Brittany Harlos is one of those players that can make an impact on either end of the field. But the players with ability to affect the outcome when it matters most are a special breed.
The senior center midfielder was front and center again on Thursday, knocking in the decisive goal in overtime to help Wallkill Valley prevail 1-0 over rival Newton in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference showdown at Harold Sisco Field in Hardyston.
Harlos' goal, her second of the season, also ended five years of frustration and a nine-game losing skid in the series. Wallkill Valley (4-2 overall, 3-0 NJAC), ranked No. 7 in the area, last beat Newton (3-2, 3-1) in 2006, also by the same 1-0 score. In fact, eight of the last 16 meetings have ended in a 1-0 score.
"We really wanted [to win]," said Harlos, who is considering Division I Lock Haven among her college choices. "We needed to do this. Last year we were so close. I can't wait to play them again."
Newton has owned this rivalry over the years, holding a 13-3 edge since 2004 when both teams played in the old Sussex County Interscholastic League. The Braves have always been a thorn for veteran Wallkill Valley coach Irene Chernati, who notched career win No. 324 in this one as her team snapped a two-game losing streak and took a one-game lead over 2010 champion Newton, which had won 11 straight Freedom Division contests dating to 2009.
"We always know, no matter what the teams' abilities are, that both teams always come to play," Chernati said. "It's a good rivalry."
Both teams have struggled on the offensive end this season and both feature solid defenses. So, needless to say that the first team to score would have a huge advantage. After 60 minutes of scoreless hockey and not a lot of shots-on-goal, Harlos ended things early in sudden death overtime with a goal during the Rangers' second penalty corner in OT.
Harlos picked a ball off the pads of Newton goalie Amanda Norman, who made three saves in the loss, and put it in the cage to trigger a wild celebration. Junior forward Andreanna Nordland took the initial shot and Harlos was in place for the rebound.
"Andreanna is an amazing player and we've all been playing well together," said Harlos, who was also big in this one on the defensive side as the Rangers held the Braves without a shot-on-goal. "We're really strong back there [with backs Kristina Garrera and Katie Bencivenga and goalie Emily Stukenborg]. And Em is an amazing goalie."
Both teams had plenty of chances in regulation, but neither was able to cash in. Nordland just missed on a penalty corner in the second half and both teams sent a few shots wide of the cage. Wallkill Valley came into the game having scored just six goals in their previous five games. Last year, the Rangers scored one goal or fewer in 14 games and lost five of them.
"We've had so many shots. We just have to keep shooting and eventually they'll go in," Harlos said. "That's all we can do."
Newton's defense also held tough in regulation, despite the absence of senior midfielder Kelsi Huber. Senior back Sam Hofmann had a tremendous game and almost single-handily kept the Braves in the game.
Both teams seemed to be dragging in the second half on a warm and humid day, but Harlos said the Rangers were rejuvenated in overtime.
"Once it hit overtime it lifted all of our spirits," she said. "We needed to get that goal in. I just wish it could've happened earlier."
Newton (3-2, 3-1) 0 0 0 -- 0
Wallkill Valley (4-2, 3-0) 0 0 1 -- 1
Scoring
Overtime -- WV, Brittany Harlos, 2nd.
Shots -- Newton 0; Wallkill Valley 4.
Saves -- Amanda Norman 3 (N); Emily Stukenborg 0 (WV).
Penalty corners -- Newton 10; Wallkill Valley 10.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Freund out as Warren Hills athletic director
Clegg "Buddy" Freund is no longer the athletic director after a very short term at Warren Hills Regional High School. Reportedly, Freund was escorted from school grounds at some point last week for reasons that have not been made public.
According to several sources, Freund violated a school conduct policy and was summoned to the district office where he was told to leave campus. He was only permitted to have a few personal items from his office and wasn't allowed to enter the building while those were collected for him.
Phone calls to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Altonjy and Principal Chip Clymer seeking comment were not returned. Altonjy issued a news release to one media outlet only, stating that Freund "resigned for health reasons effective Oct. 3."
The school board accepted his resignation during Tuesday's regularly scheduled meeting.
In fact, no one is talking at the school, including board members. The situation has remained very tight-lipped in-house. However, several sources are confirming that Freund has not returned to school grounds since being removed and that Clymer is the acting AD until a replacement can be found. Longtime secretary Joan Duryea has also helped fill that role in the interim.
Freund was hired in December of 2010 to replace former longtime AD Nick Holgash, who retired in October of that same year after serving in that capacity since 1995. Freund was the former AD at both Roxbury and Belvidere before coming to the Washington school. He was hired at Warren Hills despite tremendous community support for former football coach Bob Lockhart, who had served as the assistant AD for two years. Lockhart was long considered the leading candidate to succeed Holgash.
Freund was involved in a much-publicized scandal during his tenure at Roxbury. In 2003, five wrestlers at the school were in involved in a locker room sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. Principal Joseph Tooey, former wrestling coach Todd Milsom, a guidance counselor and Freund were accused by state athletic officials of covering up the incident in an effort to protect the team.
After an investigation by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Association, Roxbury's wrestling team was stripped of its 2003 District 2 championship for failing to immediately inform police and suspend the wrestlers involved. An NJSIAA report called Freund's conduct "negligent." Roxbury officials reported the case to police two months after the Feb. 26, 2003, incident.
The NJSIAA also slapped $500 fines on the district, the now-retired Tooey and Freund. Four of the wrestlers accepted plea deals in January 2004, admitting their roles in the assault. Charges against a fifth were dismissed when he agreed to cooperate.
The Roxbury school board abolished the athletic director position in May 2004 and denied the administrative change was in response to the assault.
Upon his hiring at Belvidere, Freund said: "I think they will find I'm a person of character and integrity. One of my strengths is building positive relationships with people and a strong work ethic."
Belvidere superintendent Dirk Swaneveld said that Freund was issue-free during his tenure from 2005-10 as the school's AD.
"He was here for a little over [five] years and left here in good standing," Swaneveld said. "We were actually sorry to see him go. He was professional at all times on all levels."
According to several sources, Freund violated a school conduct policy and was summoned to the district office where he was told to leave campus. He was only permitted to have a few personal items from his office and wasn't allowed to enter the building while those were collected for him.
Phone calls to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Altonjy and Principal Chip Clymer seeking comment were not returned. Altonjy issued a news release to one media outlet only, stating that Freund "resigned for health reasons effective Oct. 3."
The school board accepted his resignation during Tuesday's regularly scheduled meeting.
In fact, no one is talking at the school, including board members. The situation has remained very tight-lipped in-house. However, several sources are confirming that Freund has not returned to school grounds since being removed and that Clymer is the acting AD until a replacement can be found. Longtime secretary Joan Duryea has also helped fill that role in the interim.
Freund was hired in December of 2010 to replace former longtime AD Nick Holgash, who retired in October of that same year after serving in that capacity since 1995. Freund was the former AD at both Roxbury and Belvidere before coming to the Washington school. He was hired at Warren Hills despite tremendous community support for former football coach Bob Lockhart, who had served as the assistant AD for two years. Lockhart was long considered the leading candidate to succeed Holgash.
Freund was involved in a much-publicized scandal during his tenure at Roxbury. In 2003, five wrestlers at the school were in involved in a locker room sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. Principal Joseph Tooey, former wrestling coach Todd Milsom, a guidance counselor and Freund were accused by state athletic officials of covering up the incident in an effort to protect the team.
After an investigation by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Association, Roxbury's wrestling team was stripped of its 2003 District 2 championship for failing to immediately inform police and suspend the wrestlers involved. An NJSIAA report called Freund's conduct "negligent." Roxbury officials reported the case to police two months after the Feb. 26, 2003, incident.
The NJSIAA also slapped $500 fines on the district, the now-retired Tooey and Freund. Four of the wrestlers accepted plea deals in January 2004, admitting their roles in the assault. Charges against a fifth were dismissed when he agreed to cooperate.
The Roxbury school board abolished the athletic director position in May 2004 and denied the administrative change was in response to the assault.
Upon his hiring at Belvidere, Freund said: "I think they will find I'm a person of character and integrity. One of my strengths is building positive relationships with people and a strong work ethic."
Belvidere superintendent Dirk Swaneveld said that Freund was issue-free during his tenure from 2005-10 as the school's AD.
"He was here for a little over [five] years and left here in good standing," Swaneveld said. "We were actually sorry to see him go. He was professional at all times on all levels."
Gill's hat trick helps 'Cats cage Vikes
Maureen Gill quietly goes about her business on the field hockey field. On Wednesday, that business was scoring goals -- early and often.
The junior forward record her first three-goal game and helped High Point roll to a surprisingly-easy 6-1 win over Vernon in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference clash on the turf at Vernon Township High School.
"The balls were popping off [Vernon goalie Rhonda Richardsen's] pads and I was trying to get low and shoot it in," said Gill, whose previous best was a two-goal game in High Point's 5-0 win over South Hunterdon in last year's Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament. "Playing the post helped a lot. I also had some good assists."
High Point (6-0 overall, 5-0 NJAC), ranked No. 2 in the area, has rolled in its six wins this season, outscoring its opponents by a combined 22-2 margin. Veteran coach Bev Keur would never admit it on the record, but this might be the most talented team she's had in her 21 years. The Wildcats seemed to be coming in all directions, combining speed and skill to wear down the No. 6 Vikings (5-1, 4-1), who totaled 31 goals in their previous five contests.
"We haven't had much competition so far, so we were pumped up for this game," said Gill, whose older sister, Shannon, was a top scorer for High Point a few years back. "We were both undefeated and we were ready to play. We want to go far this year."
The 'Cats struck quickly when Gill connected on the team's second penalty corner in the first three minutes of play. Her second goal, on a tip from Brittany Papa with 9:19 left in the first half, really took the wind out of Vernon's sails. In fact, the Vikings missed a golden chance to even the game 6 1/2 minutes earlier when forward Kayla Turner-Boss was all alone at the left post. But, she never got off a clean shot, and the 'Cats rolled from that point on.
Outstanding back Bea Cannavale gave High Point a commanding 3-0 lead with 1:36 left before halftime.
Turner-Boss later scored the Vikes' lone goal, her area-leading 14th of the season. Right wing Melody Prisco, a nightmare for defenses with her outstanding speed, sent over a perfect cross pass for the assist with 24:40 left in the game. It was Prisco's team-leading ninth assist.
"Our defense is strong and they did a great job of recovering and staying on them," Gill said.
Keur said her team did nothing different in its approach to this contest.
"We just stayed focused and played our game," said Keur, who now stands at 297 career wins. "I really don't pay attention to newspapers or blogs, but I'm sure [my team] was very aware of No. 10 or number so and so [on Vernon] and their scorers. We struggled there [early] a couple of times. I think they got a little scare [after Vernon's near miss] and settled down. Their goalie [Richardsen] did a phenomenal job."
Richardsen made 17 stops, otherwise the game would have been even more lopsided. High Point was sharp with its passing game and Gill was at the forefront on penalty corners.
"She's a quiet kid that nobody notices, and I mean that as a compliment," Keur said. "She's doing her job. She's responsible for [balls off] pads and post. She did that well today."
After Darby Smith scored to open the second half, Gill made it 5-0 with her third goal off a feed from Nikki Hull. Brittany Papa capped the scoring with 15:59 remaining.
Cannavale leads High Point with five goals. Gill and Papa are next with four apiece.
High Point (6-0) 3 3 -- 6
Vernon (5-1) 0 1 -- 1
Scoring
First half -- HP, Maureen Gill, 2nd, 27:28; HP, Gill, 3rd, (Brittany Papa), 9:19; HP, Bea Cannavale, 5th, 1:36.
Second half -- HP, Darby Smith, 3rd, 26:26; HP, Gill, 4th, (Nikki Hull), 25:21; V, Kayla Turner-Boss, 14th, (Melody Prisco), 24:40; HP, Papa, 4th, (Cannavale), 15:59.
Shots -- High Point 23; Vernon 6.
Saves -- Kelsey Stoll 5 (HP); Rhonda Richardsen 17 (V).
Penalty corners -- High Point 14; Vernon 2.
The junior forward record her first three-goal game and helped High Point roll to a surprisingly-easy 6-1 win over Vernon in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference clash on the turf at Vernon Township High School.
"The balls were popping off [Vernon goalie Rhonda Richardsen's] pads and I was trying to get low and shoot it in," said Gill, whose previous best was a two-goal game in High Point's 5-0 win over South Hunterdon in last year's Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament. "Playing the post helped a lot. I also had some good assists."
High Point (6-0 overall, 5-0 NJAC), ranked No. 2 in the area, has rolled in its six wins this season, outscoring its opponents by a combined 22-2 margin. Veteran coach Bev Keur would never admit it on the record, but this might be the most talented team she's had in her 21 years. The Wildcats seemed to be coming in all directions, combining speed and skill to wear down the No. 6 Vikings (5-1, 4-1), who totaled 31 goals in their previous five contests.
"We haven't had much competition so far, so we were pumped up for this game," said Gill, whose older sister, Shannon, was a top scorer for High Point a few years back. "We were both undefeated and we were ready to play. We want to go far this year."
The 'Cats struck quickly when Gill connected on the team's second penalty corner in the first three minutes of play. Her second goal, on a tip from Brittany Papa with 9:19 left in the first half, really took the wind out of Vernon's sails. In fact, the Vikings missed a golden chance to even the game 6 1/2 minutes earlier when forward Kayla Turner-Boss was all alone at the left post. But, she never got off a clean shot, and the 'Cats rolled from that point on.
Outstanding back Bea Cannavale gave High Point a commanding 3-0 lead with 1:36 left before halftime.
Turner-Boss later scored the Vikes' lone goal, her area-leading 14th of the season. Right wing Melody Prisco, a nightmare for defenses with her outstanding speed, sent over a perfect cross pass for the assist with 24:40 left in the game. It was Prisco's team-leading ninth assist.
"Our defense is strong and they did a great job of recovering and staying on them," Gill said.
Keur said her team did nothing different in its approach to this contest.
"We just stayed focused and played our game," said Keur, who now stands at 297 career wins. "I really don't pay attention to newspapers or blogs, but I'm sure [my team] was very aware of No. 10 or number so and so [on Vernon] and their scorers. We struggled there [early] a couple of times. I think they got a little scare [after Vernon's near miss] and settled down. Their goalie [Richardsen] did a phenomenal job."
Richardsen made 17 stops, otherwise the game would have been even more lopsided. High Point was sharp with its passing game and Gill was at the forefront on penalty corners.
"She's a quiet kid that nobody notices, and I mean that as a compliment," Keur said. "She's doing her job. She's responsible for [balls off] pads and post. She did that well today."
After Darby Smith scored to open the second half, Gill made it 5-0 with her third goal off a feed from Nikki Hull. Brittany Papa capped the scoring with 15:59 remaining.
Cannavale leads High Point with five goals. Gill and Papa are next with four apiece.
High Point (6-0) 3 3 -- 6
Vernon (5-1) 0 1 -- 1
Scoring
First half -- HP, Maureen Gill, 2nd, 27:28; HP, Gill, 3rd, (Brittany Papa), 9:19; HP, Bea Cannavale, 5th, 1:36.
Second half -- HP, Darby Smith, 3rd, 26:26; HP, Gill, 4th, (Nikki Hull), 25:21; V, Kayla Turner-Boss, 14th, (Melody Prisco), 24:40; HP, Papa, 4th, (Cannavale), 15:59.
Shots -- High Point 23; Vernon 6.
Saves -- Kelsey Stoll 5 (HP); Rhonda Richardsen 17 (V).
Penalty corners -- High Point 14; Vernon 2.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Field Hockey leaders
As of Sept. 19 Scorer | School | Goals | Assists | Points |
Kayla Turner-Boss | Vernon | 13 | 1 | 27 |
Tiffany McKenna | Belvidere | 10 | 0 | 20 |
Melody Prisco | Vernon | 5 | 8 | 18 |
Kim Engelhart | Hunterdon Central | 8 | 1 | 17 |
Lindsey Schott | Warren Hills | 6 | 4 | 16 |
Rachel Colvin | Vernon | 6 | 4 | 16 |
Steph Peterson | Vernon | 4 | 2 | 10 |
Bea Cannavale | High Point | 4 | 1 | 9 |
Nicole DeHerde | Belvidere | 2 | 5 | 9 |
Nicole Hull | High Point | 3 | 2 | 8 |
Giuliana Lorusso | North Warren | 3 | 2 | 8 |
Melissa Aversa | South Hunterdon | 3 | 2 | 8 |
Goalkeeper | School | Saves | Shots | Shutouts | Save % |
Kimmie Pianucci | Voorhees | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Deanna Utter | Lenape Valley | 48 | 52 | 1 | 0.92 |
Kelsey Stoll | High Point | 18 | 20 | 3 | 0.9 |
Rhonda Richardsen | Vernon | 35 | 40 | 2 | 0.88 |
Josee Ritter | Belvidere | 26 | 30 | 2 | 0.87 |
Katie Wintersteen | Warren Hills | 25 | 29 | 2 | 0.86 |
Emily Stukenborg | Wallkill Valley | 22 | 26 | 3 | 0.85 |
Andrea Wisniewski | South Hunterdon | 19 | 23 | 2 | 0.83 |
Jakiee Quinn | Sparta | 44 | 58 | 0 | 0.76 |
Brittany Lavin | Phillipsburg | 22 | 30 | 0 | 0.73 |
Madison Moore | North Warren | 22 | 30 | 2 | 0.73 |
Note: Statistics reflect games reported to local news outlets and are unofficial. Any additions or corrections should be reported to Open Mike by coaches only.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Field Hockey Top 10
The game of the year to date was unfortunately postponed by rain last Thursday, as No. 1 Warren Hills was set to face No. 3 Voorhees in the first of three potential meetings this season.
The next scheduled contest between these fierce rivals is Oct. 1 at Voorhees. The teams also meet on the turf in Washington, Oct. 6.
But there's plenty of field hockey to be played by then, so here's a look at the new area Top 10.
1. Warren Hills (3-0) -- Blue Streaks are off to a flying start with a nice 2-1 win over Bridgewater-Raritan on Tuesday. The Blue Streaks followed that up with a 4-0 win over a much-improved Hunterdon Central team on Saturday. Senior forward Lindsey Schott continued her assault on the school record books, scoring three goals against Hackettstown, an 8-0 win, in the season opener. Schott's goal against Bridgewater moved her into second place on the all-time goals list with 49, passing Lori Toole (48 from 1977-79). Schott is now six goals away from breaking Megan Springmeyer's total of 54 (2004-07). Schott also now owns the career points record (131), passing Springmeyer (124), and is seven assists shy of the career assists mark held by Toni Popinko (39 from 2006-09). Freshman Niki Proifita also scored her first two goals last week.
Previous rank: No. 1.
Up next: at Montgomery on Monday; Delaware Valley at home on Thursday; Phillipsburg at home on Saturday.
2. High Point (4-0) -- Wildcats are off and running after a nice 3-1 win over Pingry in the season opener followed by three Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference wins, including a 3-0 shut out of No. 10 Pope John on Saturday. Forwards Nikki Hull (two goals), Darby Smith (two goals) and Brittany Papa (two goals) pace an offense that produced 14 goals in four games. Sashal Hagan leads the 'Cats in points with three goals and three assists. Bea Cannavale, one of the area's top backs, leads High Point with four goals. Big showdown with No. 6 Vernon this week. High Point will play six of its first seven on the road, beating Pope John in the home opener.
Previous rank: No. 2.
Up next: at Montville on Monday; at Vernon on Wednesday; at Mountain Lakes on Friday.
3. Voorhees (1-0) -- A short, but eventful week for the Vikings with a 1-0 win over No. 4 Phillipsburg on Tuesday in their only contest to start the season. The victory was the first of what is sure to be many for rookie coach Taylor Webb. Since 2000, Voorhees enters the week with an astonishing 109-15-7 overall against Hunterdon and Warren schools. Tori Crans scored the goal and was assisted by Kat Francis to beat the Stateliners, while goalie Kimmie Pianucci made two saves for the shutout. New coach, same old stingy defense.
Previous rank: No. 3.
Up next: at Somerville on Tuesday; at Hillsborough on Thursday; at Franklin on Saturday.
4. Phillipsburg (2-2) -- Up and down start for the Stateliners, who started 2-0 before the 1-0 loss to No. 3 Voorhees on Tuesday, followed by a 3-1 loss to unbeaten Montgomery on Thursday. First-year coach Jennifer Paulus will need to rally her troops after back-to-back losses. Forward Lauren Nunes scored a pair of goals in the opener against Blair Academy, but was held off the board in the next three games, as was linemate Priscilla Howell, who scored twice in that one. Goalie Brittany Lavin and the defense yielded eight goals in four games, so that will need to change as the 'Liners face the tougher teams on the schedule. Speaking of which, P'burg will be looking to snap a six-game skid against No. 1 Warren Hills on Saturday. The 'Liners' last win in the series was 3-2 on Oct. 30, 2007.
Previous rank: No. 4.
Up next: Delaware Valley at home on Tuesday; Franklin at home on Thursday; at Warren Hills on Saturday.
5. Belvidere (3-1) -- Coach Kristin Gaitan's County Seaters suffered their first loss, 3-1 at Bernards in a key Skyland Conference Valley Division clash on Saturday. Kasey Keenan scored the lone goal. Forward Tiffany McKenna is off to a torrid start with 10 goals, including a pair of hat tricks and a four-goal game in the team's 8-0 win over North Plainfield on Sept. 13. Nicole DeHerde chipped in with two goals and a team-leading five assists in the three wins. Goalie Josee Ritter had a pair of shutouts last week.
Previous rank: No. 5.
Up next: at South Hunterdon on Tuesday; North Warren at home under the lights on Wednesday.
6. Vernon (4-0) -- The Vikings are off to a strong start as coach Hollyce Schoepp's team outscored its opponents 22-3 in the first four games. Forwards Melody Prisco and Kayla Turner-Boss are really clicking early as the pair hooked up for a goal in the team's 4-0 win at then-No. 10 Pope John on Tuesday. Prisco, a speedy right wing, entered the week with five goals and six assists. Turner-Boss is the Vikes' leading goal scorer with nine, including four in a 6-1 independent win over Ridge on Saturday. Midfielder Steph Peterson recorded a pair of goals in an 8-0 win over Sparta, while Rachel Colvin posted three goals and four assists in the opening week.
Previous rank: No. 7.
Up next: Mount Olive at home on Monday; High Point at home on Wednesday; Blair Academy at home on Saturday.
7. Wallkill Valley (3-1) -- Rangers started the season with three consecutive shutouts before a 4-0 independent loss to Madison on Friday. Coach Irene Chernati's team picked up a pair of NJAC Freedom Division wins, 1-0 over Hackettstown and 2-0 over Kittatinny. Forward Andreanna Nordland scored twice against Kittatinny. Offense, or lack thereof, seems to have carried over from last season with five goals in the three wins and a shutout loss. That bears watching in the coming weeks because this team is pretty sound defensively.
Previous rank: No. 6.
Up next: at Pequannock on Tuesday; Newton at home on Thursday; Roxbury at home on Friday.
8. Hunterdon Central (2-3) -- Coach Jenn Sponzo was spot-on when she said her team would be markedly better than a year ago. The Red Devils opened with a pair of tough losses, 2-1 in overtime to Pingry and 2-0 at Madison before rebounding with back-to-back wins. Forward Kim Engelhart had tricks in both in a 5-2 win over Ridge and a 7-0 shutout of North Hunterdon. New goalie Fran Orella made five saves for her first shutout against North. Central closed the week with a 4-0 loss to No. 1 Warren Hills on Saturday. A tough early schedule should pay off for this team down the road.
Previous rank: No. 9.
Up next: at Lawrenceville at Monday; at Westfield on Friday; Hillsborough at home on Saturday.
9. Newton (2-1) -- The Braves opened with a pair of wins, 3-0 at Lenape Valley and 1-0 at Hackettstown, before a 5-1 waxing at Chatham. Forward Melanie Rudio scored a goal and added three assists in the wins, while midfielder Alicia Grotyohann scored twice in the opener against Lenape. The defense held in the first two games as goalie Amanda Norman only faced a combined five shots. Coach Lisa Bechtel's team will get a stiff test on Thursday at No. 7 Wallkill Valley.
Previous rank: No. 8.
Up next: Kittatinny at home on Tuesday; at Wallkill Valley on Thursday; at Roxbury on Saturday.
10. South Hunterdon (3-1) -- The Eagles enter the rankings after a solid week, losing 3-0 to Bernards before rebounding in a 5-0 win over Pennington on Friday. The offense produced 12 goals in the first two games as five different players scored in a 5-0 win over North Plainfield. Kelly Albanir and Melissa Aversa are pacing the team with a combined five goals. Karli Ribsam also contributed with three goals. Big showdown with No. 5 Belvidere on Tuesday with heavy Skyland Conference Valley Division implications.
Previous rank: unranked.
Up next: Belvidere at home on Tuesday; at Mount St. Mary on Thursday; at Hackettstown on Saturday.
The next scheduled contest between these fierce rivals is Oct. 1 at Voorhees. The teams also meet on the turf in Washington, Oct. 6.
But there's plenty of field hockey to be played by then, so here's a look at the new area Top 10.
1. Warren Hills (3-0) -- Blue Streaks are off to a flying start with a nice 2-1 win over Bridgewater-Raritan on Tuesday. The Blue Streaks followed that up with a 4-0 win over a much-improved Hunterdon Central team on Saturday. Senior forward Lindsey Schott continued her assault on the school record books, scoring three goals against Hackettstown, an 8-0 win, in the season opener. Schott's goal against Bridgewater moved her into second place on the all-time goals list with 49, passing Lori Toole (48 from 1977-79). Schott is now six goals away from breaking Megan Springmeyer's total of 54 (2004-07). Schott also now owns the career points record (131), passing Springmeyer (124), and is seven assists shy of the career assists mark held by Toni Popinko (39 from 2006-09). Freshman Niki Proifita also scored her first two goals last week.
Previous rank: No. 1.
Up next: at Montgomery on Monday; Delaware Valley at home on Thursday; Phillipsburg at home on Saturday.
2. High Point (4-0) -- Wildcats are off and running after a nice 3-1 win over Pingry in the season opener followed by three Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference wins, including a 3-0 shut out of No. 10 Pope John on Saturday. Forwards Nikki Hull (two goals), Darby Smith (two goals) and Brittany Papa (two goals) pace an offense that produced 14 goals in four games. Sashal Hagan leads the 'Cats in points with three goals and three assists. Bea Cannavale, one of the area's top backs, leads High Point with four goals. Big showdown with No. 6 Vernon this week. High Point will play six of its first seven on the road, beating Pope John in the home opener.
Previous rank: No. 2.
Up next: at Montville on Monday; at Vernon on Wednesday; at Mountain Lakes on Friday.
3. Voorhees (1-0) -- A short, but eventful week for the Vikings with a 1-0 win over No. 4 Phillipsburg on Tuesday in their only contest to start the season. The victory was the first of what is sure to be many for rookie coach Taylor Webb. Since 2000, Voorhees enters the week with an astonishing 109-15-7 overall against Hunterdon and Warren schools. Tori Crans scored the goal and was assisted by Kat Francis to beat the Stateliners, while goalie Kimmie Pianucci made two saves for the shutout. New coach, same old stingy defense.
Previous rank: No. 3.
Up next: at Somerville on Tuesday; at Hillsborough on Thursday; at Franklin on Saturday.
4. Phillipsburg (2-2) -- Up and down start for the Stateliners, who started 2-0 before the 1-0 loss to No. 3 Voorhees on Tuesday, followed by a 3-1 loss to unbeaten Montgomery on Thursday. First-year coach Jennifer Paulus will need to rally her troops after back-to-back losses. Forward Lauren Nunes scored a pair of goals in the opener against Blair Academy, but was held off the board in the next three games, as was linemate Priscilla Howell, who scored twice in that one. Goalie Brittany Lavin and the defense yielded eight goals in four games, so that will need to change as the 'Liners face the tougher teams on the schedule. Speaking of which, P'burg will be looking to snap a six-game skid against No. 1 Warren Hills on Saturday. The 'Liners' last win in the series was 3-2 on Oct. 30, 2007.
Previous rank: No. 4.
Up next: Delaware Valley at home on Tuesday; Franklin at home on Thursday; at Warren Hills on Saturday.
5. Belvidere (3-1) -- Coach Kristin Gaitan's County Seaters suffered their first loss, 3-1 at Bernards in a key Skyland Conference Valley Division clash on Saturday. Kasey Keenan scored the lone goal. Forward Tiffany McKenna is off to a torrid start with 10 goals, including a pair of hat tricks and a four-goal game in the team's 8-0 win over North Plainfield on Sept. 13. Nicole DeHerde chipped in with two goals and a team-leading five assists in the three wins. Goalie Josee Ritter had a pair of shutouts last week.
Previous rank: No. 5.
Up next: at South Hunterdon on Tuesday; North Warren at home under the lights on Wednesday.
6. Vernon (4-0) -- The Vikings are off to a strong start as coach Hollyce Schoepp's team outscored its opponents 22-3 in the first four games. Forwards Melody Prisco and Kayla Turner-Boss are really clicking early as the pair hooked up for a goal in the team's 4-0 win at then-No. 10 Pope John on Tuesday. Prisco, a speedy right wing, entered the week with five goals and six assists. Turner-Boss is the Vikes' leading goal scorer with nine, including four in a 6-1 independent win over Ridge on Saturday. Midfielder Steph Peterson recorded a pair of goals in an 8-0 win over Sparta, while Rachel Colvin posted three goals and four assists in the opening week.
Previous rank: No. 7.
Up next: Mount Olive at home on Monday; High Point at home on Wednesday; Blair Academy at home on Saturday.
7. Wallkill Valley (3-1) -- Rangers started the season with three consecutive shutouts before a 4-0 independent loss to Madison on Friday. Coach Irene Chernati's team picked up a pair of NJAC Freedom Division wins, 1-0 over Hackettstown and 2-0 over Kittatinny. Forward Andreanna Nordland scored twice against Kittatinny. Offense, or lack thereof, seems to have carried over from last season with five goals in the three wins and a shutout loss. That bears watching in the coming weeks because this team is pretty sound defensively.
Previous rank: No. 6.
Up next: at Pequannock on Tuesday; Newton at home on Thursday; Roxbury at home on Friday.
8. Hunterdon Central (2-3) -- Coach Jenn Sponzo was spot-on when she said her team would be markedly better than a year ago. The Red Devils opened with a pair of tough losses, 2-1 in overtime to Pingry and 2-0 at Madison before rebounding with back-to-back wins. Forward Kim Engelhart had tricks in both in a 5-2 win over Ridge and a 7-0 shutout of North Hunterdon. New goalie Fran Orella made five saves for her first shutout against North. Central closed the week with a 4-0 loss to No. 1 Warren Hills on Saturday. A tough early schedule should pay off for this team down the road.
Previous rank: No. 9.
Up next: at Lawrenceville at Monday; at Westfield on Friday; Hillsborough at home on Saturday.
9. Newton (2-1) -- The Braves opened with a pair of wins, 3-0 at Lenape Valley and 1-0 at Hackettstown, before a 5-1 waxing at Chatham. Forward Melanie Rudio scored a goal and added three assists in the wins, while midfielder Alicia Grotyohann scored twice in the opener against Lenape. The defense held in the first two games as goalie Amanda Norman only faced a combined five shots. Coach Lisa Bechtel's team will get a stiff test on Thursday at No. 7 Wallkill Valley.
Previous rank: No. 8.
Up next: Kittatinny at home on Tuesday; at Wallkill Valley on Thursday; at Roxbury on Saturday.
10. South Hunterdon (3-1) -- The Eagles enter the rankings after a solid week, losing 3-0 to Bernards before rebounding in a 5-0 win over Pennington on Friday. The offense produced 12 goals in the first two games as five different players scored in a 5-0 win over North Plainfield. Kelly Albanir and Melissa Aversa are pacing the team with a combined five goals. Karli Ribsam also contributed with three goals. Big showdown with No. 5 Belvidere on Tuesday with heavy Skyland Conference Valley Division implications.
Previous rank: unranked.
Up next: Belvidere at home on Tuesday; at Mount St. Mary on Thursday; at Hackettstown on Saturday.
Northwest Jersey Field Hockey Standings
As of Sept. 18
| Skyland Conference | |||
| Delaware Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Pingry | (3-1) | (3-0) | |
| Bridgewater | (4-1) | (2-0) | |
| Hunterdon Central | (2-3) | (2-1) | |
| Hillsborough | (1-1) | (1-1) | |
| Watchung Hills | (0-2) | (0-2) | |
| North Hunterdon | (0-3) | (0-2) | |
| Ridge | (0-4) | (0-2) | |
| Raritan Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Montgomery | (4-0) | (3-0) | |
| Voorhees | (1-0) | (1-0) | |
| Somerville | (3-1) | (1-0) | |
| Delaware Valley | (1-1) | (1-1) | |
| Warren Hills | (3-0) | (0-0) | |
| Phillipsburg | (2-2) | (0-2) | |
| Franklin | (1-3) | (0-3) | |
| Valley Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Bernards | (3-0) | (3-0) | |
| Belvidere | (3-1) | (2-1) | |
| South Hunterdon | (3-1) | (2-1) | |
| North Warren | (2-1-1) | (1-1) | |
| Mount St. Mary | (0-3) | (0-2) | |
| North Plainfield | (0-4) | (0-3) | |
| Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference | |||
| Freedom Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| Wallkill Valley | (3-1) | (2-0) | |
| Newton | (2-1) | (2-0) | |
| Kittatinny | (1-2) | (0-1) | |
| Lenape Valley | (0-2-1) | (0-1) | |
| Hackettstown | (0-4) | (0-2) | |
| American Division | |||
| Overall | Division | ||
| High Point | (4-0) | (3-0) | |
| Vernon | (4-0) | (3-0) | |
| Jefferson | (3-0) | (3-0) | |
| Montville | (2-2) | (2-2) | |
| Morris Hills | (2-2) | (1-2) | |
| Pope John | (1-3) | (1-3) | |
| Sparta | (0-3) | (0-3) | |
| Mount Olive | (0-4) | (0-3) | |
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