Belvidere County Seaters
Coach: Beth Franceschino (seventh season of second stint, 72-39-7).2019 record: 10-9-1, 6-4 (second place Skyland Conference Mountain Division).
Key returnees: F Olivia Zmyewski (11 goals, 8 assists), sr.; D Kinsey Lockard, sr.; F Jordan Yeisley, sr.; MF Emma Dalrymple (3 goals, 7 assists), jr.; F Marianna Crisafulli (5 goals), sr.; D Nora Dornich (4 goals), jr.; D Autumn Banghart, jr.
Key losses: MF Isabella Sera (5 goals); F Kyleigh Sturm (7 goals); GK Alyssa Rudd; GK Keira Gately.Congratulations to Olivia Zmyewski on verbally committing to Pace University to continue her academic and athletic career! 🏑 Go Setters!! 💙🐾 pic.twitter.com/V2Wwj7f3TZ
— Lady Seaters FH (@ladyseatersfh) August 18, 2020
Top newcomers: MF Mackenzie Hausamann, jr.; F Ellie Kardos, so.; GK Kaitlin Williams, so.; D Taylor Dultz, jr.; F-MF Rachael Rowe, jr.; F Kayla Connors, so.; MF-D Rebecca Ferrullo, so.; F Jenna Van Scoten, so.; F Kayleen Baylor, sr.
Outlook: County Seaters are coming off six straight winning seasons, capturing division titles in three of the previous six years, but their bid to reach back-to-back North 1, Group 1 sectional finals ended with a 1-0 loss to eventual champion Pequannock in last year's quarterfinals. The offense will again flow through Zmyewski, a Pace University commit and among the top forwards in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area. Replacing the tandem of Rudd and Gately, who combined for eight shutouts last season in the cage, will be the biggest challenge for a defensive unit that returns plenty of experience. Expect to see steady improvement with this group as it eyes another deep postseason run.
Delaware Valley Terriers
Coach: Stephanie Rifflard (10th season, 89-72-7).
2019 record: 15-5, 9-1 (first place Skyland Conference Valley Division).
Key returnees: F Kristen Bill (8 goals, 6 assists), sr.; MF Rachel McIntyre (4 goals, 6 assists), jr.; MF-D Emily Norgard, sr.; F Samantha Snowden (17 goals), jr.; F-MF Annabelle Neibuhr (4 goals), jr.; D Rachel Ferri, jr.; D-MF Natalie Heiser (4 goals, 3 assists), so.
Key losses: MF Madeline Bill (9 goals, 16 assists); MF Kaleigh Higgins; F Debbie Nalesnik (9 goals); GK Shea Cinquemani (8 shutouts).
Top newcomers: GK Grace Jenkins, fr.; D Ava Dougherty, sr.; F Kylie Fleming, sr.; F Isabella Gohil, sr.
Outlook: The Terriers -- after reaching the North 2, Group 2 semifinals in 2017 -- are coming off consecutive quarterfinal losses in North 2, Group 1, including a season-ending 3-0 defeat to nemesis South Hunterdon in 2019. Offensively, this year's group should again be in good shape with Kristen Bill and Snowden, who led the team in goals last season, leading a unit that helped fuel a 7-0 start last fall and a run to the division title. The defense will need to step up with the loss of Cinquemani in the cage after allowing 26 goals a year ago, including five in a loss to North Hunterdon. If that happens, this team has enough talent to approach last year's wins total.
Hackettstown Tigers
Coach: Rachael Gorski (second season, 9-9-1).
2019 record: 9-9-1, 4-4 (third place NJAC Freedom Division).
Key returnees: F Megan Doyle (17 goals, 6 assists), sr.; MF Amy Wood, jr.; D Adriana Beam, sr.; F Emma Patton (5 assists), jr.; F Aaisha Taha, so.; F Ali Cetani, so.
Key losses: MF-D Melanie Luke; GK Sophia Mallozzi (7 shutouts); F Madison Billows (8 goals); F Sydney Smith (4 goals); MF Madison Trotter (injured in 2019); D Maya Hassan.
Top newcomers: GK Megan Kerwin, fr.; GK Emily Newton, fr.; F Kiara Koeller, fr.; MF Erin Magnotta, so.; F Skyler Sciaretta, fr.; MF-D Sophia Smith, so.
Outlook: As expected, last year was a bit of a struggle coming off a celebrated 19-win campaign in 2018. This year's group will also have to overcome some key graduation losses, particularly on defense. Doyle has been among the area's top scorers and will anchor a unit that should be able to put the ball in the cage. Keeping it out will be the challenge as Mallozzi did a fine job the previous two seasons. This is a young group, but if the newcomers can contribute, then approaching last year's wins total is a reachable goal.
Hunterdon Central Red Devils
Coach: Jenn Sponzo (22nd season, 298-149-20).
2019 record: 13-10-2, 7-4-2 (first place Skyland Conference Delaware Division).
Key returnees: MF Sarah Woods (3 goals), sr.; D Jordan Sponzo (5 assists), sr.; D Rebecca Woods, sr.; GK Alexea Karpinski (8 shutouts), jr.; F Sarah DeStefano (5 goals), jr.; F Jennifer Tokash (3 goals, 3 assists), jr.; D Shannon Parker, sr.
Key losses: MF Sammy Freeman (12 goals); F Ashleigh Paulik; D Elizabeth Stevenson; F Lexi Finkelstein (5 goals).
Top newcomers: MF Abigail Lantos, sr.; F Mary Weaver, sr.; D Sierra Probst, sr.; MF Maria Ippolotio, so.; F Tessa Brunetti, sr.
Outlook: Red Devils captured their first sectional title in seven years with a thrilling 2-1 win against North Hunterdon in last year's North 2, Group 4 final after being eliminated the five previous seasons with losses to nemesis Bridgewater-Raritan in title games. Central, which won eight of its last 10 and saw its season end with a 9-0 loss to Eastern in the Group 4 final, exacted sweet revenge with a 2-1 win over the Panthers to start the championship run. Last year's group relied on timely offense and a bend-but-don't-break defense, and it could be the case again this fall. There isn't one big scorer so it will take a collective effort up front to get the ball in the cage. Defensively, Karpinski returns in goal and she'll have plenty of help in front of her from some talented backs, including Sponzo and Rebecca Woods. Central is always well coached (Jenn Sponzo enters two wins shy of 300) and will play up to the competition, so expect this team to improve and contend for another sectional title.
North Hunterdon Lions
Coach: Maria Bachert (fourth season, 21-39).
2019 record: 15-8, 9-6 (fourth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Lauren Masters (30 goals, 15 assists), so.; F-MF Olivia Reeder (10 goals, 7 assists), jr.; F Ryan Anderson (16 goals, 26 assists), jr.; MF-D Marley Hoffman, sr.; MF Ava Laible (5 goals, 6 assists), jr.; D Katie Roberts (3 goals, 3 assists), jr.; F Jamie Skeffington (3 goals), jr.; MF Beth Kastrud, jr.; D Amanda Lucy Bachert, jr.; GK McKenna Laman (7 shutouts), jr.; GK Stephanie Teipel, so.; F Kelly Sautner, sr.; D Ava Perotti, jr.; F Sara Roberts, so.
Key losses: F-MF Emma Landis (9 goals, 6 assists); F-MF Sana Sarker (5 goals, 3 assists); D Mira Carver (3 goals).Good luck to our Varsity, Jv and Freshmen teams today vs Ridge. Grateful to be able to play! Go North! #LionPride #Un1ted pic.twitter.com/pKYk3Ajbry
— NHHS_Field_Hockey (@NhhsField) October 1, 2020
North Warren Patriots
Coach: Brian Gravatt (sixth season, 24-64-6).
2019 record: 5-11-3, 1-5-2 (fifth place NJAC Colonial Division).
Key returnees: F Maddie Allen (3 goals), sr.; MF Alexis Ashton (3 assists), sr.; F Alexis Wohlers (8 goals), sr.; F Heather Kemper (4 goals), sr.; D Erin Dimaio, sr.; MF Kerry Castles, sr.; D Sadie Forbes, sr.; MF Devon Benzaia, jr.; MF Aubrey Deldin, jr.; GK Kathryn Swistak (4 shutouts), jr.; F Rachel Eitner, jr.; D Devon Curreri, so.; D Kate Gerkhart, so.
Key losses: MF Julianne Metzgar; D Katarina Grogan.
Outlook: Patriots have been around the five-win mark every year since their last winning season (10-9-1 in 2014). But that may change this fall with plenty of returning experience. The offense has been a major reason for the recent struggles as the unit produced just 20 goals in 2019. Allen was among the team leaders in scoring the previous two seasons so any improvement starts up front with her, along with Wohlers. The defense showed improvement last year -- allowing 42 goals, which was down from 54 in 2018. The Pats could approach the .500 mark this season if the offense can generate a few more goals.
Phillipsburg Stateliners
Coach: Toni Popinko (fourth season, 21-40-3).
2019 record: 4-15-2, 2-12-1 (sixth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: MF Allison Devlin (3 goals, 3 assists), sr.; MF Morgan Cherry (5 goals, 4 assists), sr.; MF Emilia Lopes, jr.; D Madison Darmstadt, jr.; F Samantha Helman (4 goals), so.; F Grace Merrick, so.
Top newcomers: F Julia Butler, fr.; MF Avery Ritt, fr.; D Jillian Miller, fr.
Outlook: Stateliners struggled the previous two seasons since winning 10 games in 2017, but they did finish strong a year ago and won a playoff game -- 3-1 over Livingston behind a pair of goals from Barna -- before bowing out in the North 1, Group 4 quarterfinals. Inconsistency on offense has been a major factor as the team scored just 28 goals in 2019 and 29 the previous year. Devlin and Cherry will again be counted on to help boost those numbers. The defense will also need to improve in front of a new goalkeeper. The 'Liners play in one of the toughest divisions in the state, but this is always a scrappy team so reaching the .500 mark seems realistic.
South Hunterdon Eagles
Coach: Stephanie Davis-Hart (seventh season, 60-44-3).
2019 record: 17-3, 9-1 (first place Skyland Conference Mountain Division).
Key returnees: F Chandler Storcella (14 goals, 3 assists), sr.; MF Rebecca Phillips (16 goals, 13 assists), sr.; F Natalia Oprzadek (14 goals), jr.; MF-D Zoe Horan (5 goals, 4 assists), jr.; D Skyler Badessa, jr.; D Bianca Gambino, jr.; D Sofia Gambino, jr.; GK Tiernan Swayhoover (9 shutouts), jr.; MF Kylie Masterson, so.
Top newcomers: D-MF Willa Ludwig, so.; F-MF Briana Tumler, so.; F Sarah Faherty, so.; D Katie Costantini, so.
Outlook: Eagles, who were a round shy of reaching the North 2, Group 1 final, return a wealth of talent to foster another postseason run. Offensive production was the key to success in 2019, as the unit tallied 76 goals -- up 32 from '18. Phillips and Storcella, along with Oprzadek, were among the area scoring leaders a year ago, while Horan was solid in the middle of the field. Swayhoover returns after helping to anchor a defense that permitted 26 goals (five in a loss to Valley Division champion Delaware Valley and seven in a loss to powerhouse Shore Regional in the sectional final). The goal this season is to be more competitive against the tougher teams on the schedule (South did avenge a loss to Del Val in the sectional quarterfinals).
Voorhees Vikings
Coach: Shannon Hughes (third season, 33-12).
2019 record: 18-5, 13-2 (second place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Katie McLean (6 goals, 7 assists), sr.; D Grace Schiavo, sr.; MF Sadie Eichlin, jr.; GK Noelle Gabrish (9 shutouts), sr.; F Tess Rodenberger, sr.; D Mackenzie Vreeland, sr.
Key losses: F Cassie Boyce; F Brooke Hyland (16 goals, 10 assists); MF Madison Ogorzalek (11 goals, 7 assists); MF Lauren Kokoskie (8 goals, 10 assists); MF-D Ryleigh Cameron (10 goals, 7 assists).
Top newcomers: MF-F Kate Cookson, fr.; MF Alexa Barkman, fr.
Outlook: Vikings aren't accustomed to what most would deem a rebuilding season, but considering this is annually one of the state's top programs, this fall may be one by their lofty standards. The graduation losses on offense were huge and this group overcame some adversity last year as Boyce and Kokoskie sustained season-ending knee injuries. McLean will need to take on more of a lead role up front, while Eichlin, who was stellar on defense a year ago, moves to the center midfield spot. Schiavo is one of the best backs in the area and in the state, and Gabrish is seasoned in the cage so the defense should be in good hands. It will be interesting to see how things play out, but conventional wisdom would dictate that this group to be better by season's end and possibly make some noise in the postseason.
Warren Hills Blue Streaks
Coach: Josie Potter (fourth season, 66-11-1).
2019 record: 23-2, 14-1 (first place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).
Key returnees: F Simryn Desai (20 goals, 5 assists), sr.; MF Ashley Moskal, sr.; F Jenna Wyckoff (9 goals, 6 assists), sr.; MF Sarah Korczukowski (11 goals, 8 assists, HWS MVP), sr.; F-MF Maddie Summitt (6 goals, 3 assists), jr.; D Emily Dvorsky, jr.; D Liz Schlaffer, sr.; MF Olivia Chomut, sr.; D Kylie Compton, sr.; F Julianna Valli (9 goals, 4 assists), sr.; GK Emily Schlessinger, sr.; F Grace Kerner, sr.; MF-D Angela Pawloski, sr.
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| Warren Hills eyes a 10th straight sectional title. |
Key losses: F Samantha Dugan (20 goals, 10 assists); MF Kate Fenner (3 assists); GK Julia Webber (14 shutouts); MF Paulina Georgoutsos (7 goals, 11 assists); D Jess DeSanto.
Top newcomer: Ryleigh Reagan, jr.
Outlook: Blue Streaks, who are coming off their fourth straight Group 3 final setback, captured the program's ninth straight sectional title last year and the HWS Tournament championship. With 10 seniors on the roster, this team is experienced and hungry to keep up a great tradition of winning field hockey. Desai (Hofstra), Wyckoff (Ball State) and Valli (Ithaca) will lead a potent and speedy forward line and an offense that racked up 89 goals last season, while Korczukowski, a steady force in the midfield and a Rutgers commit, will look to fill some big shoes with the loss of Fenner, now at Fairfield University. Moskal, a tough defender who missed most of the past two seasons due to injuries, moves up to one of the midfield spots, while Chomut, another strong player, rounds out that unit. Dvorsky, Schlaffer (Widener) and Compton (Montclair State) form one of the best backfields in the state and they'll make life a lot easier for Schlessinger, a talented goalkeeper who has been waiting in the wings. It's a shame there's no postseason beyond sectionals this season as this group figured to be one of the Group 3 favorites, but a 10th straight sectional title is surely within reach.
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