It's been a long time coming for Hunterdon Central's field hockey program.
Exactly six years to the day. The Red Devils ended their drought with a 2-1 win over Bridgewater-Raritan on Sept. 10. The victory was coach Jenn Sponzo's first over the Panthers since a 1-0 triumph on Sept. 10, 2007 -- ending a 13-game skid in the series.
Senior midfielders Jane Higley and Morgan Lojek scored goals, with senior midfielder Ally Baligian and junior forward Breanna Semanchik recording assists for the Red Devils (2-1). Junior Hannah Cechini, who is starting her first season on the varsity level, made 10 saves.
Under Sponzo, Central is 8-15-2 vs. Bridgewater dating to 1999. Coach Kathie DeBonis' Panthers have been a force in Group 4 since 2005, appearing in the last eight Group 4 finals.
Hunterdon Central went to four straight Group 4 finals (2001-04) before Bridgewater emerged as a state powerhouse. The Skyland Conference rivals, now in the same division since '09, have met seven times in the postseason since '01. The Panthers have won the last five, including semifinal wins in the North 2, Group 4 sectionals (4-0 in '12) and in Group 4 (4-1 in '11). Central's last postseason win in the series was 2-1 in the 2004 North 2, Group 4 semifinals.
Central has been on the upswing in recent seasons, winning the North 2, Group 4 title in 2011, while Bridgewater was in North 1. Both are in different sections this season. Keep an eye on the Red Devils as we move forward in 2013.
On to the first set of our weekly rankings. I believe the top five teams are the best five. I also expected that six through 10 will be a revolving door as we move forward.
1. Warren Hills (2-1-1) -- Blue Streaks, who are aiming for a return trip to the Group 3 final, have an ambitious early-season schedule. Good for them, as its one of few programs in the area willing to test itself against top-flight competition. After a 3-3 tie against Group 1 power Shore to open the season, coach Laurie Kerr's team dropped a 2-1 decision to last year's Group 2 champion Bishop Eustace on Saturday. Junior forward Sydney Muntone leads the offense with five goals and scored at least one in the first four games. The Profita sisters, Dani and Nikki, also hold down a strong forward line. Another big week on tap for this bunch.
Up next: at Voorhees on Tuesday; at Somerville on Thursday; Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Saturday.
2. Hunterdon Central (2-1) -- Red Devils came off a stunning 2-1 loss to Ridge with a 2-1 win over Bridgewater-Raritan. Junior forward Kendall Nickel (two goals) and Baligian are the team's top offensive players. Cechini has done a solid job in the cage thus far, so if the defense continues to play well, this is a team to keep an eye on. Sponzo is eight wins shy of 200 for her outstanding career.
Up next: at Pingry on Tuesday; at Lawrenceville on Thursday; Phillipsburg at home on Saturday.
3. South Hunterdon (4-0) -- Eagles are making a resurgence back to prominence and a big statement with Saturday's 2-1 win in overtime against No. 4 Voorhees. Forward Amber Dey scored both goals in the win. It was South's first win over the Vikes since a 2-1 victory on Oct. 15, 2004. That also was the last meeting between these Hunterdon County schools, which used to be in the same division in the Skyland Conference. Voorhees leads 24-18-7 in the all-time series, but South is 2-0-2 in the last four meetings dating to 2003. The Eagles have outscored their opponents, 14-2, in four games.
Up next: at North Plainfield on Tuesday; at Mount St. Mary on Thursday; Stuart Country Day at home on Friday.
4. Voorhees (3-2) -- Coach Taylor Webb's team started off with a 6-1 win over No. 7 Phillipsburg before a 3-0 loss to a tough West Essex squad in an independent clash. In their annual Save the Cherubs charity affair, Voorhees dropped a 2-1 decision to No. 3 South Hunterdon. Junior forward Abby Flagler scored the lone goal. It was the renewal of a longtime county rivalry, which had been dormant from 2005-12. The Vikes' last win against the Eagles was 1-0 in the '02 Hunterdon-Warren Tournament in assistant coach Ann Bonavita's last season as head coach. Bonavita's teams went 19-4-2 vs. South in her 11 seasons. Prior to that run, Voorhees was 5-12-3 vs. South since the Vikes began their program in 1975.
Up next: Warren Hills at home on Tuesday; at Delaware Valley on Thursday.
5. High Point (2-0) -- Wildcats started their season strong with wins over Pompton Lakes (3-0 on Sept. 9) and No. 10 Vernon (5-0 on Friday). Maddie Smith scored two goals in the opener, while senior forward Brittany DeLima scored three times in the win over the Vikings, while junior forward Rachel Orr had three assists. Junior goalie Autumn Smith combined to make 10 saves in the two shutouts. Senior forward Carly Satter leads the team with four assists.
Up next: at Mount Olive on Tuesday; Morris Hills at home on Thursday; at Pingry on Saturday.
6. Delaware Valley (1-3) -- Terriers have the misfortune of playing in a killer division with Warren Hills, Voorhees and Montgomery as members of the Skyland Conference Raritan. After opening with a 2-0 win over Somerville, Del Val was shut out by East Brunswick (2-0), Warren Hills (3-0) and Montgomery (2-0). Big week on tap with Raritan Division foes P'burg and Voorhees.
Up next: Phillipsburg at home on Tuesday; Voorhees at home on Thursday; Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.) at home on Friday.
7. Phillipsburg (1-2-1) -- Stateliners are off to a slow start, but got in the win column with Saturday's 3-1 win over No. 9 North Hunterdon. Sophomore forward Kylie Marhold scored two goals in the win and goalie Rachael Horun made three saves. Coach Jenn Paulus' team also lost to Warren Hills (5-0 on Friday) and played to 0-0 tie against Somerville in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division battle.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Tuesday; at Montgomery on Thursday; at Hunterdon Central on Saturday.
8. Belvidere (1-2) -- County Seaters opened their season with a 3-0 win over Mount St. Mary before losses to Bernards (8-1) and South Hunterdon (2-0). Forward Hannah Koch leads the team with two goals, one in the opener and one in the loss to Bernards.
Up next: at Franklin on Tuesday; at North Plainfield on Thursday; at Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg on Saturday.
9. North Hunterdon (1-2) -- After a winless season in 2012, first-year coach Suzanne Toke got her first victory with a 1-0 win over Watchung Hills on Sept. 10. This after an extremely tough opener, a 7-0 loss to powerhouse and 2012 Skyland Conference Delaware Division champion Bridgewater-Raritan. Junior midfielder Grace Plasshe scored the Lions' goal against the Warriors, while junior goalie Hannah Kose made four saves for the shutout.
Up next: at Hillsborough on Thursday.
10. Vernon (2-1) -- Tough call here, but the Vikings get the nod based on their 1-0 win over Wallkill Valley in the season opener. Coach Hollyce Schoepp's team followed that with a 1-0 win over Blair Academy in an independent clash. Senior forward Julia Hammerton had the winner against Wallkill and senior midfielder Miranda Logan scored against the Bucs.
Up next: at Sparta on Tuesday; Mount Olive at home on Thursday.
On the bubble: Hackettstown (2-0); Newton (1-1); Wallkill Valley (2-2).
Monday, September 16, 2013
Friday, September 13, 2013
Field hockey: Voorhees plays for Save the Cherubs
Voorhees High School's field hockey team will host its fourth annual charity game benefiting the Save the Cherubs campaign against Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), on Saturday in an independent clash against South Hunterdon.
Game time is 10 a.m. There will be a free clinic conducted by the Voorhees varsity players from 8:30 to 9 a.m. for all elementary and middle school students.
CDH is a rare birth defect, which affects one in every 2,500 babies, has touched two children with ties to the Voorhees program. Madelyn Stocker, daughter of former coach Beth Stocker, who was born at the start of the 2010 season. In addition, Webb's nephew, Bryce, who was born in April of 2011, also fought and won a battle CDH. Bryce's mother, Sara, played forward for the Vikings in the mid-1990s and is a nurse practitioner near Reading, Pa.
CDH is still relatively unknown, despite being as common as Cystic Fibrosis and Spina Bifida. CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. Sadly, 50 percent of infants born with CDH do not survive. There is still no known cause for CDH.
Voorhees has raised over $3,000 the last three years for this worth cause. Last year, the Vikings posted a 4-0 win over Delaware Valley and are 3-0 overall in the charity games.
This season, Voorhees is off to a 2-1 start, earning wins over Phillipsburg (6-1 on Sept. 6) and Montgomery (3-1 on Tuesday).
For information on CDH, or to make a donation, visit http://www.savethecherubs.org/
Game time is 10 a.m. There will be a free clinic conducted by the Voorhees varsity players from 8:30 to 9 a.m. for all elementary and middle school students.
CDH is still relatively unknown, despite being as common as Cystic Fibrosis and Spina Bifida. CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. Sadly, 50 percent of infants born with CDH do not survive. There is still no known cause for CDH.
Voorhees has raised over $3,000 the last three years for this worth cause. Last year, the Vikings posted a 4-0 win over Delaware Valley and are 3-0 overall in the charity games.
This season, Voorhees is off to a 2-1 start, earning wins over Phillipsburg (6-1 on Sept. 6) and Montgomery (3-1 on Tuesday).
For information on CDH, or to make a donation, visit http://www.savethecherubs.org/
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Field hockey: Warren Hills-P'burg halted by lightning
WASHINGTON TWP. -- Warren Hills' field hockey team was pouring it on against Phillipsburg in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division clash on Wednesday.
But with the Blue Streaks holding a commanding 2-0 lead, officials stopped play with the threat of lightning and thunder in the area with 13:45 remaining on the clock. After a brief delay, the game was called and play is scheduled to resume from the point of stoppage on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
It was the right move as heavy rains eventually hit the area. Ironically, had the game started at its normal time of 3:45 p.m., the contest would have been played in full. Originally, a soccer game was to precede field hockey on the Warren Hills Athletic Complex turf, making this a scheduled 6 p.m. start. The game actually got underway at 5.
Warren Hills (1-0-1 overall, 1-0 division), coming off a 3-3 tie with Shore Regional in its opener on Saturday and a 3-0 win over Delaware Valley on Tuesday, needed just 22 seconds to break through against Phillipsburg (0-1-1, 0-1-1), which opened with a 6-1 loss to Voorhees before a 0-0 tie with Somerville on Tuesday.
Freshman phenom Dani Profita got loose on a breakaway and tapped in her second goal of the season off a feed from here sister, Nikki Profita, for a quick 1-0 lead. Junior forward Sydney Muntone made it a two-goal advantage when she found the left corner wide open with 17:43 left on the clock. Muntone, who scored 19 goals in 2012, leads the Streaks with three this season.
Warren Hills is seeking its 11th straight win over P'burg in a series that began in 1973. The teams did not meet from 1975-94. The series resumed in '95 when the Stateliners joined the Skyland Conference.
Blue Streaks coach Laurie Kerr is 24-4 all-time against the 'Liners, whose last win was 3-2 on Warren Hills' old grass field on Oct. 30, 2007. Since that victory, P'burg has scored a total of four goals in the last 10 meetings entering Thursday's 42nd showdown. Warren Hills holds a 30-10-1 edge in the all-time series.
The Blue Streaks, who lost in the Group 3 final last season, have a rather ambitious early-season schedule. Besides playing Group 1 power Shore, Warren Hills will face Bishop Eustace, the 2012 Group 2 champion, on Saturday in an independent contest.
Following that game, the annual rivalry with Voorhees resumes on Sept. 17 in Hunterdon County. Four days later, perennial Group 4 finalist Bridgewater-Raritan comes to Washington on Sept. 21.
Here is Thursday's box score at the time play was stopped:
Phillipsburg (0-1-1, 0-1-1) 0 -- 0
Warren Hills (1-0-1, 1-0) 2 -- 2
Scoring
First half -- WH, Dani Profita, 2nd, (Nikki Profita), 29:38; WH, Sydney Muntone, 17:43.
Shots -- Phillipsburg 0; Warren Hills 4.
Saves -- Rachael Horun 2 (P); Taylor Austin 0 (WH).
Penalty corners -- Phillipsburg 0; Warren Hills 5.
But with the Blue Streaks holding a commanding 2-0 lead, officials stopped play with the threat of lightning and thunder in the area with 13:45 remaining on the clock. After a brief delay, the game was called and play is scheduled to resume from the point of stoppage on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
It was the right move as heavy rains eventually hit the area. Ironically, had the game started at its normal time of 3:45 p.m., the contest would have been played in full. Originally, a soccer game was to precede field hockey on the Warren Hills Athletic Complex turf, making this a scheduled 6 p.m. start. The game actually got underway at 5.
Warren Hills (1-0-1 overall, 1-0 division), coming off a 3-3 tie with Shore Regional in its opener on Saturday and a 3-0 win over Delaware Valley on Tuesday, needed just 22 seconds to break through against Phillipsburg (0-1-1, 0-1-1), which opened with a 6-1 loss to Voorhees before a 0-0 tie with Somerville on Tuesday.
Freshman phenom Dani Profita got loose on a breakaway and tapped in her second goal of the season off a feed from here sister, Nikki Profita, for a quick 1-0 lead. Junior forward Sydney Muntone made it a two-goal advantage when she found the left corner wide open with 17:43 left on the clock. Muntone, who scored 19 goals in 2012, leads the Streaks with three this season.
Warren Hills is seeking its 11th straight win over P'burg in a series that began in 1973. The teams did not meet from 1975-94. The series resumed in '95 when the Stateliners joined the Skyland Conference.
Blue Streaks coach Laurie Kerr is 24-4 all-time against the 'Liners, whose last win was 3-2 on Warren Hills' old grass field on Oct. 30, 2007. Since that victory, P'burg has scored a total of four goals in the last 10 meetings entering Thursday's 42nd showdown. Warren Hills holds a 30-10-1 edge in the all-time series.
The Blue Streaks, who lost in the Group 3 final last season, have a rather ambitious early-season schedule. Besides playing Group 1 power Shore, Warren Hills will face Bishop Eustace, the 2012 Group 2 champion, on Saturday in an independent contest.
Following that game, the annual rivalry with Voorhees resumes on Sept. 17 in Hunterdon County. Four days later, perennial Group 4 finalist Bridgewater-Raritan comes to Washington on Sept. 21.
Here is Thursday's box score at the time play was stopped:
Phillipsburg (0-1-1, 0-1-1) 0 -- 0
Warren Hills (1-0-1, 1-0) 2 -- 2
Scoring
First half -- WH, Dani Profita, 2nd, (Nikki Profita), 29:38; WH, Sydney Muntone, 17:43.
Shots -- Phillipsburg 0; Warren Hills 4.
Saves -- Rachael Horun 2 (P); Taylor Austin 0 (WH).
Penalty corners -- Phillipsburg 0; Warren Hills 5.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Field hockey: Vikes test mettle against West Essex
NORTH CALDWELL -- Voorhees High School's field hockey team will take the good and bad from Saturday's 3-0 independent loss to West Essex.
If the Vikings are going to contend for championships later in the season, playing a state powerhouse that's annually ranked among the top five teams in New Jersey is a good measuring stick for the second game of the season.
Voorhees (1-1), which opened its season with Friday's 6-1 victory over Phillipsburg in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division clash, wasn't able to capitalize on the few opportunities it had against a West Essex program that went to the Group 2 final a year ago.
"We played against a very tough and talented West Essex team. We didn't expect anything less," said third-year Vikings coach Taylor Webb, whose 2012 team dropped a 3-0 decision to the Knights at home. "I thought we held our own. We were good at finishing things yesterday [against P'burg]. Teams like [West Essex] don't make mistakes and you can't be a step behind. You have to make more happen, because you don't get many opportunities."
West Essex (1-0), which lost 5-2 to Bishop Eustace in last year's Group 2 final, was a little sluggish to start the game. Admittedly, the tenacious Voorhees defense made veteran Knights coach Jill Cosse switch things up to spark her offense. It worked as senior forward Kaitlyn Struss scored the first goal with 8:54 left in the first half on a tip-in from senior midfielder Stepanie Pezzuti.
Just over five minutes later, West Essex took a 2-0 lead, when junior forward Gabrielle Girardi punched one into the left corner of the cage to break open a tight game.
"The Voorhees midfield was fantastic," said Cosse, whose program is 329-28-11 overall in her 17 seasons. "They took away our feeding options up the middle and forced us to go wide. So it was a combination of us having to adjust and Voorhees being super solid."
West Essex really put the game out of reach with 9:04 left, when senior back Caroline Fiore connected on a corner, the Knights' sixth of the half, to make it 3-0.
After an early corner opportunity in the first six minutes, Voorhees' offense wasn't able to put much pressure on the West Essex defense. In fact, the Vikes had all three of their corners in the first half and did not get off a shot-on-goal the entire 60 minutes. The second half was all West Essex, as the Voorhees players seemed to tire midway through and the offense rarely got past the opposing 40.
"We weren't playing efficiently on turf," Webb said. "We need to take care of the ball more."
Both teams were missing starters. West Essex was without the services of star center forward Jackie Renda (broken hand), a four-year starter who is verbally committed to Lehigh. Voorhees played without stout defender Alex Barish (undisclosed).
On the bright side for Voorhees was the play of its two talented goalkeepers -- junior Lauren Pianucci (three saves first half) and senior Kathryn Boyce (seven saves second half). Boyce really put on a display as she kept it from being a blowout with several dazzling stops.
"I thought [Boyce] was very good," Cosse said. "She stopped a lot of shots."
West Essex now holds a 6-1-1 edge, including a 3-0 mark at home, in the all-time series dating to 1996, when the schools played to a 1-1 tie. The programs have split meetings in the Group 2 semifinals -- Voorhees winning 2-1 in 2000 and West Essex prevailing 2-1 in overtime in 2002, ending Voorhees' 23-game win streak as the Vikes finished 23-1 in the final game under former coach Ann Bonavita, now Webb's assistant.
These powerful programs have a lot of mutual respect for one another and they could very well meet again at season's end with both residing in the North 1, Group 2 section that has been owned by the Knights, who have won a state record 31 sectional titles.
"We knew it was going to be a battle," Cosse said. "You see what you have and what you don't. No way these teams are playing unless you're out to win the game. We knew that going in. We knew it was going to be a great game. You're not going to beat Voorhees unless you're strong at every position or they will beat you. I thought we played pretty well."
"This was good for our confidence," Webb said. "You can't shy away from [tough competition]. We lost 3-0, not 7-0. This is a building point. We did a lot of good things."
Voorhees (1-1) 0 0 -- 0
West Essex (1-0) 2 1 -- 3
Scoring
First half -- WE, Kaitlyn Struss (Stephanie Pezzuti), 8:54; WE, Gabrielle Girardi, 3:35.
Second half -- WE, Caroline Fiore, 9:04.
Shots -- Voorhees 0; West Essex 13.
Saves -- Lauren Pianucci 3, Kathryn Boyce 7 (V); Erin Smith 0 (WE).
Penalty corners -- Voorhees 3; West Essex 12.
If the Vikings are going to contend for championships later in the season, playing a state powerhouse that's annually ranked among the top five teams in New Jersey is a good measuring stick for the second game of the season.
Voorhees (1-1), which opened its season with Friday's 6-1 victory over Phillipsburg in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division clash, wasn't able to capitalize on the few opportunities it had against a West Essex program that went to the Group 2 final a year ago.
"We played against a very tough and talented West Essex team. We didn't expect anything less," said third-year Vikings coach Taylor Webb, whose 2012 team dropped a 3-0 decision to the Knights at home. "I thought we held our own. We were good at finishing things yesterday [against P'burg]. Teams like [West Essex] don't make mistakes and you can't be a step behind. You have to make more happen, because you don't get many opportunities."
West Essex (1-0), which lost 5-2 to Bishop Eustace in last year's Group 2 final, was a little sluggish to start the game. Admittedly, the tenacious Voorhees defense made veteran Knights coach Jill Cosse switch things up to spark her offense. It worked as senior forward Kaitlyn Struss scored the first goal with 8:54 left in the first half on a tip-in from senior midfielder Stepanie Pezzuti.
Just over five minutes later, West Essex took a 2-0 lead, when junior forward Gabrielle Girardi punched one into the left corner of the cage to break open a tight game.
"The Voorhees midfield was fantastic," said Cosse, whose program is 329-28-11 overall in her 17 seasons. "They took away our feeding options up the middle and forced us to go wide. So it was a combination of us having to adjust and Voorhees being super solid."
West Essex really put the game out of reach with 9:04 left, when senior back Caroline Fiore connected on a corner, the Knights' sixth of the half, to make it 3-0.
After an early corner opportunity in the first six minutes, Voorhees' offense wasn't able to put much pressure on the West Essex defense. In fact, the Vikes had all three of their corners in the first half and did not get off a shot-on-goal the entire 60 minutes. The second half was all West Essex, as the Voorhees players seemed to tire midway through and the offense rarely got past the opposing 40.
"We weren't playing efficiently on turf," Webb said. "We need to take care of the ball more."
Both teams were missing starters. West Essex was without the services of star center forward Jackie Renda (broken hand), a four-year starter who is verbally committed to Lehigh. Voorhees played without stout defender Alex Barish (undisclosed).
On the bright side for Voorhees was the play of its two talented goalkeepers -- junior Lauren Pianucci (three saves first half) and senior Kathryn Boyce (seven saves second half). Boyce really put on a display as she kept it from being a blowout with several dazzling stops.
"I thought [Boyce] was very good," Cosse said. "She stopped a lot of shots."
West Essex now holds a 6-1-1 edge, including a 3-0 mark at home, in the all-time series dating to 1996, when the schools played to a 1-1 tie. The programs have split meetings in the Group 2 semifinals -- Voorhees winning 2-1 in 2000 and West Essex prevailing 2-1 in overtime in 2002, ending Voorhees' 23-game win streak as the Vikes finished 23-1 in the final game under former coach Ann Bonavita, now Webb's assistant.
These powerful programs have a lot of mutual respect for one another and they could very well meet again at season's end with both residing in the North 1, Group 2 section that has been owned by the Knights, who have won a state record 31 sectional titles.
"We knew it was going to be a battle," Cosse said. "You see what you have and what you don't. No way these teams are playing unless you're out to win the game. We knew that going in. We knew it was going to be a great game. You're not going to beat Voorhees unless you're strong at every position or they will beat you. I thought we played pretty well."
"This was good for our confidence," Webb said. "You can't shy away from [tough competition]. We lost 3-0, not 7-0. This is a building point. We did a lot of good things."
Voorhees (1-1) 0 0 -- 0
West Essex (1-0) 2 1 -- 3
Scoring
First half -- WE, Kaitlyn Struss (Stephanie Pezzuti), 8:54; WE, Gabrielle Girardi, 3:35.
Second half -- WE, Caroline Fiore, 9:04.
Shots -- Voorhees 0; West Essex 13.
Saves -- Lauren Pianucci 3, Kathryn Boyce 7 (V); Erin Smith 0 (WE).
Penalty corners -- Voorhees 3; West Essex 12.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
2013 Field Hockey Preview: Hunterdon-Warren
Belvidere County Seaters
Coach: Kristin Gaitan (fifth season, 49-25-3)
2012 record: 9-7-1, 5-4 (third place Skyland Conference Valley Division)
Key returnees: F Erin Sassaman (5 goals), jr.; MF Meghan Laubach, sr.; MF Kaitlyn Robinson, sr.
Key losses: F Nicole DeHerde (8 goals, 8 assists); F Alexa Beaumont (7 goals); D Kristen Ostrzyzek; F Alison Bancroft; MF Sarah Edmiston; GK Amanda Fisher.
Top newcomers: GK Maddie Beaumont, so.
Outlook: After a 15-win season in 2011, the County Seaters finished above the .500 mark last season despite being hit hard by graduation. The losses of DeHerde and Beaumont make this year's offense a huge question mark, along with the loss of Fisher, who started all 17 games in the cage last season and posted five shutouts. Ironically, it was the same situation as last year for the Seaters, who lost their top scorer and goalie. In 2012, they were shut out on five occasions and scored a total of 30 goals. Needless to say, putting the ball in the cage will be key to this team's success.
Delaware Valley Terriers
Coach: Stephanie Cirino (third season, 12-20-2)
2012 record: 6-10-1, 2-7-1 (fifth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)
Key returnees: D-MF Kristen Brokaw, sr.; F-MF Caroline Vath (5 goals), jr.; MF-D Alyssa Orrico, jr.; D Brianna Skripko, jr.; F Robyn Case, sr.; F Danielle Geoffroy, sr.; F Tess Apgar, sr.; MF Tina Crotty, jr.
Key losses: MF Olivia Brogan; D Caitlin Slusser; D Sawyer Warzybuk; GK Jackie Compta.
Top newcomers: F-MF Emily Affeld, so.
Outlook: Terriers have finished 6-10-1 the last three seasons, so needless to say, third-year coach Cirino is looking to get over that hump this season. Brokaw and Crotty are the team leaders and will anchor the defensive and offensive units, respectively. As has been the case in previous years, scoring goals will be the primary issue. Outside of Vath, no returning player has scored more than three goals in a season. Del Val also will have a new starting goalie with the loss of Compta. Playing in a rugged division leaves little margin for error, as the Terriers dropped from four division wins to two a year ago.
Hackettstown Tigers
Coach: Stephen Speirs (fourth season, 23-30-2)
2012 record: 9-9-1, 8-6 (fifth place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: MF Nicole Andes, sr.; F Sierramarie Fitzgerald, sr.; F Michelle Carlson, sr.; F Kelly Healy, jr.; MF Nicole Felicetti, sr.; D Marissa Siconolfi, jr.; D Allana Fitzgerald, jr.; D Michaela Sass, so.; F Samantha Strathern, so.
Key losses: D Julia Derco; F Stefania Swider; GK Jessia Huffman.
Top newcomers: GK Rose Bishop, so.; MF Kaitlyn Keiser, jr.; F Erica Salus, jr.
Outlook: Tigers are still looking to get above the .500 mark for the first time since 2009, but last season was a major step toward that goal. The loss of leading scorer Swider (12 goals) hurt, but Andes (team-high seven assists) and S. Fitzgerald (four goals) will look to pick up the slack. Continuity will also help as six seniors -- forward and midfield lines - on this year's squad have played together for three seasons. The defense also should be solid, though Bishop is untested in the cage on the varsity level.
Hunterdon Central Red Devils
Coach: Jenn Sponzo (15th season, 190-101-16)
2012 record: 13-9, 7-5 (third place Skyland Conference Delaware Division)
Key returnees: MF Allison Baligian (5 goals, 6 assists), sr.; F Taylor Barrett (5 assists), jr.; F Kendall Nickel (16 goals, 6 assists), jr.; MF Jane Higley, sr.; D Annie Hosler, sr.; MF Morgan Lojek, sr.; D Hailey Kohler, sr.; F Sarah Pulkowski (5 goals), sr.; F-MF Kailey Delgauer, jr.
Key losses: F Nicole Barrett (11 goals, 10 assists); F Carissa Benedickson (7 goals); MF Chloe Maurice; D Emily Grube; GK Fran Orella (8 shutouts).
Top newcomers: D Erin Vecchio, jr.; F Breanna Semanchik, jr.; GK Hannah Cecchini, jr; MF-D Emily Moore, jr.
Outlook: A year removed from capturing the North 2, Group 4 sectional championship (its sixth under Sponzo who is the school's all-time coaching wins leader) the Red Devils are back among the area's elite. This year's squad should challenge for another sectional title as state power Bridgewater-Raritan is back in North 1. Offensively, Central has gone from 11 goals in 2010 to 48 in '11 to 51 in '12. The loss of Nicole Barrett to graduation hurts, but Baligian and Nickel are potent scorers as is Taylor Barrett, who missed a majority of last season with a broken hand. Defense is usually the team's strength but the losses of Maurice, one of the top players in West Jersey, and Orella will be felt.
North Hunterdon Lions
Coach: Suzanne Toke (first season).
2012 record: 0-17-1, 0-12 (seventh place Skyland Conference Delaware Division)
Key returnees: F Madison Martino, sr.; MF-D Amanda Lambert, sr.; MF Emily Baldwin, sr.; MF Grace Plassche, jr.; F Jamie Ruggiero, jr.; F-MF Caroline Coleman, jr.
Key losses: F Keaton Gray; MF Sophia Latriano; D Isabella Desmaris; GK Bridget Walsh.
Top newcomers: F Molly Walsh, jr.; D Sarah VanDuynhoven, jr. D Alyssa Bennett, jr.
Outlook: After a winless campaign in 2012, there's nowhere to go but up for the Lions and new coach Toke, who inherits a program that's fallen on hard times and went 34-75-3 the last five seasons, including a a state playoff appearance in 2010. This will certainly be a rebuilding project, though Walsh, Ruggiero, Lambert and Baldwin are players to build around. Scoring goals will be key to a turnaround as last year's squad produced just seven in 18 games, scoring against just three opponents. Ruggiero was the leading scorer with three goals. The Lions also will have a new goalie, so keeping the heat off the cage also will be critical to any success.
North Warren Patriots
Coach: Laura Kasa (fourth season, 8-47-1)
2012 record: 3-16, 2-12 (seventh place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: F Jessica Towey (6 goals), jr.; D Kathleen Wadiak, sr.; F Rebecca Hendershot, sr.; MF Laura Gessler, sr.; F Megan Stevens, jr.; MF Laine Ivey, jr.;
Key losses: F Kayla Devaney.
Top newcomers: GK Ariana Kampfe, so.; MF Gianna Lorusso, so.; MF Kelsey Conlon, so.; MF Lauren Miano, sr.
Outlook: After a winless season in 2010, the Patriots rebounded with five wins in '11, before taking a slight step back a year ago. Towey, a three-year starter who has had back-to-back six-goal seasons, will be counted on again to lead an offense that produced just 16 goals last season, along with Stevens. Wadiak will anchor the defense, which has a new goalie in Kampfe. Hendershot donned the pads a year ago, but has shifted back to the forward line where she played two years ago. Kasa is excited for the season, so look for the Pats to improve on last year's win total.
Phillipsburg Stateliners
Coach: Jennifer Paulus (third season, 20-21)
2012 record: 10-10, 4-6 (fourth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)
Key returnees: F Marissa Perino, sr.; F Kylie Marhold, so.; MF Gabby Jackson, sr.; F Janelle Jackson, sr.; MF Emily DiMarco, jr.; D Lacey O'Dowd, so.; D Sarah Grimm, sr.
Key losses: F Katie Decker; MF Molly Zgoda; GK Brittany Lavin; F Clare Smith; MF Mariya Saydek; D Allyson Butler; D Renee Custodio; MF Gabby Morena; F Katy Frey.
Top newcomers: GK Rachael Horun, jr.; F-MF Ellie Zgoda, so.; MF Viktoria Schultz, jr.; F-MF Kerianne Vianden, jr.
Outlook: Stateliners were hit hit hard by graduation -- the biggest losses were Decker (7 goals), Zgoda (10 assists), Lavin (8 shutouts) and defensive leader Custodio. Replacing Lavin (four-year starter in the cage) will be the biggest challenge, but this group has talent. Marhold and Perino will be expected to pick up the slack on offense, which was inconsistent last year as the 'Liners scored a total of eight goals in their final nine games and were blanked in the North 1, Group 4 loss to Ridge, a team that P'burg beat, 2-1, earlier in the season. DiMarco is a solid player and has big shoes to fill in the midfield, according to Paulus with the loss of M. Zgoda. This team could surprise if it can be consistent on both ends of the field.
Voorhees Vikings
Coach: Taylor Webb (third season, 27-9-1)
2012 record: 13-5-1, 6-3-1 (third place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)
Key returnees: MF Tori Crans, sr.; F Ashley Kerekgyarto (5 goals), sr.; D Alex Barish, sr.; MF Hannah Ryan, jr.; F Kathryn Roncoroni, so; GK Lauren Pianucci, jr.; GK Kathryn Boyce, sr.; F Abby Flagler, jr.; D Maggie Freibergs, sr.; D Haley Irving, sr.; MF Emily Scheier, sr.
Key losses: D Anna McLees; F-MF Sara Diacik; D Michelle Gaykowski; F Rachel Lewis; D Angie D'Armiento; F Kelsey Fischer.
Top newcomers: Fr. Hannah Schiavo, fr.
Outlook: Vikings captured the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex title last season and made a run to the North 1, Group 2 semifinals, despite a third-place finish in a very tough division. Biggest win was a 2-0 blanking of archrival Warren Hills, the Group 3 runner-up which had beaten Voorhees in two regular season meetings. Roncoroni burst onto the scene last year and will anchor the offense with Kerekgyarto. Crans is a solid midfielder, while Barish and Scheier are strong defenders in a program that's known for playing tough defense. Warren Hills and West Essex were the only opponents to score more than two goals against this group last year. Pianucci and Boyce are an excellent combo in the cage, an area in which most locals lack experience. Annually one of the top programs in New Jersey and extremely well coached, expect the Vikes to contend for championships this fall, though the move to North 1, Group 2 where West Essex resides, makes the postseason goals a lot tougher.
Warren Hills Blue Streaks
Coach: Laurie Kerr (14th season, 219-63-11)
2012 record: 22-3, 10-0 (first place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)
Key returnees: MF Nikki Schott (5 goals, 6 assists), sr.; F Sydney Muntone (19 goals, 13 assists), jr.; F Nikki Profita (19 goals, 15 assists), jr.; F Jessica Nissen (16 goals, 8 assists), jr.; D Amanda Crampton, jr.; F Shannon Zignoli (5 goals), sr; D Melanie Loth, sr; D Allie Brouhard, jr.
Key losses: MF Niki Miller (25 goals, 29 assists); GK Katie Wintersteen (13 shutouts).
Top newcomers: F Dani Profita, fr.; GK Kylie Guidi, jr.; GK Emma Frost, jr.; GK Taylor Austin, so.
Outlook: Blue Streaks, annually in the championship discussion, are coming off their second straight division title and a run to Group 3 state title game. Normally, the huge loss of a prolific player and scorer like Niki Miller (now playing at UMass) would force a team to take a step back, but this year's squad is once again loaded with talent. The forward line is brimming with star players, as Muntone and N. Profita combined for 38 goals a year ago. Nissen also chipped in with 16. As if dealing with one Profita was tough enough, wait until opponents get a look at Dani, a star in the making as a freshman, who Kerr deems "a difference maker." Captain Nikki Schott is an exceptional distributor, though her assist totals have dropped each year from a career-high 16 in 2010. If there's one question mark it's at goalie with the graduation of Wintersteen, a four-year starter. Crampton and Loth are two of the top backs in the area.
Coach: Kristin Gaitan (fifth season, 49-25-3)
2012 record: 9-7-1, 5-4 (third place Skyland Conference Valley Division)
Key returnees: F Erin Sassaman (5 goals), jr.; MF Meghan Laubach, sr.; MF Kaitlyn Robinson, sr.
Key losses: F Nicole DeHerde (8 goals, 8 assists); F Alexa Beaumont (7 goals); D Kristen Ostrzyzek; F Alison Bancroft; MF Sarah Edmiston; GK Amanda Fisher.
Top newcomers: GK Maddie Beaumont, so.
Outlook: After a 15-win season in 2011, the County Seaters finished above the .500 mark last season despite being hit hard by graduation. The losses of DeHerde and Beaumont make this year's offense a huge question mark, along with the loss of Fisher, who started all 17 games in the cage last season and posted five shutouts. Ironically, it was the same situation as last year for the Seaters, who lost their top scorer and goalie. In 2012, they were shut out on five occasions and scored a total of 30 goals. Needless to say, putting the ball in the cage will be key to this team's success.
Delaware Valley Terriers
Coach: Stephanie Cirino (third season, 12-20-2)
2012 record: 6-10-1, 2-7-1 (fifth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)
Key returnees: D-MF Kristen Brokaw, sr.; F-MF Caroline Vath (5 goals), jr.; MF-D Alyssa Orrico, jr.; D Brianna Skripko, jr.; F Robyn Case, sr.; F Danielle Geoffroy, sr.; F Tess Apgar, sr.; MF Tina Crotty, jr.
Key losses: MF Olivia Brogan; D Caitlin Slusser; D Sawyer Warzybuk; GK Jackie Compta.
Top newcomers: F-MF Emily Affeld, so.
Outlook: Terriers have finished 6-10-1 the last three seasons, so needless to say, third-year coach Cirino is looking to get over that hump this season. Brokaw and Crotty are the team leaders and will anchor the defensive and offensive units, respectively. As has been the case in previous years, scoring goals will be the primary issue. Outside of Vath, no returning player has scored more than three goals in a season. Del Val also will have a new starting goalie with the loss of Compta. Playing in a rugged division leaves little margin for error, as the Terriers dropped from four division wins to two a year ago.
Hackettstown Tigers
Coach: Stephen Speirs (fourth season, 23-30-2)
2012 record: 9-9-1, 8-6 (fifth place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: MF Nicole Andes, sr.; F Sierramarie Fitzgerald, sr.; F Michelle Carlson, sr.; F Kelly Healy, jr.; MF Nicole Felicetti, sr.; D Marissa Siconolfi, jr.; D Allana Fitzgerald, jr.; D Michaela Sass, so.; F Samantha Strathern, so.
Key losses: D Julia Derco; F Stefania Swider; GK Jessia Huffman.
Top newcomers: GK Rose Bishop, so.; MF Kaitlyn Keiser, jr.; F Erica Salus, jr.
Outlook: Tigers are still looking to get above the .500 mark for the first time since 2009, but last season was a major step toward that goal. The loss of leading scorer Swider (12 goals) hurt, but Andes (team-high seven assists) and S. Fitzgerald (four goals) will look to pick up the slack. Continuity will also help as six seniors -- forward and midfield lines - on this year's squad have played together for three seasons. The defense also should be solid, though Bishop is untested in the cage on the varsity level.
Hunterdon Central Red Devils
Coach: Jenn Sponzo (15th season, 190-101-16)
2012 record: 13-9, 7-5 (third place Skyland Conference Delaware Division)
Key returnees: MF Allison Baligian (5 goals, 6 assists), sr.; F Taylor Barrett (5 assists), jr.; F Kendall Nickel (16 goals, 6 assists), jr.; MF Jane Higley, sr.; D Annie Hosler, sr.; MF Morgan Lojek, sr.; D Hailey Kohler, sr.; F Sarah Pulkowski (5 goals), sr.; F-MF Kailey Delgauer, jr.
Key losses: F Nicole Barrett (11 goals, 10 assists); F Carissa Benedickson (7 goals); MF Chloe Maurice; D Emily Grube; GK Fran Orella (8 shutouts).
Top newcomers: D Erin Vecchio, jr.; F Breanna Semanchik, jr.; GK Hannah Cecchini, jr; MF-D Emily Moore, jr.
Outlook: A year removed from capturing the North 2, Group 4 sectional championship (its sixth under Sponzo who is the school's all-time coaching wins leader) the Red Devils are back among the area's elite. This year's squad should challenge for another sectional title as state power Bridgewater-Raritan is back in North 1. Offensively, Central has gone from 11 goals in 2010 to 48 in '11 to 51 in '12. The loss of Nicole Barrett to graduation hurts, but Baligian and Nickel are potent scorers as is Taylor Barrett, who missed a majority of last season with a broken hand. Defense is usually the team's strength but the losses of Maurice, one of the top players in West Jersey, and Orella will be felt.
North Hunterdon Lions
Coach: Suzanne Toke (first season).
2012 record: 0-17-1, 0-12 (seventh place Skyland Conference Delaware Division)
Key returnees: F Madison Martino, sr.; MF-D Amanda Lambert, sr.; MF Emily Baldwin, sr.; MF Grace Plassche, jr.; F Jamie Ruggiero, jr.; F-MF Caroline Coleman, jr.
Key losses: F Keaton Gray; MF Sophia Latriano; D Isabella Desmaris; GK Bridget Walsh.
Top newcomers: F Molly Walsh, jr.; D Sarah VanDuynhoven, jr. D Alyssa Bennett, jr.
Outlook: After a winless campaign in 2012, there's nowhere to go but up for the Lions and new coach Toke, who inherits a program that's fallen on hard times and went 34-75-3 the last five seasons, including a a state playoff appearance in 2010. This will certainly be a rebuilding project, though Walsh, Ruggiero, Lambert and Baldwin are players to build around. Scoring goals will be key to a turnaround as last year's squad produced just seven in 18 games, scoring against just three opponents. Ruggiero was the leading scorer with three goals. The Lions also will have a new goalie, so keeping the heat off the cage also will be critical to any success.
North Warren Patriots
Coach: Laura Kasa (fourth season, 8-47-1)
2012 record: 3-16, 2-12 (seventh place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: F Jessica Towey (6 goals), jr.; D Kathleen Wadiak, sr.; F Rebecca Hendershot, sr.; MF Laura Gessler, sr.; F Megan Stevens, jr.; MF Laine Ivey, jr.;
Key losses: F Kayla Devaney.
Top newcomers: GK Ariana Kampfe, so.; MF Gianna Lorusso, so.; MF Kelsey Conlon, so.; MF Lauren Miano, sr.
Outlook: After a winless season in 2010, the Patriots rebounded with five wins in '11, before taking a slight step back a year ago. Towey, a three-year starter who has had back-to-back six-goal seasons, will be counted on again to lead an offense that produced just 16 goals last season, along with Stevens. Wadiak will anchor the defense, which has a new goalie in Kampfe. Hendershot donned the pads a year ago, but has shifted back to the forward line where she played two years ago. Kasa is excited for the season, so look for the Pats to improve on last year's win total.
Phillipsburg Stateliners
Coach: Jennifer Paulus (third season, 20-21)
2012 record: 10-10, 4-6 (fourth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)
Key returnees: F Marissa Perino, sr.; F Kylie Marhold, so.; MF Gabby Jackson, sr.; F Janelle Jackson, sr.; MF Emily DiMarco, jr.; D Lacey O'Dowd, so.; D Sarah Grimm, sr.
Key losses: F Katie Decker; MF Molly Zgoda; GK Brittany Lavin; F Clare Smith; MF Mariya Saydek; D Allyson Butler; D Renee Custodio; MF Gabby Morena; F Katy Frey.
Top newcomers: GK Rachael Horun, jr.; F-MF Ellie Zgoda, so.; MF Viktoria Schultz, jr.; F-MF Kerianne Vianden, jr.
Outlook: Stateliners were hit hit hard by graduation -- the biggest losses were Decker (7 goals), Zgoda (10 assists), Lavin (8 shutouts) and defensive leader Custodio. Replacing Lavin (four-year starter in the cage) will be the biggest challenge, but this group has talent. Marhold and Perino will be expected to pick up the slack on offense, which was inconsistent last year as the 'Liners scored a total of eight goals in their final nine games and were blanked in the North 1, Group 4 loss to Ridge, a team that P'burg beat, 2-1, earlier in the season. DiMarco is a solid player and has big shoes to fill in the midfield, according to Paulus with the loss of M. Zgoda. This team could surprise if it can be consistent on both ends of the field.
Voorhees Vikings
Coach: Taylor Webb (third season, 27-9-1)
2012 record: 13-5-1, 6-3-1 (third place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)
Key returnees: MF Tori Crans, sr.; F Ashley Kerekgyarto (5 goals), sr.; D Alex Barish, sr.; MF Hannah Ryan, jr.; F Kathryn Roncoroni, so; GK Lauren Pianucci, jr.; GK Kathryn Boyce, sr.; F Abby Flagler, jr.; D Maggie Freibergs, sr.; D Haley Irving, sr.; MF Emily Scheier, sr.
Key losses: D Anna McLees; F-MF Sara Diacik; D Michelle Gaykowski; F Rachel Lewis; D Angie D'Armiento; F Kelsey Fischer.
Top newcomers: Fr. Hannah Schiavo, fr.
Outlook: Vikings captured the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex title last season and made a run to the North 1, Group 2 semifinals, despite a third-place finish in a very tough division. Biggest win was a 2-0 blanking of archrival Warren Hills, the Group 3 runner-up which had beaten Voorhees in two regular season meetings. Roncoroni burst onto the scene last year and will anchor the offense with Kerekgyarto. Crans is a solid midfielder, while Barish and Scheier are strong defenders in a program that's known for playing tough defense. Warren Hills and West Essex were the only opponents to score more than two goals against this group last year. Pianucci and Boyce are an excellent combo in the cage, an area in which most locals lack experience. Annually one of the top programs in New Jersey and extremely well coached, expect the Vikes to contend for championships this fall, though the move to North 1, Group 2 where West Essex resides, makes the postseason goals a lot tougher.
Warren Hills Blue Streaks
Coach: Laurie Kerr (14th season, 219-63-11)
2012 record: 22-3, 10-0 (first place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)
Key returnees: MF Nikki Schott (5 goals, 6 assists), sr.; F Sydney Muntone (19 goals, 13 assists), jr.; F Nikki Profita (19 goals, 15 assists), jr.; F Jessica Nissen (16 goals, 8 assists), jr.; D Amanda Crampton, jr.; F Shannon Zignoli (5 goals), sr; D Melanie Loth, sr; D Allie Brouhard, jr.
Key losses: MF Niki Miller (25 goals, 29 assists); GK Katie Wintersteen (13 shutouts).
Top newcomers: F Dani Profita, fr.; GK Kylie Guidi, jr.; GK Emma Frost, jr.; GK Taylor Austin, so.
Outlook: Blue Streaks, annually in the championship discussion, are coming off their second straight division title and a run to Group 3 state title game. Normally, the huge loss of a prolific player and scorer like Niki Miller (now playing at UMass) would force a team to take a step back, but this year's squad is once again loaded with talent. The forward line is brimming with star players, as Muntone and N. Profita combined for 38 goals a year ago. Nissen also chipped in with 16. As if dealing with one Profita was tough enough, wait until opponents get a look at Dani, a star in the making as a freshman, who Kerr deems "a difference maker." Captain Nikki Schott is an exceptional distributor, though her assist totals have dropped each year from a career-high 16 in 2010. If there's one question mark it's at goalie with the graduation of Wintersteen, a four-year starter. Crampton and Loth are two of the top backs in the area.
2013 Field Hockey Preview: Sussex
High Point Wildcats
Coach: Bev Keur (23rd season, 329-117-15 over three stints)
2012 record: 18-4-1, 13-0 (first place NJAC American Division)
Key returnees: F Carly Satter (6 goals, 9 assists), sr.; MF Michaela O'Hern, sr.; F Brittany DeLima (9 goals), sr.; F Alexis Ambrosino (12 goals), jr.; F Rachel Orr (7 assists), jr.; F Tierney Clark, jr.; MF Kristen English, jr.; F Maddie Smith (5 assists), so.; MF Annelise Malgieri, sr.; D Caitlin Slate, sr.; F Victoria Hennion, jr.; D Danielle Price, jr.; GK Autumn Smith, jr.
Key losses: F Darby Smith (25 goals, 47 last two years); F Maureen Gill; D Michaela Macken; D Danielle Stetzel; GK Erin Williams.
Top newcomers: F Gabrielle Doyle, sr.; F Brittany Leuthe, sr.; D Kaitlyn Mauriello, sr.; F Ashley Papa, sr.; D Devon Richards, sr.; F Anne Zukowski, sr.; D Samantha Havens, jr.; D Lexa Sabo, jr.
Outlook: Wildcats maintained their winning ways and division dominance (40 straight wins) despite the loss of 13 seniors and eight starters from 2011. Compared to two years ago, the losses were minimal from a year ago with the graduation of five starters, though the departure of Smith (school's all-time leading scorer) is huge from an offensive standpoint. Satter, Ambrosino and DeLima, along with Orr, give the 'Cats some potent weapons on the forward line. Keur's teams always play strong defense, 13 shutouts last season, so that unit must keep the pressure off A. Smith, who saw action in 13 games last season. This group is looking to make a fourth straight run to the sectional final, though the North 1, Group 2 section got even tougher with the addition of state power Voorhees this season.
Kittatinny Cougars
Coach: Emily Murray (first season).
2012 record: 3-11-2, 3-9-2 (sixth place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: D Dana Yanvary, jr.; MF Sunshine Karns, jr.; F Melissa Toye, jr.
Key losses: F Sam Hennet; F Lyle Freeman; F Megan Calascibetta; GK Sydney Hennet.
Top newcomers: F Amanda Dempsy, sr.; F-MF Maureen Douglas, so.; F Lindsey Gorab, sr.; MF Heidi Jackman, sr.; D Carly Kandell, sr.; MF-D Maddie Lacken, sr.; MF Jenn Makarevich, jr.; D Lindsay McKim, jr.; F Brianna McNeel, sr.; GK Carly Palmer, so.; GK Julia Pevarnik, jr.; F-MF Holly Reznik, so.; D Jenn Smalley, so.
Outlook: Its been a struggle for the Cougars over the last five seasons -- going 22-39-6 over that span under former coach Heather Grimm-Reynolds. Murray inherits a program that scored 15 goals last season (nine in two wins over North Warren) and lost 14 goals to graduation. Toye is the only returning player with a varsity goal, while Karns had one assist in 2012. Needless to say, finding players to step up on the offensive end will be a priority. Yanvary returns to help anchor a defense that will have a new goalkeeper in the cage. Expect this to be another rebuilding year.
Lenape Valley Patriots
Coach: Kate Rothman (third season, 5-28-2)
2012 record: 2-15-1, 0-13-1 (eighth place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: F-MF Sally Olson, jr.; F Alyssa Falleni, jr.; F Kassidy Forik, jr.; MF Isabelle Becker, jr.; D Julia Leyden, jr.; D Lex Tambasco, sr.; MF Courtney Scherr, sr..
Key losses: F Aurora Eckstein; GK Jeannine Lubin.
Top newcomers: F Hollis Smith, so.; GK Flo Lubin, jr.; D Kristin Raffery, fr.
Outlook: Patriots have taken their lumps in Rothman's first two seasons at the helm. Offensively, last year's group totaled six goals in 18 games after scoring just 10 goals in 17 games the previous year. That's 16 goals in 35 games, making it difficult to win games. Lenape is counting on junior captain Olson and Falleni, who has scored four goals the last two seasons. Defensively, the Pats will have a new starter in the cage. If the Pats can score goals, expect some improvement with nearly all of last year's starters returning this fall.
Newton Braves
Coach: Lisa Bechtel (24th season, 339-112-10)
2012 record: 10-8, 9-5 (third place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: F Katherine Kellenberger (10 assists), sr,; F Melissa Bencivenga (6 assists), sr.; D Paige Zawislak, sr.; MF Christine Miserindino, sr.; MF Hannah Every, so.
Key losses: F-MF Melanie Rudio (10 goals, 14 assists); MF Steph Mocerino; D Emily Ventura; GK Audrey Kelly.
Top newcomers: GK Jenna Zawislak, jr.; MF Jordan Coiro, so,; F Brianna Schumann, fr.; MF Natalie Rivas, fr.; MF-D Sara Smith, jr.; F Sara Parks, jr.
Outlook: Despite an improved overall and league record last season, the Braves dropped a spot in the standings. Last year's group started 5-1, but went just 5-7 after losing 2011 leading scorer Rudio to a season-ending knee injury. Kellenberger shifts from the midfield to forward and will be counted on to lead the offense, which doesn't feature any other player that scored last season. The defense, which is usually solid, will have a new goalie in Jenna Zawislak. Expect the Braves to struggle against some of the tougher teams on the schedule.
Pope John Lions
Coach: Gina DiMaio (second season, 11-6-2; 134-76-17 overall in 10 seasons with stints at Hackettstown and Newark Academy)
2012 record: 11-6-2, 9-3-1 (third place NJAC American Division)
Key returnees: MF Sarah Bramley (6 goals), jr. F Molly Romania (4 goals), jr.; MF Taylor Bailey, jr.; D Baylee Vozza, jr.; D Sarah Gonzalez, jr.; GK Sam Scalabrini (7 shutouts), jr.
Key losses: F Lydia Hoff (7 goals); F Rachel Spetz (12 goals); F Beth Dauer; D Elizabeth Frye.
Top newcomers: F Taylor Ross, fr.; MF Danielle Grello, fr.; D Izzy Hilling, so.
Outlook: Lions had a nice rebound season a year ago after finishing 7-11 in 2011. This fall could be another challenging season with the loss of eight players, including four to graduation. Scalabrini returns to help anchor the defense, along with Vozza, the team's Defensive MVP. The offense, which was improved last year, is a big question mark, especially with the losses of Spetz and Hoff (who combined for 19 of the Lions' 39 goals in '12). DiMaio has an excellent coaching staff with the additions of two of her former players at Hackettstown, Sierra DiMaio (Gina's daughter) and Heather Kozimor. The Lions will be well coached, so expect improvement by season's end.
Sparta Spartans
Coach: Kristin Savasta (second season, 5-11)
2012 record: 5-11, 4-18 (fifth place NJAC American Division)
Key returnees: F Julia Silvestri, jr.; D Liz Anderson, sr.; F Aly Matchett, sr.; GK Julia Keenan, sr.; D Kelly Faria, sr.; F Gretchen Bowie, so.; F Rhett Curran, so.
Key losses: MF Maya Drummond; F Lauren Hunt; F Maggie DePaul; MF Lauren Fabiano; MF Sam Mornhineway; D Mia Finkle.
Top newcomers: F Emily McGuckin; F Alex Curran; F Kelly Nam; F Abby Tracey; MF Shannon Monahan; MF Nicole Gerardiello; D Jaime Mead; D Elise Meyer; D Bianca Cocozziello.
Outlook: After going 3-45-2 over the previous three seasons, the Spartans posted five wins in Savasta's first season at the helm after an 0-16 campaign in 2011. Scoring will be a priority. After a total of two goals in '11, the offense produced 19 last season. Bowie totaled five goals as a freshman, and came into camp in great shape according to her coach, so she will be the leader of this year's unit. Defensively, Keenan returns in the cage after registering an 83 percent saves percentage a year ago. Expect the Spartans to keep progressing with healthy numbers in the program.
Vernon Vikings
Coach: Hollyce Schoepp (fourth season, 29-27-1)
2012 record: 4-12, 4-9 (sixth place NJAC American Division)
Key returnees: MF Julie Cacace, sr.; D Regina Incarnato, jr.; D Demi Matthews, sr.; F Julia Hammerton, sr.; MF Miranda Logan, sr.
Key losses: F Rachel Colvin (7 goals); F Kim Leung; F Sam Fernot; GK Clara Mikaeil.
Top newcomers: F Lindsay Verrico, so.; F Emily Garofalo, so.; D McKenzie Alter, fr.
Outlook: After a predicted rebuilding year for a team that won 15 games in 2011, the Vikings are almost certainly expected to have a repeat in 2013. Cacace, a three-year starter, is one of the top players in the tri-county area, but she's more of a defensive specialist. Colvin, Leung and Fernot combined for 18 of the team's 25 goals last season. Logan is the lone returnee with at least three goals from a year ago, so putting the ball in the cage may be a tough task this fall. Defensively, this group should be OK, though goalie is a question mark.
Wallkill Valley Rangers
Coach: Irene Chernati (28th season, 347-172-7)
2012 record: 13-6-2, 10-3-1 (second place NJAC Freedom)
Key returnees: F Casey Pustelniak, sr.; F Barbara Hannan, sr.; MF Katelynn Higgins, sr.; MF Emma Chick, sr.; D Courtney Berado, sr.; MF Erica McNaulty, so.
Key losses: F Andreanna Nordland; GK Emily Stukenborg (12 shutouts); D Olivia Ganz; F Kylee Kulsar; D Rachel Fiedler.
Top newcomers: F Laura David, jr.; MF Meg Good, jr.; F Katherine Readmond, jr.; F Olivia Shea, sr.; GK Carly DeOliviera, jr.; GK Merinda Gruszeski, jr.; D Casey Murphy, jr.; F Celena Persuad, so.; F Leah Struble, so.; D Lindsay Scriffiano, fr.; F Danielle Seabeck, fr.
Outlook: Rangers are two years removed from a division title and made a run to the North 1, Group 2 quarterfinals last season -- beating Westwood, 1-0, in the opening round before being ousted by state power West Essex, 8-0. Offense, which was a struggle last season as the unit scored a total of 17 goals, will again be a question mark. Pustelniak and Hannan had three goals apiece a year ago to lead the team. Defensively, the biggest loss is Stukenborg, a four-year starter and one of the top goalies in county history, who is now starting at Stevens Institute in Hoboken. Chernati is an excellent coach, so this group has a good chance to be successful and the schedule makes approaching last year's win total a reasonable goal.
Coach: Bev Keur (23rd season, 329-117-15 over three stints)
2012 record: 18-4-1, 13-0 (first place NJAC American Division)
Key returnees: F Carly Satter (6 goals, 9 assists), sr.; MF Michaela O'Hern, sr.; F Brittany DeLima (9 goals), sr.; F Alexis Ambrosino (12 goals), jr.; F Rachel Orr (7 assists), jr.; F Tierney Clark, jr.; MF Kristen English, jr.; F Maddie Smith (5 assists), so.; MF Annelise Malgieri, sr.; D Caitlin Slate, sr.; F Victoria Hennion, jr.; D Danielle Price, jr.; GK Autumn Smith, jr.
Key losses: F Darby Smith (25 goals, 47 last two years); F Maureen Gill; D Michaela Macken; D Danielle Stetzel; GK Erin Williams.
Top newcomers: F Gabrielle Doyle, sr.; F Brittany Leuthe, sr.; D Kaitlyn Mauriello, sr.; F Ashley Papa, sr.; D Devon Richards, sr.; F Anne Zukowski, sr.; D Samantha Havens, jr.; D Lexa Sabo, jr.
Outlook: Wildcats maintained their winning ways and division dominance (40 straight wins) despite the loss of 13 seniors and eight starters from 2011. Compared to two years ago, the losses were minimal from a year ago with the graduation of five starters, though the departure of Smith (school's all-time leading scorer) is huge from an offensive standpoint. Satter, Ambrosino and DeLima, along with Orr, give the 'Cats some potent weapons on the forward line. Keur's teams always play strong defense, 13 shutouts last season, so that unit must keep the pressure off A. Smith, who saw action in 13 games last season. This group is looking to make a fourth straight run to the sectional final, though the North 1, Group 2 section got even tougher with the addition of state power Voorhees this season.
Kittatinny Cougars
Coach: Emily Murray (first season).
2012 record: 3-11-2, 3-9-2 (sixth place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: D Dana Yanvary, jr.; MF Sunshine Karns, jr.; F Melissa Toye, jr.
Key losses: F Sam Hennet; F Lyle Freeman; F Megan Calascibetta; GK Sydney Hennet.
Top newcomers: F Amanda Dempsy, sr.; F-MF Maureen Douglas, so.; F Lindsey Gorab, sr.; MF Heidi Jackman, sr.; D Carly Kandell, sr.; MF-D Maddie Lacken, sr.; MF Jenn Makarevich, jr.; D Lindsay McKim, jr.; F Brianna McNeel, sr.; GK Carly Palmer, so.; GK Julia Pevarnik, jr.; F-MF Holly Reznik, so.; D Jenn Smalley, so.
Outlook: Its been a struggle for the Cougars over the last five seasons -- going 22-39-6 over that span under former coach Heather Grimm-Reynolds. Murray inherits a program that scored 15 goals last season (nine in two wins over North Warren) and lost 14 goals to graduation. Toye is the only returning player with a varsity goal, while Karns had one assist in 2012. Needless to say, finding players to step up on the offensive end will be a priority. Yanvary returns to help anchor a defense that will have a new goalkeeper in the cage. Expect this to be another rebuilding year.
Lenape Valley Patriots
Coach: Kate Rothman (third season, 5-28-2)
2012 record: 2-15-1, 0-13-1 (eighth place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: F-MF Sally Olson, jr.; F Alyssa Falleni, jr.; F Kassidy Forik, jr.; MF Isabelle Becker, jr.; D Julia Leyden, jr.; D Lex Tambasco, sr.; MF Courtney Scherr, sr..
Key losses: F Aurora Eckstein; GK Jeannine Lubin.
Top newcomers: F Hollis Smith, so.; GK Flo Lubin, jr.; D Kristin Raffery, fr.
Outlook: Patriots have taken their lumps in Rothman's first two seasons at the helm. Offensively, last year's group totaled six goals in 18 games after scoring just 10 goals in 17 games the previous year. That's 16 goals in 35 games, making it difficult to win games. Lenape is counting on junior captain Olson and Falleni, who has scored four goals the last two seasons. Defensively, the Pats will have a new starter in the cage. If the Pats can score goals, expect some improvement with nearly all of last year's starters returning this fall.
Newton Braves
Coach: Lisa Bechtel (24th season, 339-112-10)
2012 record: 10-8, 9-5 (third place NJAC Freedom Division)
Key returnees: F Katherine Kellenberger (10 assists), sr,; F Melissa Bencivenga (6 assists), sr.; D Paige Zawislak, sr.; MF Christine Miserindino, sr.; MF Hannah Every, so.
Key losses: F-MF Melanie Rudio (10 goals, 14 assists); MF Steph Mocerino; D Emily Ventura; GK Audrey Kelly.
Top newcomers: GK Jenna Zawislak, jr.; MF Jordan Coiro, so,; F Brianna Schumann, fr.; MF Natalie Rivas, fr.; MF-D Sara Smith, jr.; F Sara Parks, jr.
Outlook: Despite an improved overall and league record last season, the Braves dropped a spot in the standings. Last year's group started 5-1, but went just 5-7 after losing 2011 leading scorer Rudio to a season-ending knee injury. Kellenberger shifts from the midfield to forward and will be counted on to lead the offense, which doesn't feature any other player that scored last season. The defense, which is usually solid, will have a new goalie in Jenna Zawislak. Expect the Braves to struggle against some of the tougher teams on the schedule.
Pope John Lions
Coach: Gina DiMaio (second season, 11-6-2; 134-76-17 overall in 10 seasons with stints at Hackettstown and Newark Academy)
2012 record: 11-6-2, 9-3-1 (third place NJAC American Division)
Key returnees: MF Sarah Bramley (6 goals), jr. F Molly Romania (4 goals), jr.; MF Taylor Bailey, jr.; D Baylee Vozza, jr.; D Sarah Gonzalez, jr.; GK Sam Scalabrini (7 shutouts), jr.
Key losses: F Lydia Hoff (7 goals); F Rachel Spetz (12 goals); F Beth Dauer; D Elizabeth Frye.
Top newcomers: F Taylor Ross, fr.; MF Danielle Grello, fr.; D Izzy Hilling, so.
Outlook: Lions had a nice rebound season a year ago after finishing 7-11 in 2011. This fall could be another challenging season with the loss of eight players, including four to graduation. Scalabrini returns to help anchor the defense, along with Vozza, the team's Defensive MVP. The offense, which was improved last year, is a big question mark, especially with the losses of Spetz and Hoff (who combined for 19 of the Lions' 39 goals in '12). DiMaio has an excellent coaching staff with the additions of two of her former players at Hackettstown, Sierra DiMaio (Gina's daughter) and Heather Kozimor. The Lions will be well coached, so expect improvement by season's end.
Sparta Spartans
Coach: Kristin Savasta (second season, 5-11)
2012 record: 5-11, 4-18 (fifth place NJAC American Division)
Key returnees: F Julia Silvestri, jr.; D Liz Anderson, sr.; F Aly Matchett, sr.; GK Julia Keenan, sr.; D Kelly Faria, sr.; F Gretchen Bowie, so.; F Rhett Curran, so.
Key losses: MF Maya Drummond; F Lauren Hunt; F Maggie DePaul; MF Lauren Fabiano; MF Sam Mornhineway; D Mia Finkle.
Top newcomers: F Emily McGuckin; F Alex Curran; F Kelly Nam; F Abby Tracey; MF Shannon Monahan; MF Nicole Gerardiello; D Jaime Mead; D Elise Meyer; D Bianca Cocozziello.
Outlook: After going 3-45-2 over the previous three seasons, the Spartans posted five wins in Savasta's first season at the helm after an 0-16 campaign in 2011. Scoring will be a priority. After a total of two goals in '11, the offense produced 19 last season. Bowie totaled five goals as a freshman, and came into camp in great shape according to her coach, so she will be the leader of this year's unit. Defensively, Keenan returns in the cage after registering an 83 percent saves percentage a year ago. Expect the Spartans to keep progressing with healthy numbers in the program.
Vernon Vikings
Coach: Hollyce Schoepp (fourth season, 29-27-1)
2012 record: 4-12, 4-9 (sixth place NJAC American Division)
Key returnees: MF Julie Cacace, sr.; D Regina Incarnato, jr.; D Demi Matthews, sr.; F Julia Hammerton, sr.; MF Miranda Logan, sr.
Key losses: F Rachel Colvin (7 goals); F Kim Leung; F Sam Fernot; GK Clara Mikaeil.
Top newcomers: F Lindsay Verrico, so.; F Emily Garofalo, so.; D McKenzie Alter, fr.
Outlook: After a predicted rebuilding year for a team that won 15 games in 2011, the Vikings are almost certainly expected to have a repeat in 2013. Cacace, a three-year starter, is one of the top players in the tri-county area, but she's more of a defensive specialist. Colvin, Leung and Fernot combined for 18 of the team's 25 goals last season. Logan is the lone returnee with at least three goals from a year ago, so putting the ball in the cage may be a tough task this fall. Defensively, this group should be OK, though goalie is a question mark.
Wallkill Valley Rangers
Coach: Irene Chernati (28th season, 347-172-7)
2012 record: 13-6-2, 10-3-1 (second place NJAC Freedom)
Key returnees: F Casey Pustelniak, sr.; F Barbara Hannan, sr.; MF Katelynn Higgins, sr.; MF Emma Chick, sr.; D Courtney Berado, sr.; MF Erica McNaulty, so.
Key losses: F Andreanna Nordland; GK Emily Stukenborg (12 shutouts); D Olivia Ganz; F Kylee Kulsar; D Rachel Fiedler.
Top newcomers: F Laura David, jr.; MF Meg Good, jr.; F Katherine Readmond, jr.; F Olivia Shea, sr.; GK Carly DeOliviera, jr.; GK Merinda Gruszeski, jr.; D Casey Murphy, jr.; F Celena Persuad, so.; F Leah Struble, so.; D Lindsay Scriffiano, fr.; F Danielle Seabeck, fr.
Outlook: Rangers are two years removed from a division title and made a run to the North 1, Group 2 quarterfinals last season -- beating Westwood, 1-0, in the opening round before being ousted by state power West Essex, 8-0. Offense, which was a struggle last season as the unit scored a total of 17 goals, will again be a question mark. Pustelniak and Hannan had three goals apiece a year ago to lead the team. Defensively, the biggest loss is Stukenborg, a four-year starter and one of the top goalies in county history, who is now starting at Stevens Institute in Hoboken. Chernati is an excellent coach, so this group has a good chance to be successful and the schedule makes approaching last year's win total a reasonable goal.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Roselle Park AD tabbed for Warren Hills job
Peter Lubrecht has been hired the be the new athletic director at Warren Hills Regional High School.
After serving in the same capacity at Roselle Park High School in Union County, Lubrecht replaces Bob Lockhart, who in a strange twist of fate is the new AD at Summit High School in the same county.
Lubrecht recently signed on with Warren Hills and gave notice to Roselle Park, where he has been the AD since the fall of 2011. He is scheduled to meet with the Warren Hills board of education on Aug. 27.
Warren Hills superintendent Dr. Thomas Altonjy did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
"I'm genuinely excited," Lubrecht said when reached at his office on Friday. "I knew [Warren Hills] was a great school beforehand and everyone I've talked to there has been very supportive."
Lubrecht, a resident of Frelinghuysen, won't have far to travel to his new school. Ironically, his commute got much shorter, while Lockhart, a Washington resident, will make a much longer trek to Summit.
Lubrecht is looking forward to getting started at Warren Hills, though a starting date at the Warren County school has yet to be established. Lockhart is expected to remain on the job until mid-September before heading to Summit.
"I hope it's sooner rather than later," Lubrecht said, who may be held to a 60-day notice, though he said Roselle Park is actively seeking his replacement. "I hope to know within the next two weeks."
Lockhart, a popular coach and AD and Warren Hills graduate, raised some eyebrows when he resigned his post nearly two months ago. The additional responsibilities on top of the AD position contributed heavily to his decision to leave his alma mater after just under two years as AD.
While at Warren Hills, Lockhart, in addition to being the AD, was head of the Health and Physical Education department, as well as facilities coordinator while also overseeing all of Blue Streaks' athletic clubs. Recently, Summit split its AD and head of health and phys ed positions.
Lubrecht, 48, a graduate of Randolph High School in Morris County, isn't fazed at all by the additional workload. He's served as the AD, vice principal and head of security in addition to several other roles at Roselle Park.
"To me, this [position] is a little more specialized," Lubrecht said. "I'm at a smaller school and different kind of district. I'm used to wearing many, many hats. I feel that's going to be part of the job no matter where you go. I feel you're always going to put in a lot of time anyway."
A longtime coach, Lubrecht was previously employed at Watchung Hills in Somerset County, where he was the varsity coach for girls soccer (13 years), tennis, girls track and an assistant for the girls basketball program.
In 12 years in charge of the Warriors' girls soccer program, Lubrecht's teams compiled an overall mark of 143-72-19, two conference titles, four sectional championships and a Somerset County Tournament crown.
Lubrecht is eager to oversee the sports teams at Warren Hills, which has been widely known for its successful field hockey program that reached the Group 3 final last fall. He's also moving from one big wrestling school to another. Lubrecht admits he's still getting familiar with all of the programs and rich sports history that dates to Washington High School.
"I know field hockey is very strong," he said. "I saw firsthand the wrestling as Roselle Park wrestled Warren Hills. [Roselle Park] was 20-3 and Warren Hills handed it to us pretty good [a 32-15 win on Jan. 26]. I know the football team reached the sectional final [in 2012] and I believe girls basketball is on the rise. I know the school also has a pretty extensive Wall of Fame."
After serving in the same capacity at Roselle Park High School in Union County, Lubrecht replaces Bob Lockhart, who in a strange twist of fate is the new AD at Summit High School in the same county.
Lubrecht recently signed on with Warren Hills and gave notice to Roselle Park, where he has been the AD since the fall of 2011. He is scheduled to meet with the Warren Hills board of education on Aug. 27.
Warren Hills superintendent Dr. Thomas Altonjy did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
"I'm genuinely excited," Lubrecht said when reached at his office on Friday. "I knew [Warren Hills] was a great school beforehand and everyone I've talked to there has been very supportive."
Lubrecht, a resident of Frelinghuysen, won't have far to travel to his new school. Ironically, his commute got much shorter, while Lockhart, a Washington resident, will make a much longer trek to Summit.
Lubrecht is looking forward to getting started at Warren Hills, though a starting date at the Warren County school has yet to be established. Lockhart is expected to remain on the job until mid-September before heading to Summit.
"I hope it's sooner rather than later," Lubrecht said, who may be held to a 60-day notice, though he said Roselle Park is actively seeking his replacement. "I hope to know within the next two weeks."
Lockhart, a popular coach and AD and Warren Hills graduate, raised some eyebrows when he resigned his post nearly two months ago. The additional responsibilities on top of the AD position contributed heavily to his decision to leave his alma mater after just under two years as AD.
While at Warren Hills, Lockhart, in addition to being the AD, was head of the Health and Physical Education department, as well as facilities coordinator while also overseeing all of Blue Streaks' athletic clubs. Recently, Summit split its AD and head of health and phys ed positions.
Lubrecht, 48, a graduate of Randolph High School in Morris County, isn't fazed at all by the additional workload. He's served as the AD, vice principal and head of security in addition to several other roles at Roselle Park.
"To me, this [position] is a little more specialized," Lubrecht said. "I'm at a smaller school and different kind of district. I'm used to wearing many, many hats. I feel that's going to be part of the job no matter where you go. I feel you're always going to put in a lot of time anyway."
A longtime coach, Lubrecht was previously employed at Watchung Hills in Somerset County, where he was the varsity coach for girls soccer (13 years), tennis, girls track and an assistant for the girls basketball program.
In 12 years in charge of the Warriors' girls soccer program, Lubrecht's teams compiled an overall mark of 143-72-19, two conference titles, four sectional championships and a Somerset County Tournament crown.
Lubrecht is eager to oversee the sports teams at Warren Hills, which has been widely known for its successful field hockey program that reached the Group 3 final last fall. He's also moving from one big wrestling school to another. Lubrecht admits he's still getting familiar with all of the programs and rich sports history that dates to Washington High School.
"I know field hockey is very strong," he said. "I saw firsthand the wrestling as Roselle Park wrestled Warren Hills. [Roselle Park] was 20-3 and Warren Hills handed it to us pretty good [a 32-15 win on Jan. 26]. I know the football team reached the sectional final [in 2012] and I believe girls basketball is on the rise. I know the school also has a pretty extensive Wall of Fame."
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