tie with Bernards, which snapped a five-game winning streak. Senior forward Riley Ferrara has led a balanced offensive attack with four goals and five assists, while senior midfielder Ann Bill (four goals, four assists) and junior forward Sarah Babcock (three goals, four assists) have chipped in. Light week with only No. 8 Belvidere on tap.
Up next: Belvidere at home on Tuesday.
6. Belvidere (5-0-1) -- County Seaters, who drew the No. 6 seed in the HWS Tournament, won their first four games before a 2-2 tie with Bernards on Tuesday. They bounce back with a 4-0 win at North Plainfield as sophomore Abby Bronico, who leads the team with five goals, notched her second assist. Sophomore forward Angie Santini has chipped in three goals, while sophomore goalie Anya Logan has anchored the defense with four shutouts.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Tuesday; Hackettstown at home on Friday; Phillipsburg at home on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
7. Hackettstown (5-2) -- Tigers have won three in a row, including a 2-1 win over No. 7 High Point on Wednesday in an important NJAC Freedom Division clash. They closed the week with a 4-1 win over Kittatinny in the preliminary round of the HWS Tournament. With opponents keeping an eye on senior midfielder Molly Gorczyca (three goals), sophomore forward Jordan Vandermark (six goals) and sophomore forward Kayla Cichlar (six goals) have boosted the offense.
Up next: at Lenape Valley on Monday; Kittatinny at home on Wednesday; South Hunterdon at home in HWS Tournament.
8. High Point (4-2-1) -- Wildcats, who went 7-12 a year ago, have relied on defense through the first seven games and some timely offense. Credit veteran coach Bev Keur for going out and getting No. 3 Hunterdon Central on the schedule -- a 3-1 road loss on Sept. 17. Senior forward Kelsey Little leads the offense with three goals after scoring a total of five in 2015. Little had the lone goal in a 2-1 loss to No. 6 Hackettstown on Wednesday. Big week with No. 5 Newton at home on Wednesday.
Up next: at Vernon on Monday night; Newton at home on Wednesday; Sparta at home on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
9. Wallkill Valley (4-3) -- Rangers have had a bit of an up-and-down season, with losses to No. 5 Delaware Valley (3-2 on Sept. 10), No. 8 High Point (1-0 on Sept. 15) and No. 7 Hackettstown (2-0 on Thursday). Junior forward Morgan Carr leads the offense with 12 goals, while the return of senior forward Danielle Seabeck (four assists), who missed all of 2015 with an ACL injury, has helped bolster the unit.
Up next: at Newton on Monday; at Vernon on Wednesday; at Newton on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
10. Phillipsburg (2-4-1) -- Stateliners are coming off a 1-1 week, dropping a 6-0 decision to No. 1 Warren Hills on Thursday before rebounding with a 3-0 win over Pope John in the preliminary round of the HWS Tournament. Forward Julia Dalrymple scored two goals and sophomore midfielder Gabby Dudek added a goal and an assist in the win over the Lions.
Up next: at North Hunterdon on Tuesday; at Ridge on Friday; at Belvidere on Saturday in HWS Tournament.
On the bubble: South Hunterdon (4-3); Sparta (3-4).
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Field hockey: HWS schedule for Sept. 26-Oct. 1
Monday, Sept. 26
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
North Warren at Kittatinny
Hackettstown at Lenape Valley
Wallkill Valley at Newton
High Point at Vernon, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 27
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Roxbury at Pope John
Skyland Conference
Belvidere at Delaware Valley
Hunterdon Central at Bridgewater-Raritan, 3:45 p.m.
South Hunterdon at Franklin, 6 p.m.
Phillipsburg at North Hunterdon, 5:15 p.m.
Voorhees at Warren Hills, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 28
(All games 4 p.m.)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Newton at High Point
Kittatinny at Hackettstown
North Warren at Lenape Valley
Wallkill Valley at Vernon
Thursday, Sept. 29
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Pope John at Montville
Sparta at Morristown
Roxbury at Kittatinny
Skyland Conference
Voorhees at Pingry, 3:45 p.m.
Warren Hills at Bridgewater-Raritan, 3:45 p.m.
Watchung Hills at Hunterdon Central, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament
Wallkill Valley at Newton, 6 p.m.
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
North Warren at Blair Academy, 4:15 p.m.
Vernon at Academy of St. Elizabeth
Skyland Conference
Phillipsburg at Ridge, 3:45 p.m.
Voorhees at North Hunterdon, 6 p.m.
Independent
Hackettstown at Belvidere, ppd.
Saturday, Oct. 1
(Both first-round games 4 p.m.)
Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament
Phillipsburg at Belvidere
South Hunterdon at Hackettstown
Skyland Conference
Montgomery at Warren Hills, ppd.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Field hockey: HWS scoring leaders
(Through Thursday's games)
Minimum 5 points
Minimum 5 points
Player
|
School
|
Goals
|
Assists
|
Points
|
Dani Profita
|
Warren Hills
|
14
|
6
|
34
|
Morgan Carr
|
Wallkill Valley
|
11
|
3
|
25
|
Natalie Rivas
|
Newton
|
9
|
7
|
25
|
Brittany Bill
|
Hunterdon Central
|
5
|
9
|
19
|
Nikki Freeman
|
Hunterdon Central
|
7
|
0
|
14
|
Riley Ferrara
|
Delaware Valley
|
4
|
5
|
13
|
Carly Leary
|
South Hunterdon
|
5
|
3
|
13
|
Ann Bill
|
Delaware Valley
|
4
|
4
|
12
|
Abby Bronico
|
Belvidere
|
5
|
2
|
12
|
Brooke Hyland
|
Voorhees
|
6
|
0
|
12
|
Tali Popinko
|
Warren Hills
|
3
|
5
|
11
|
Rebecca Sigman
|
Warren Hills
|
4
|
3
|
11
|
Sarah Babcock
|
Delaware Valley
|
3
|
4
|
10
|
Morgan Mendel
|
Newton
|
4
|
2
|
10
|
Cassie Boyce
|
Voorhees
|
4
|
2
|
10
|
Kate Barbato
|
Newton
|
4
|
2
|
10
|
Nicole Rizzo
|
Newton
|
2
|
6
|
10
|
Kayla Cichar
|
Hackettstown
|
5
|
0
|
10
|
Fiona Blake
|
Wallkill Valley
|
4
|
1
|
9
|
Jeanne Harabedian
|
Delaware Valley
|
4
|
1
|
9
|
Ali Sturchio
|
Pope John
|
4
|
1
|
9
|
Jordan Vandermark
|
Hackettstown
|
4
|
1
|
9
|
Liza Higley
|
Hunterdon Central
|
4
|
1
|
9
|
Victoria Docherty
|
Newton
|
3
|
3
|
9
|
Jacqui Hallack
|
Sparta
|
3
|
2
|
8
|
Colleen Barrett
|
Hunterdon Central
|
3
|
2
|
8
|
Samantha Dugan
|
Warren Hills
|
4
|
0
|
8
|
Alyssa Appleby
|
Warren Hills
|
4
|
0
|
8
|
Gabby Dudek
|
Phillipsburg
|
3
|
1
|
7
|
Brittany Schumann
|
Newton
|
2
|
3
|
7
|
Megan Donnelly
|
Delaware Valley
|
3
|
1
|
7
|
Angie Santini
|
Belvidere
|
3
|
1
|
7
|
Molly Gorczyca
|
Hackettstown
|
3
|
0
|
6
|
Kelsey Little
|
High Point
|
3
|
0
|
6
|
Emily Brandt
|
Hunterdon Central
|
3
|
0
|
6
|
Hope Nafis
|
Sparta
|
2
|
2
|
6
|
Hannah Schiavo
|
Voorhees
|
3
|
0
|
6
|
Jessalyn McKenna
|
Lenape Valley
|
3
|
0
|
6
|
Kali Huck
|
Hunterdon Central
|
2
|
2
|
6
|
Madison Hoskins
|
Hackettstown
|
2
|
1
|
5
|
Abby Evans
|
Phillipsburg
|
2
|
1
|
5
|
Lindsay Fritz
|
Voorhees
|
2
|
1
|
5
|
Danielle Seabeck
|
Wallkill Valley
|
1
|
3
|
5
|
Mikayla Dugan
|
Warren Hills
|
1
|
3
|
5
|
Sarah Matyas
|
Voorhees
|
2
|
1
|
5
|
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Field hockey: HWS Tournament seeds, pairings
The eighth annual Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex tournament gets under way on Saturday with six preliminary round games.
Here's is this year's complete schedule:
Prelims on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the higher seeds, with the winners advancing to the four pre-quarterfinal round contests on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the higher seeds. The quarterfinals are slated for Saturday, Oct. 8 at the higher seeds with the semifinals to be played on Saturday, Oct. 15.
The championship game will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 on the turf at Hackettstown's Morrison Field. Warren Hills posted a 2-1 win over Hunterdon Central in last year's title game, the Warren County school's fifth HWS championship and third in a row.
For the second straight year, all teams were seeded strictly on power points and housed in one 18-team bracket. Power points through a team's first six games, or if fewer than six, played up to and including Wednesday's cutoff were used in seeding process.
The top four seeds receive byes into the quarterfinals.
Preliminary matchups for Saturday
17-North Hunterdon (0-5) at 8-Newton (4-0)
16-Vernon (1-3) at 9-Wallkill Valley (3-2)
13-Lenape Valley (1-1-1) at 12-Sparta (2-3)
14-Pope John (1-6) at 11-Phillipsburg (1-3-1)
15-North Warren (1-4) at 10-South Hunterdon (2-3)
18-Kittatinny (0-3) at 7-Hackettstown (3-2)
First-round matchups for Oct. 1
North Hunterdon-Newton winner vs. Vernon-Wallkill Valley winner
Lenape Valley-Sparta winner at 5-High Point (3-2-1)
Pope John-Phillipsburg winner at 6-Belvidere (4-0-1)
North Warren-South Hunterdon winner vs. Kittatinny-Hackettstown winner
Quarterfinal matchups for Oct. 8
North Hunterdon/Newton/Vernon/Wallkill Valley at 1-Warren Hills (5-0)
Lenape Valley/Sparta/High Point at 4-Delaware Valley (5-1)
Pope John/Phillipsburg/Belvidere at 3-Hunterdon Central (4-2)
North Warren/South Hunterdon/Kittatinny/Hackettstown at 2-Voorhees (5-1)
Here's is this year's complete schedule:
Prelims on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the higher seeds, with the winners advancing to the four pre-quarterfinal round contests on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the higher seeds. The quarterfinals are slated for Saturday, Oct. 8 at the higher seeds with the semifinals to be played on Saturday, Oct. 15.
The championship game will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 on the turf at Hackettstown's Morrison Field. Warren Hills posted a 2-1 win over Hunterdon Central in last year's title game, the Warren County school's fifth HWS championship and third in a row.
For the second straight year, all teams were seeded strictly on power points and housed in one 18-team bracket. Power points through a team's first six games, or if fewer than six, played up to and including Wednesday's cutoff were used in seeding process.
The top four seeds receive byes into the quarterfinals.
Preliminary matchups for Saturday
17-North Hunterdon (0-5) at 8-Newton (4-0)
16-Vernon (1-3) at 9-Wallkill Valley (3-2)
13-Lenape Valley (1-1-1) at 12-Sparta (2-3)
14-Pope John (1-6) at 11-Phillipsburg (1-3-1)
15-North Warren (1-4) at 10-South Hunterdon (2-3)
18-Kittatinny (0-3) at 7-Hackettstown (3-2)
First-round matchups for Oct. 1
North Hunterdon-Newton winner vs. Vernon-Wallkill Valley winner
Lenape Valley-Sparta winner at 5-High Point (3-2-1)
Pope John-Phillipsburg winner at 6-Belvidere (4-0-1)
North Warren-South Hunterdon winner vs. Kittatinny-Hackettstown winner
Quarterfinal matchups for Oct. 8
North Hunterdon/Newton/Vernon/Wallkill Valley at 1-Warren Hills (5-0)
Lenape Valley/Sparta/High Point at 4-Delaware Valley (5-1)
Pope John/Phillipsburg/Belvidere at 3-Hunterdon Central (4-2)
North Warren/South Hunterdon/Kittatinny/Hackettstown at 2-Voorhees (5-1)
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Field hockey: HWS schedule for Sept. 19-24
Monday, Sept. 19
(All games 4 p.m.)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Jefferson at High Point
Mendham at Pope John
Vernon at Boonton
Tuesday, Sept. 20
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Kittatinny at Newton
Lenape Valley at Vernon
North Warren at Wallkill Valley
Skyland Conference
Delaware Valley at North Plainfield, 3:45 p.m.
Montgomery at Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.
Somerville at South Hunterdon, 3:45 p.m.
Voorhees at Ridge, 6 p.m.
Warren Hills at Hillsborough
Bernards at Belvidere
North Hunterdon at Pingry
Wednesday, Sept. 21
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Pope John at Mount Olive
Hackettstown at High Point
Thursday, Sept. 22
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
High Point at Kittatinny
Lenape Valley at Newton
Vernon at North Warren
Hackettstown at Wallkill Valley
Skyland Conference
Bernards at Delaware Valley
Hillsborough at Hunterdon Central, 6 p.m.
Warren Hills at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.
South Hunterdon at Mount St. Mary, 3:45 p.m.
Voorhees at Montgomery, 3:45 p.m.
Belvidere at North Plainfield, 3:45 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Watchung Hills, 3:45 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23
(Both games 4 p.m.)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Pope John at Whippany Park
Sparta at Jefferson
Saturday, Sept. 24
(All tournament games 10 a.m.)
Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament
North Hunterdon at Newton
Vernon at Wallkill Valley
Lenape Valley at Sparta
Pope John at Phillipsburg
North Warren at South Hunterdon
Kittatinny at Hackettstown
Skyland Conference
Bridgewater-Raritan at Voorhees, 10 a.m.
Ridge at Warren Hills, 11 a.m.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Field hockey: HWS schedule for Sept. 12-17
Monday, Sept. 12
(All games 4 p.m.)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Jefferson at Wallkill Valley
Independent
Pingry at High Point
West Windsor South at Delaware Valley
Princeton Day at South Hunterdon
Independent
Pingry at High Point
West Windsor South at Delaware Valley
Princeton Day at South Hunterdon
Tuesday, Sept. 13
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Morris Hills at Pope John
Sparta at Mount Olive
Skyland Conference
Mount St. Mary at Delaware Valley
Ridge at Hunterdon Central
Belvidere at Franklin
Voorhees at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.
South Hunterdon at Bernards, 3:45 p.m.
Watchung Hills at Warren Hills, 3:45 p.m.
Montgomery at North Hunterdon, 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 14
(All games 4 p.m.)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Kittatinny at Lenape Valley
Newton at Vernon
North Warren at Hackettstown
Independent
Warren Hills at Madison, ppd.
Thursday, Sept. 15
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Jefferson at Pope John, 4 p.m.
Wallkill Valley at High Point
Sparta at Morris Hills, 7 p.m.
Skyland Conference
Hunterdon Central at Phillipsburg
South Hunterdon at North Plainfield
Hillsborough at Voorhees
Mount St. Mary at Belvidere
Bridgewater-Raritan at North Hunterdon, 5:15 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 16
(All games 3:45 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Kittatinny at Pequannock, 4 p.m.
Skyland Conference
Delaware Valley at Franklin
Belvidere at North Warren
Saturday, Sept. 17
(All games 10 a.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Pope John at West Morris
Sparta at Morris Knolls
Independent
High Point at Hunterdon Central, noon
Lenape Valley at Montclair
Vernon at Mount St. Mary
North Warren at Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 11 a.m.
Hackettstown at Warren Hills, 4 p.m.
Skyland Conference
Montgomery at Phillipsburg, 11:30 a.m.
Voorhees at Watchung Hills
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Field hockey: HWS schedule for Sept. 8-10
Thursday, Sept. 8
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Randolph at Pope John
Roxbury at Sparta
Skyland Conference
Somerville at Delaware Valley
Hunterdon Central at Pingry
Phillipsburg at Watchung Hills, 3:45 p.m.
Belvidere at South Hunterdon, 3:45 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Voorhees, 3:45 p.m.
Warren Hills at Montgomery, 6 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9
(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Lenape Valley at High Point
Kittatinny at Wallkill Valley
Newton at North Warren, 3:45 p.m.
Vernon at Hackettstown
Saturday, Sept. 10
(All games 10 a.m., unless noted)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Pope John at Chatham
Sparta at Montville, 2:30 p.m.
Hackettstown at Morristown, 1:30 p.m.
Skyland Conference
Warren Hills at Hunterdon Central, 11:30 a.m.
Phillipsburg at Pingry, 3:30 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Ridge
Independent
West Essex at Voorhees, 11 a.m.
Delaware Valley at Wallkill Valley, 11 a.m.
Blair Academy at Newton, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
2016 Field hockey preview: Hunterdon-Warren
Belvidere County Seaters
Coach: Beth Franceschino (third season of second stint, 22-15-3).
2015 record: 12-7-2, 4-1-1 (second place Skyland Conference Mountain Division).
Key returnees: F Kara Tipton (6 goals), sr.; D Erin Bronico, sr.; D Rachel Dultz, sr.; MF Traci Kieffer, sr.; F Maddie Call (8 assists), so.
Key losses: F-MF Hannah Koch; MF Elizabeth Dalrymple (4 goals); GK Maddie Beaumont (10 shutouts); D Mackenzie Sera; MF Paige White; F Katie Spadaccini (8 goals).
Top newcomers: MF Sam Bittenbender, jr.; MF Alex Navarra, jr.; F Abby Bronico, so.; D Mallory Keenan, so.; F Melanie Clark, so.; GK Anya Logan, so.; GK Alyssa Rudd, fr.; F Angie Santini, so.
Outlook: The County Seaters are coming off back-to-back winning seasons, winning the division in 2014 and finishing second a year ago and making a nice run to the North 1, Group 1 semifinals where the season ended with a 2-1 loss to eventual champion Newton. The Warren County school suffered major graduation losses on both ends of the field, but the biggest challenge will be replacing Beaumont (18 shutouts the past two seasons) in the cage. Bronico and Dultz will anchor a defense that has yielded only 22 goals last season and two or fewer in 18 contests. Tipton and Call will lead the offense. If this team can hold tight on the defensive end, it can make another run at the division.
Delaware Valley Terriers
Coach: Stephanie Cirino (sixth season, 39-50-5).
2015 record: 9-9-1, 4-3-1 (third place Skyland Conference Valley Division).
Key returnees: MF Ann Bill (6 goals), sr.; D Jeanne Harabedian, sr.; F Riley Ferrara (5 goals, 4 assists), sr.; F Megan Donnelly, so.; F Sarah Babcock, jr.; MF Rachel Orrico, jr.; D Kathryn Schutta, sr.
Key losses: F Kerrianne Blankinship; GK Morgan Davies (8 shutouts); D Cassie Blankinship.
Top newcomers: F-MF Madeline Bill, fr.; F Jordan Reina, sr.; MF Jillian Ethern, jr.; GK Jillian DePinto, sr.; GK Ellis Stanton, jr.
Outlook: The Terriers are coming off three straight nine-win campaigns and a trip to the North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals last season -- dropping a 3-0 decision to rival Voorhees. The offensive production has been the key with 38 goals in 2015 and 29 goals in '14. Ann Bill and Ferrara will anchor that group, but replacing Davies, a three-year starter in the cage, will be the biggest challenge for this group. This team should do fine against most of the teams on the schedule, but the defense against the stronger opponents will be key to breaking the .500 mark.
Hackettstown Tigers
Coach: Stephen Speirs (seventh season, 64-46-3).
2015 record: 14-3-1, 6-0 (first place NJAC Freedom Division).
Key returnees: MF Molly Gorczyca (31 goals, 6 assists), sr.; F Madison Hoskins (7 goals, 11 assists), so.; F Kayla Cichlar (5 goals), so.; F Jordan Vandermark, so.; MF Kayla Nicholls, jr.; D Nicole Jerome, sr.
Key losses: F Kayli Yeisley (14 goals, 7 assists); MF Samantha Strathern (8 assists); GK Rose Bishop (12 shutouts); MF Cayla Andrews (6 goals, 13 assists); D Michaela Sass; D Madison Kennedy.
Top newcomers: F Kylie Dawson, so.; F Ashley Zellars, so.; MF Jessica Shepherd, so.; D Megan Baker, so.; D Sierra Castiglia, so.; MF Alexis Castellano, jr.; D Cheyenne Scudder, sr.; F Kaitlyn Cogan, sr.; D Carson Fazekas, sr.; D Madison Trotter, fr.
Outlook: Tigers are coming off three straight seasons over .500, winning its first NJAC Freedom Division title and dropping a 2-0 decision to Ramsey in the North 1, Group 2 semifinals. This may be a challenging season ahead with heavy graduation losses, including Bishop, a rock-solid three-year starter in the cage. The good news is the return of Gorczyca, who was one of the top scorers in the area last season and set school records for goals in a game (6) and season (31). But with most of the supporting cast on offense gone, expect opponents to focus on taking her out of games. Besides the annual game against Warren Hills (Sept. 17), the schedule seems favorable.
Hunterdon Central Red Devils
Coach: Jenn Sponzo (18th season, 241-121-16).
2015 record: 17-6, 6-2 (second place Skyland Conference Delaware Division).
Key returnees: MF Nikki Freeman (11 goals, 12 assists), sr.; F Brittany Bill (6 goals), jr.; D Dayna DeVincentz (4 assists), sr.; D Lauren Howarth, jr.; F Elizabeth Webb (4 goals), sr.; F Liza Higley, sr.; D Emma Webb, sr.
Key losses: F Maddie Freeman (14 goals, 8 assists); F Amanda Whitlock (10 goals, 5 assists); F Jill Murray (19 goals); GK Molly Lafferty (6 shutouts); D Megan Fisher.
Top newcomers: MF Nikki Peppe, jr.; F Colleen Barrett, jr.; MF Alexa Zubalake, jr.; GK Elizabeth O'Brien, sr.
Outlook: Red Devils will need to rebuild a bit on the offensive end with the loss of 43 goals to graduation, but Freeman and Bill will be a good place to start on the forward line. Defensively, a new goalie (O'Brien) takes over, but should have a strong group of backs in front of her, including DeVincentz, a returning starter. After winning back-to-back North 2, Group 4 sectional titles in 2012 and '13, the Red Devils have ended the last two campaigns with losses to nemesis Bridgewater in the title games. With both in the same section again, it seems likely there will be a third straight meeting at season's end.
North Hunterdon Lions
Coach: Suzanne Toke (fourth season, 6-48-2).
2015 record: 1-17-1, 1-6-1 (fourth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Courtney Nealon (3 goals), sr.; MF Nicole Perez, sr.; Jenn Sroka, sr.; D Clara Fischer, sr.; D Mackenzie Gilvey, sr.; F Abby Miller, sr.
Key losses: GK Liz Rotolo; MF Jenna Macri; F-MF Amy Sroka; MF Alara Murphy.
Top newcomers: MF Lexi Poniatowski, jr.; D Lauren Wagner, jr.; GK Wesley Taylor, sr.
Outlook: Lions have struggled in recent times, going 40-123-4 over the last eight seasons. The rebuilding will start with offense, as last year's unit scored just nine goals in 19 games. That makes it tough to win. Defensively, Taylor will take over for her first varsity season in the cage. Keeping opponents off the board also was a struggle last season, especially against the tougher teams on the schedule. Having to play Voorhees and Warren Hills twice in this tough division won't make it any easier, but expect this group to improve as the season wears on.
North Warren Patriots
Coach: Brian Gravatt (second season, 5-13-1).
2015 record: 5-13-1, 0-6 (fourth place NJAC Colonial Division).
Key returnees: GK Jenna Sagan (4 shutouts), sr.; MF Sydney MacDonough, sr.; D Elinor Dowd, sr.; GK Mackenzie Cyr, jr.; F Julia Wetzel, jr.; F Sydney Janerio, jr.; F Danielle Pergola (3 goals), sr.; D Sophia Hinchman, sr.; F Kassandra DePaolis, sr.
Key losses: F-MF Gianna Lorusso; F-MF Kelsey Conlon; F-MF Claudia Wetzel (8 goals); D Carly DeSanto.
Top newcomers: D Dani Towey, so.; MF Lauren Cooke, so.; MF Drew Benzia, so.; MF Rachel Eitner, so.; MF Kaley Wohlers, so.; MF Claire Merkler, so.; MF Katarina Grogan, fr.; MF Alexandra Shramko, fr.; MF Julianne Metzgar, fr.
Outlook: The Patriots slipped back to the pack last season after going 10-9-1 in 2014, the program's first winning season in recent memory. Numbers appear to be good for this Group 1 school, so that's a plus. Sagan is a three-year starter in the cage and will anchor a defense that struggled to contain the tougher teams on the schedule last season. An experienced group of forwards should help the offense improve on its goal total of 17 in 19 games. If the offense can step up, finishing near the .500 mark would be a reasonable goal.
Phillipsburg Stateliners
Coach: Jennifer Paulus (sixth season, 40-54-4).
2015 record: 11-9, 5-3 (second place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Abby Evans (10 goals), jr.; GK Samantha DeRogatis, sr.; GK Lauren Viscione, jr.; MF Gabby Dudek (3 goals, 5 assists), so.; D Katy Perino, sr.
Key losses: F Kylie Marhold (9 goals); F Ellie Zgoda (12 goals, 5 assists); MF-D Lacey O'Dowd.
Top newcomers: MF Carsen Drake, fr.; D Samantha Donnelly, fr.
Outlook: Stateliners have made steady improvement since a dismal two-win season in 2013, going 11-5 combined the last two years in a very tough Raritan Division and 1-2 in the North 1, Group 4 sectional playoffs. Finding consistency on the offensive side was key to reaching 11 wins last year, going from 28 goals in 2014 to 44 in '15, but losing Marhold and Zgoda to graduation will hurt. Evans and Dudek will lead that unit, while both goalies return on the defensive side, along with Perino. If this team can put the ball in the cage on a regular basis, it could surprise this season.
South Hunterdon Eagles
Coach: Stephanie Davis (third season, 20-19).
2015 record: 12-9, 5-1 (first place Skyland Conference Mountain Division).
Key returnees: F Carly Leary (10 goals, 5 assists), sr.; F Kate Shaffer (4 goals, 4 assists), sr.; F Julia Kreider (9 goals), jr.; GK Giovanna Rubino (4 shutouts), sr.; D Kendall Storcella, sr.; D Emily Carrier, sr.; MF Mae Dienes (4 goals), sr.; MF Rebecca Godown, sr.; F Brooke Tumler, jr.
Key losses: F Ashley Eick (7 goals); D Rachel Knappenberger; D Carolina Restrepo.
Top newcomers: D Claire Greenwood, jr.; GK Kerry Coleman, so.; D Nicole Costantini, so.; MF Jada Kauth, so.; F Ashley Lucarini, so.; MF Sophia Petrucci, so.; MF Alana Cantanzareti, so.
Outlook: Davis begins her third season with the most experienced group yet, so the Eagles appear primed for another run at the Mountain Division title and the North 2, Group 1 title game -- falling 7-0 to state power Shore Regional last season. With most of the forward line returning, look for Leary and Kreider to anchor a unit that produced 37 goals last year after scoring just 20 in 2014. Rubino returns for a third year in the cage and will lead a defense that allowed 33 goals in 21 games, though seven of those came in the sectional final.
Voorhees Vikings
Coach: Taylor Webb (sixth season, 80-22-3).
2015 record: 18-5, 8-0 (first place Skyland Conference Valley Division).
Key returnees: MF Hannah Schiavo (7 goals, 11 assists), sr.; D Sarah Matyas, jr.; GK Annie Weiler, sr.; D Laura Chen, jr.; F Claire Whiston (3 goals), sr.
Key losses: F Kathryn Roncoroni (51 goals, 14 assists); MF Isabelle Houser (5 goals, 13 assists); D Lexi Crans; F Cori Lenzinger (10 goals); F Jenna Smego.
Top newcomers: D Lauren Kokoskie, fr.; MF Danika Berman, sr.; D Emma-Leigh Cameron, sr.; D Stevie Ader, sr.; F Lindsay Fritz, sr.; F Brooke Hyland, fr.; F Cassie Boyce, fr.
Outlook: Vikings are jumping back to the Skyland Conference Raritan Division after back-to-back title runs in the Valley Division title and consecutive losses in the North 2, Group 2 sectional final. The offense takes a major hit with the loss of Roncoroni, now at American University and one of the area's most prolific and talented scorers as the owner of the school's single-season and career goals and points marks. Schiavo, a tough and talented player in her own right, now assumes the leadership role for an offense that will need to be consistent across the board. Defense is always the glue and Weiler is coming off an excellent year in the cage. It would be foolish to count this well-coached team out despite heavy graduation losses.
Warren Hills Blue Streaks
Coach: Kate Rothman (second season, 43-37-3 overall including stint at Lenape Valley).
2015 record: 23-3, 8-0 (first place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Dani Profita (41 goals, 24 assists), sr.; MF Tali Popinko (12 assists), jr.; D Caroline Cotte (injured, ACL), sr.; D Brie Schwab, sr.; GK Jackie de Raismes (14 shutouts), sr.; F Rebecca Sigman (19 goals, 5 assists), jr.; MF Mikayla Dugan (6 assists), jr.; D Sydney Moskal, jr.; D Tyler Stoner, sr.; F Alyssa Appleby (3 goals, 3 assists), jr.; F-MF Rebecca Lezon, jr.
Key losses: MF Katie Thompson (17 goals, 14 assists); F Megan Thompson (20 goals, 12 assists); D Rachel Phillips (9 goals, 18 assists).
Top newcomers: F-MF Sam Dugan, fr.; F Kate Fenner, fr.
Outlook: Blue Streaks are coming off their fifth straight division title and back-to-back Group 3 state championships for the first time in program history, while also matching the school record for wins. Expect this group to keep the train moving, despite three huge graduation losses, including Phillips, who many feel was this team's best all-around player last season. Profita, with 80 career goals, looks to put several school records out of reach and is joined on a talented front line by Sigman, who is coming off a strong season. The defense should be in great shape as well and features one of the area and state's most clutch goalies in de Raismes, who turned in perhaps her finest game in last year's Group 3 win over Ocean City. Another plus is the return of Cotte, who showed real promise as a sophomore before an ACL injury ended her junior season before it began.
Coach: Beth Franceschino (third season of second stint, 22-15-3).
2015 record: 12-7-2, 4-1-1 (second place Skyland Conference Mountain Division).
Key returnees: F Kara Tipton (6 goals), sr.; D Erin Bronico, sr.; D Rachel Dultz, sr.; MF Traci Kieffer, sr.; F Maddie Call (8 assists), so.
Key losses: F-MF Hannah Koch; MF Elizabeth Dalrymple (4 goals); GK Maddie Beaumont (10 shutouts); D Mackenzie Sera; MF Paige White; F Katie Spadaccini (8 goals).
Top newcomers: MF Sam Bittenbender, jr.; MF Alex Navarra, jr.; F Abby Bronico, so.; D Mallory Keenan, so.; F Melanie Clark, so.; GK Anya Logan, so.; GK Alyssa Rudd, fr.; F Angie Santini, so.
Outlook: The County Seaters are coming off back-to-back winning seasons, winning the division in 2014 and finishing second a year ago and making a nice run to the North 1, Group 1 semifinals where the season ended with a 2-1 loss to eventual champion Newton. The Warren County school suffered major graduation losses on both ends of the field, but the biggest challenge will be replacing Beaumont (18 shutouts the past two seasons) in the cage. Bronico and Dultz will anchor a defense that has yielded only 22 goals last season and two or fewer in 18 contests. Tipton and Call will lead the offense. If this team can hold tight on the defensive end, it can make another run at the division.
Delaware Valley Terriers
Coach: Stephanie Cirino (sixth season, 39-50-5).
2015 record: 9-9-1, 4-3-1 (third place Skyland Conference Valley Division).
Key returnees: MF Ann Bill (6 goals), sr.; D Jeanne Harabedian, sr.; F Riley Ferrara (5 goals, 4 assists), sr.; F Megan Donnelly, so.; F Sarah Babcock, jr.; MF Rachel Orrico, jr.; D Kathryn Schutta, sr.
Key losses: F Kerrianne Blankinship; GK Morgan Davies (8 shutouts); D Cassie Blankinship.
Top newcomers: F-MF Madeline Bill, fr.; F Jordan Reina, sr.; MF Jillian Ethern, jr.; GK Jillian DePinto, sr.; GK Ellis Stanton, jr.
Outlook: The Terriers are coming off three straight nine-win campaigns and a trip to the North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals last season -- dropping a 3-0 decision to rival Voorhees. The offensive production has been the key with 38 goals in 2015 and 29 goals in '14. Ann Bill and Ferrara will anchor that group, but replacing Davies, a three-year starter in the cage, will be the biggest challenge for this group. This team should do fine against most of the teams on the schedule, but the defense against the stronger opponents will be key to breaking the .500 mark.
Hackettstown Tigers
Coach: Stephen Speirs (seventh season, 64-46-3).
2015 record: 14-3-1, 6-0 (first place NJAC Freedom Division).
Key returnees: MF Molly Gorczyca (31 goals, 6 assists), sr.; F Madison Hoskins (7 goals, 11 assists), so.; F Kayla Cichlar (5 goals), so.; F Jordan Vandermark, so.; MF Kayla Nicholls, jr.; D Nicole Jerome, sr.
Key losses: F Kayli Yeisley (14 goals, 7 assists); MF Samantha Strathern (8 assists); GK Rose Bishop (12 shutouts); MF Cayla Andrews (6 goals, 13 assists); D Michaela Sass; D Madison Kennedy.
Top newcomers: F Kylie Dawson, so.; F Ashley Zellars, so.; MF Jessica Shepherd, so.; D Megan Baker, so.; D Sierra Castiglia, so.; MF Alexis Castellano, jr.; D Cheyenne Scudder, sr.; F Kaitlyn Cogan, sr.; D Carson Fazekas, sr.; D Madison Trotter, fr.
Outlook: Tigers are coming off three straight seasons over .500, winning its first NJAC Freedom Division title and dropping a 2-0 decision to Ramsey in the North 1, Group 2 semifinals. This may be a challenging season ahead with heavy graduation losses, including Bishop, a rock-solid three-year starter in the cage. The good news is the return of Gorczyca, who was one of the top scorers in the area last season and set school records for goals in a game (6) and season (31). But with most of the supporting cast on offense gone, expect opponents to focus on taking her out of games. Besides the annual game against Warren Hills (Sept. 17), the schedule seems favorable.
Hunterdon Central Red Devils
Coach: Jenn Sponzo (18th season, 241-121-16).
2015 record: 17-6, 6-2 (second place Skyland Conference Delaware Division).
Key returnees: MF Nikki Freeman (11 goals, 12 assists), sr.; F Brittany Bill (6 goals), jr.; D Dayna DeVincentz (4 assists), sr.; D Lauren Howarth, jr.; F Elizabeth Webb (4 goals), sr.; F Liza Higley, sr.; D Emma Webb, sr.
Key losses: F Maddie Freeman (14 goals, 8 assists); F Amanda Whitlock (10 goals, 5 assists); F Jill Murray (19 goals); GK Molly Lafferty (6 shutouts); D Megan Fisher.
Top newcomers: MF Nikki Peppe, jr.; F Colleen Barrett, jr.; MF Alexa Zubalake, jr.; GK Elizabeth O'Brien, sr.
Outlook: Red Devils will need to rebuild a bit on the offensive end with the loss of 43 goals to graduation, but Freeman and Bill will be a good place to start on the forward line. Defensively, a new goalie (O'Brien) takes over, but should have a strong group of backs in front of her, including DeVincentz, a returning starter. After winning back-to-back North 2, Group 4 sectional titles in 2012 and '13, the Red Devils have ended the last two campaigns with losses to nemesis Bridgewater in the title games. With both in the same section again, it seems likely there will be a third straight meeting at season's end.
North Hunterdon Lions
Coach: Suzanne Toke (fourth season, 6-48-2).
2015 record: 1-17-1, 1-6-1 (fourth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Courtney Nealon (3 goals), sr.; MF Nicole Perez, sr.; Jenn Sroka, sr.; D Clara Fischer, sr.; D Mackenzie Gilvey, sr.; F Abby Miller, sr.
Key losses: GK Liz Rotolo; MF Jenna Macri; F-MF Amy Sroka; MF Alara Murphy.
Top newcomers: MF Lexi Poniatowski, jr.; D Lauren Wagner, jr.; GK Wesley Taylor, sr.
Outlook: Lions have struggled in recent times, going 40-123-4 over the last eight seasons. The rebuilding will start with offense, as last year's unit scored just nine goals in 19 games. That makes it tough to win. Defensively, Taylor will take over for her first varsity season in the cage. Keeping opponents off the board also was a struggle last season, especially against the tougher teams on the schedule. Having to play Voorhees and Warren Hills twice in this tough division won't make it any easier, but expect this group to improve as the season wears on.
North Warren Patriots
Coach: Brian Gravatt (second season, 5-13-1).
2015 record: 5-13-1, 0-6 (fourth place NJAC Colonial Division).
Key returnees: GK Jenna Sagan (4 shutouts), sr.; MF Sydney MacDonough, sr.; D Elinor Dowd, sr.; GK Mackenzie Cyr, jr.; F Julia Wetzel, jr.; F Sydney Janerio, jr.; F Danielle Pergola (3 goals), sr.; D Sophia Hinchman, sr.; F Kassandra DePaolis, sr.
Key losses: F-MF Gianna Lorusso; F-MF Kelsey Conlon; F-MF Claudia Wetzel (8 goals); D Carly DeSanto.
Top newcomers: D Dani Towey, so.; MF Lauren Cooke, so.; MF Drew Benzia, so.; MF Rachel Eitner, so.; MF Kaley Wohlers, so.; MF Claire Merkler, so.; MF Katarina Grogan, fr.; MF Alexandra Shramko, fr.; MF Julianne Metzgar, fr.
Outlook: The Patriots slipped back to the pack last season after going 10-9-1 in 2014, the program's first winning season in recent memory. Numbers appear to be good for this Group 1 school, so that's a plus. Sagan is a three-year starter in the cage and will anchor a defense that struggled to contain the tougher teams on the schedule last season. An experienced group of forwards should help the offense improve on its goal total of 17 in 19 games. If the offense can step up, finishing near the .500 mark would be a reasonable goal.
Phillipsburg Stateliners
Coach: Jennifer Paulus (sixth season, 40-54-4).
2015 record: 11-9, 5-3 (second place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Abby Evans (10 goals), jr.; GK Samantha DeRogatis, sr.; GK Lauren Viscione, jr.; MF Gabby Dudek (3 goals, 5 assists), so.; D Katy Perino, sr.
Top newcomers: MF Carsen Drake, fr.; D Samantha Donnelly, fr.
Outlook: Stateliners have made steady improvement since a dismal two-win season in 2013, going 11-5 combined the last two years in a very tough Raritan Division and 1-2 in the North 1, Group 4 sectional playoffs. Finding consistency on the offensive side was key to reaching 11 wins last year, going from 28 goals in 2014 to 44 in '15, but losing Marhold and Zgoda to graduation will hurt. Evans and Dudek will lead that unit, while both goalies return on the defensive side, along with Perino. If this team can put the ball in the cage on a regular basis, it could surprise this season.
South Hunterdon Eagles
Coach: Stephanie Davis (third season, 20-19).
2015 record: 12-9, 5-1 (first place Skyland Conference Mountain Division).
Key returnees: F Carly Leary (10 goals, 5 assists), sr.; F Kate Shaffer (4 goals, 4 assists), sr.; F Julia Kreider (9 goals), jr.; GK Giovanna Rubino (4 shutouts), sr.; D Kendall Storcella, sr.; D Emily Carrier, sr.; MF Mae Dienes (4 goals), sr.; MF Rebecca Godown, sr.; F Brooke Tumler, jr.
Key losses: F Ashley Eick (7 goals); D Rachel Knappenberger; D Carolina Restrepo.
Top newcomers: D Claire Greenwood, jr.; GK Kerry Coleman, so.; D Nicole Costantini, so.; MF Jada Kauth, so.; F Ashley Lucarini, so.; MF Sophia Petrucci, so.; MF Alana Cantanzareti, so.
Outlook: Davis begins her third season with the most experienced group yet, so the Eagles appear primed for another run at the Mountain Division title and the North 2, Group 1 title game -- falling 7-0 to state power Shore Regional last season. With most of the forward line returning, look for Leary and Kreider to anchor a unit that produced 37 goals last year after scoring just 20 in 2014. Rubino returns for a third year in the cage and will lead a defense that allowed 33 goals in 21 games, though seven of those came in the sectional final.
Voorhees Vikings
Coach: Taylor Webb (sixth season, 80-22-3).
2015 record: 18-5, 8-0 (first place Skyland Conference Valley Division).
Key returnees: MF Hannah Schiavo (7 goals, 11 assists), sr.; D Sarah Matyas, jr.; GK Annie Weiler, sr.; D Laura Chen, jr.; F Claire Whiston (3 goals), sr.
Key losses: F Kathryn Roncoroni (51 goals, 14 assists); MF Isabelle Houser (5 goals, 13 assists); D Lexi Crans; F Cori Lenzinger (10 goals); F Jenna Smego.
Top newcomers: D Lauren Kokoskie, fr.; MF Danika Berman, sr.; D Emma-Leigh Cameron, sr.; D Stevie Ader, sr.; F Lindsay Fritz, sr.; F Brooke Hyland, fr.; F Cassie Boyce, fr.
Outlook: Vikings are jumping back to the Skyland Conference Raritan Division after back-to-back title runs in the Valley Division title and consecutive losses in the North 2, Group 2 sectional final. The offense takes a major hit with the loss of Roncoroni, now at American University and one of the area's most prolific and talented scorers as the owner of the school's single-season and career goals and points marks. Schiavo, a tough and talented player in her own right, now assumes the leadership role for an offense that will need to be consistent across the board. Defense is always the glue and Weiler is coming off an excellent year in the cage. It would be foolish to count this well-coached team out despite heavy graduation losses.
Warren Hills Blue Streaks
Coach: Kate Rothman (second season, 43-37-3 overall including stint at Lenape Valley).
2015 record: 23-3, 8-0 (first place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Dani Profita (41 goals, 24 assists), sr.; MF Tali Popinko (12 assists), jr.; D Caroline Cotte (injured, ACL), sr.; D Brie Schwab, sr.; GK Jackie de Raismes (14 shutouts), sr.; F Rebecca Sigman (19 goals, 5 assists), jr.; MF Mikayla Dugan (6 assists), jr.; D Sydney Moskal, jr.; D Tyler Stoner, sr.; F Alyssa Appleby (3 goals, 3 assists), jr.; F-MF Rebecca Lezon, jr.
Key losses: MF Katie Thompson (17 goals, 14 assists); F Megan Thompson (20 goals, 12 assists); D Rachel Phillips (9 goals, 18 assists).
Top newcomers: F-MF Sam Dugan, fr.; F Kate Fenner, fr.
Outlook: Blue Streaks are coming off their fifth straight division title and back-to-back Group 3 state championships for the first time in program history, while also matching the school record for wins. Expect this group to keep the train moving, despite three huge graduation losses, including Phillips, who many feel was this team's best all-around player last season. Profita, with 80 career goals, looks to put several school records out of reach and is joined on a talented front line by Sigman, who is coming off a strong season. The defense should be in great shape as well and features one of the area and state's most clutch goalies in de Raismes, who turned in perhaps her finest game in last year's Group 3 win over Ocean City. Another plus is the return of Cotte, who showed real promise as a sophomore before an ACL injury ended her junior season before it began.
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