Field hockey: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

With rain expected to play havoc with the schedule, at least early this week and with those scheduled for grass fields, it's time for our first installment of this season's Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings.

It was an interesting first week of action, capped by No. 5 Phillipsburg giving No. 1 Warren Hills all it could handle during a 3-2 loss in overtime on Saturday on the turf in Washington. The Blue Streaks extended their winning streak in the series to 22 straight as Maddie Summitt and Emily Devorsky -- a pair of talented freshmen -- teamed up for the winning goal with 2:30 left in OT.

It was Summitt's second of the season as she also scored her first varsity goal in the team's 3-1 win over No. 2 Voorhees on Tuesday. Warren Hills (2-0) has now won four straight and five of the last seven in that great rivalry, in which the Vikings still hold a 33-25-6 overall edge dating to 1975.

By the way, those teams should never play on opening day, which last happened in 2007. That's a poor job of scheduling. As the premiere rivalry in the area, those matchups should take place when you can get the maximum attendance. Warren Hills is slated to host the rematch on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Surprisingly, that one won't be contested in the evening under the lights as has been the case in recent years.

Keep an eye on Phillipsburg (1-2) this season. Senior midfielder Gabby Dudek, a Wagner College recruit, is one of the top players in the area for second-year coach Toni Popinko, a former star player at Warren Hills. The Stateliners gave their best effort against the Streaks since a 3-2 win on Oct. 30, 2007, their last in the series. Prior to Saturday, they had scored a total of six goals total and had been shut out 16 times in the 20 matchups since that victory.

Now, onto the rankings:

Warren Hills seeks its eighth straight sectional title in '18.

1. Warren Hills (2-0) -- Blue Streaks, who are extremely young but talented, started strong with wins over two of their biggest rivals -- Voorhees (3-1 on Tuesday) and Phillipsburg (3-2 in overtime on Saturday). Sophomore forward Jenna Wyckoff had two assists in the win over Voorhees. Both wins proved costly with injuries to sophomore back Liz Schlaffer (head) and outstanding sophomore back Ashley Moskal, who suffered a season-ended knee injury vs. Voorhees. Their presence is huge on a strong defensive line that will help out junior goalie Julia Webber in her first full-time season in the cage. Coach Josie Potter's team has another big one this week against Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Saturday.

Up next: at Watchung Hills on Tuesday; North Hunterdon at home on Thursday; Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Saturday.

2. Voorhees (1-2) -- Vikings snapped a two-game skid with a 5-0 win at Montgomery on Saturday after opening the season with tough losses to Warren Hills (3-1 on Tuesday) and West Essex (2-1 on Thursday). What a way for first-year coach Shannon Hughes to open with games against Warren Hills (last year's Group 3 runner-up) and West Essex (Group 2 champion). Junior forward Cassie Boyce did the damage against Montgomery with three goals and an assist, while junior forward Brooke Hyland, who scored against Warren Hills, added a pair of goals.

Up next: at Hillsborough on Tuesday; at Ridge on Thursday; Watchung Hills at home on Saturday.

3. Hunterdon Central (2-1) -- Red Devils are another young team, but don't sleep on this group. Coach Jenn Sponzo's team opened with road wins over Watchung Hills (7-1 on Tuesday) and Ridge (2-1 on Thursday) before a 3-1 loss at nemesis Bridgewater-Raritan on Saturday. Junior forward Sammy Freeman scored two goals and added a pair of assists against Watchung, while senior back Lauren Nawrotzki scored two goals in that one before getting her third of the season against Ridge.

Up next: Montgomery at home on Tuesday; Princeton at home on Saturday.

4. Hackettstown (1-1) -- Tigers rebounded from a 3-1 loss at Madison on opening day with a 7-1 win at Kittatinny on Friday. Senior midfielder Madison Hoskins had a big game with two goals and four assists, while senior midfielder Kayla Cichlar added one goal and one assist. Hoskins also scored in the loss to Madison. Coach Steve Speirs' team also had a 5-0 lead against Newton at home in its first NJAC Freedom Division contest on Wednesday before rain washed that one out.

Up next: at Randolph on Tuesday; at Wallkill Valley on Thursday; High Point at home on Saturday.

5. Phillipsburg (1-2) -- Stateliners split their first two games -- a 4-3 win over North Hunterdon on Tuesday and a 4-0 loss to Bridgewater-Raritan before the tough 3-2 loss in OT against Warren Hills on Saturday. Dudek has scored half of the team's six goals this season, including a pair against the Blue Streaks. Morgan Cherry and Aleena Frith scored goals against North Hunterdon. Good test coming this weekend against Belvidere, a sectional runner-up last season.

Up next: at Pingry on Tuesday; at Montgomery on Thursday; Belvidere at home on Saturday.

6. Belvidere (1-0) -- County Seaters rolled to a 9-0 win over North Plainfield on Tuesday in their only action of the week to begin another run at the Skyland Conference Mountain Division title. The 1-2 punch of senior forwards Maddie Call and Abby Bronico combined for four goals and two assists. They accounted for 26 of the team's goals last season. Senior goalie Anya Logan was not tested in her first shutout of 2018. Big week on tap for coach Beth Franceschino's squad.

Up next: at South Hunterdon on Tuesday; Bernards at home on Thursday; at Phillipsburg on Saturday.

7. Delaware Valley (2-1) -- Terriers bounced back from a 6-0 loss to Bernards in their opener with wins over Mount St. Mary (5-0 on Thursday) and Hillsborough (3-1 on Saturday). Sophomore forward Kristen Bill scored goals in both of the victories, while senior forward Megan Donnelly notched a pair of goals in the win over Hillsborough, giving her three for the season. This will be a light week for coach Stephanie Rifflard's team following Monday's rainout against Franklin.

Up next: at South Hunterdon on Wednesday.

8. Vernon (1-0) -- Vikings scored a 1-0 win over Wallkill Valley in their NJAC Freedom Division season opener on Friday. Junior forward Carlie Van Tassel had the winning goal with an assist from sophomore midfielder Alicia Mihalko, while senior goalie Emma Cahill made four saves, as the Vikes avenged a 5-0 loss to the Rangers last season with their first win in the series since a 3-2 victory at home on Sept. 20, 2015.

Up next: at Lenape Valley on Tuesday; High Point at home on Thursday night; Jefferson at home on Saturday.

Wallkill Valley after its run to the North 1, Group 1 title in '17.

9. Wallkill Valley (1-2) -- Rangers, who won their first sectional title since 2006 last season, rolled to a 5-0 win over Kittatinny on opening day before back-to-back losses to Vernon (1-0 on Friday) and Morris Knolls (2-1 on Saturday). Sophomore forward Emily Mizeski and junior forward Jamie Struble each had two goals and one assist in the win over the Cougars. Junior goalie Jade Lally logged four saves in the three games.

Up next: Parsippany Hills at home on Wednesday; Hackettstown at home on Thursday; Newton at home on Saturday.

10. Newton (1-0) -- Braves posted a 3-2 win at Jefferson on Saturday as senior forward Victoria Docherty scored all three goals with assists from senior back Jade Luciani and junior midfielder Dominique Simeone. Coach Lisa Bechtel's team was down 5-0 to No. 4 Hackettstown on Tuesday before rain wiped it out.

Up next: at Sparta on Tuesday; Lenape Valley at home on Thursday; at Wallkill Valley on Saturday.

On the bubble: High Point (1-0); Sparta (1-1); South Hunterdon (1-0).

Field hockey: HWS schedule for Sept. 10-15

Monday, Sept. 10

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Franklin, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 11

(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Randolph

High Point at Kittatinny

Vernon at Lenape Valley

Newton at Sparta

Skyland Conference

Montgomery at Hunterdon Central, 5:30 p.m.

Phillipsburg at Pingry, 3:45 p.m.

Voorhees at Hillsborough

Warren Hills at Watchung Hills, 3:45 p.m.

Belvidere at South Hunterdon

North Hunterdon at Bridgewater-Raritan, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 12

(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Parsippany Hills at Wallkill Valley

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at South Hunterdon

Independent

Pope John at Dwight Englewood, 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 13

(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Wallkill Valley

High Point at Vernon, 7 p.m.

Lenape Valley at Newton

North Warren at Kittatinny

Jefferson at Sparta

Skyland Conference

Phillipsburg at Montgomery, 3:45 p.m.

North Hunterdon at Warren Hills, 3:45 p.m.
Voorhees at Ridge

Bernards at Belvidere

Friday, Sept. 14

(Both games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Pope John at Mount Olive

Independent

North Warren at Blair Academy

Saturday, Sept. 15

(All games 10 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Hackettstown, noon

Lenape Valley at Sparta, 4 p.m.

Newton at Wallkill Valley

Jefferson at Vernon

Skyland Conference

Belvidere at Phillipsburg

Watchung Hills at Voorhees

Bridgewater-Raritan at Warren Hills, 12:30 p.m.

Pingry at North Hunterdon

Independent

Princeton at Hunterdon Central, 10:30 a.m.

Field hockey: HWS schedule for Sept. 4-8

Tuesday, Sept. 4

(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Madison

Lenape Valley at High Point
Boonton at North Warren

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Bernards

Hunterdon Central at Watchung Hills

Phillipsburg at North Hunterdon, 3:45 p.m.

Warren Hills at Voorhees, 3:45 p.m.

North Plainfield at Belvidere

Wednesday, Sept. 5

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Wallkill Valley at Kittatinny, 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 6

(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Newton at Hackettstown, ppd.

Jefferson at Lenape Valley, ppd.

Roxbury at Pope John, ppd.

Skyland Conference

Mount St. Mary at Delaware Valley

Hunterdon Central at Ridge

Bridgewater-Raritan at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.

Hillsborough at Warren Hills, ppd.

Belvidere at Somerville, ppd.

Watchung Hills at North Hunterdon, 5 p.m.

Independent

West Essex at Voorhees, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 7

(All games 4:15 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Kittatinny, 4 p.m.
Sparta at North Warren
Wallkill Valley at Vernon, 3:30 p.m.

Independent

High Point at Delaware Valley (Pa.)

Saturday, Sept. 8

(All games 10 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Newton at Jefferson

Sparta at Morristown-Beard

Wallkill Valley at Morris Knolls, 11:15 a.m.

Skyland Conference

Hillsborough at Delaware Valley, 11 a.m.

Hunterdon Central at Bridgewater-Raritan, 2 p.m.

Phillipsburg at Warren Hills, 12:30 p.m.

Voorhees at Montgomery

North Hunterdon at Ridge, noon

Independent

Ewing at South Hunterdon, 11 a.m.

2018 Field hockey preview: Hunterdon-Warren

Belvidere County Seaters

Coach: Beth Franceschino (fifth season of second stint, 49-24-5).

2017 record: 14-6, 8-2 (first place Skyland Conference Mountain Division).

Key returnees: F Maddie Call (10 goals, 6 assists), sr.; F Abby Bronico (16 goals), sr.; F Angie Santini (9 goals), sr.; MF-D Mallory Keenan, sr.; GK Anya Logan (10 shutouts), sr.; MF-D Melanie Clark (4 goals), sr.; MF-D Sam Dultz, sr.; F Olivia Zmyewski (7 goals, 6 assists), so.; MF Isabella Serra, jr.

Key losses: D Sam Bittenbender; MF Alex Navarra; D Marietta McCray.

Top newcomers: MF Jackie Richardson, sr.; MF-D Kinsey Lockard, so.; MF Jordan Yeisley, so.; D Morgan Lapshanski, jr.; D Abby Thornton, so.

Outlook: County Seaters are coming off four straight winning seasons, winning division titles in three of the past four years and making three straight appearances in the North 1, Group 1 semifinals where last season ended with a tough 2-1 overtime loss to champion Wallkill Valley. The offense is led by Bronico and Call up front, as they anchor a unit that produced 51 goals in '17. Defensively, Logan is one of the area's top goalkeepers with a solid backfield in front of her. With most of last year's team returning, expect this group to again challenge for titles in '18.

Delaware Valley Terriers

Coach: Stephanie Rifflard (eighth season, 63-60-7).

2017 record: 14-4-1, 8-2 (second place Skyland Conference Valley Division).

Key returnees: F Kristen Bill (7 goals, 4 assists), so.; F Megan Donnelly (10 goals, 12 assists), sr.; MF Madeline Bill (9 goals, 13 assists), jr.; F Kelsey O'Connor (10 goals), sr.; F-MF Madison Scott (6 goals), sr.; D Megan Bill, sr.; D Clare Nugent, sr.

Key losses: MF Sarah Babcock (4 goals, 7 assists); D Rachel Orrico; MF Jillian Ethern (4 goals); GK Ellis Stanton (6 shutouts).

Top newcomers: D-MF Rachel McIntyre, fr.; MF-D Kaleigh Higgins, jr.; F Debbie Nalesnik, jr.; GK Shea Cinquemani, jr.

Outlook: Terriers, are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, winning 13 of their first 14 games and reaching the North 2, Group 2 semifinals, where the season ended with an 8-1 loss to powerhouse Madison. Offensively, this group should be in good shape with Donnelly and O'Connor coming off 10-goal seasons, along with Kristen Bill, who had an excellent freshman campaign. But the defense, which will feature a new goalkeeper and struggled against top-flight teams last year, will be key to challenging for the division title and making another deep postseason run.

Hackettstown Tigers

Coach: Stephen Speirs (ninth season, 95-56-3).

2017 record: 15-5, 5-1 (first place NJAC Freedom Division).

Key returnees: F Jordan Vandermark (12 goals, 8 assists), sr.; MF Madison Hoskins (11 goals, 17 assists), sr.; MF Kayla Cichlar (19 goals, 5 assists), sr.; F Ashley Zellars (12 goals, 6 assists), sr.; D Megan Baker, sr.; MF Sierra Castiglia, sr.; MF Jessica Scheper, sr.; F Kyleigh Dawson (8 goals), sr.; GK Bridget Kenny (7 shutouts), sr.; MF Madison Trotter, jr.; D Melanie Luke, jr.; F Megan Doyle (6 goals), so.

Key losses: MF Kayla Nicholls; MF Lexie Castellano.

Top newcomers: F Madison Billows, so.; F Sydney Smith, so.; GK Sophia Mallozzi, jr.; MF Andrea McMahon, so.; MF Amy Wood, fr.

Outlook: Tigers are primed to make a run at their fourth straight division title and will look to avenge back-to-back sectional final losses after the 2017 season ended with a 5-0 loss to Group 2 champion Rumson-Fair Haven. This year's group again features a balanced offense that produced 74 goals for an average of nearly four per game. Vandermark, Hoskins, Zellars and Cichar were again the team's top four scorers last year. Castiglia and Baker again will anchor the defense. This is a talented group that should challenge for its first Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament title and make another deep run in the playoffs, though moving back to North 1, Group 2 puts it back in the same section with perennial power West Essex. Tigers will open the season with a huge test at Madison.

Hunterdon Central Red Devils

Coach: Jenn Sponzo (20th season, 271-135-17).

2017 record: 15-7-1, 9-4-1 (second place Skyland Conference Delaware Division).

Key returnees: F Rachel Stone (9 goals), jr.; MF Emily Bill, sr.; GK Gabby Puskas (5 shutouts), sr.;  F Alyssa Magliaro (3 goals), sr.; F Sammy Freeman (3 goals, 4 assists), jr.

Key losses: F Brittany Bill (18 goals, 20 assists); F Emily Brandt (12 goals); F Kali Huck (8 goals, 5 assists); F Colleen Barrett (10 goals, 6 assists); D Lauren Howarth; MF Nikki Peppe; MF Alexa Zubalake.

Top newcomers: D Lauren Nawrotzki, sr.; D Jenna Dugan, sr.; F Rose Patrick, sr.; F Ashleigh Paulik, jr.; MF Sarah  Woods, so.

Outlook: Red Devils, who won back-to-back North 2, Group 4 titles in 2012 and '13, have ended the four seasons since with losses to nemesis Bridgewater in the sectional final, including a 3-2 loss in last year's title game. We could be heading for another rematch at season's end. The offense could be a work in progress to start the year as the unit graduated players who scored 53 of the 69 goals last season. Defensively, Puskas returns for a second year of full-time duties in the cage. Central, which is two years removed from its only Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex title, is always well coached, so expect this young team to grow in a hurry and be a major headache for other contending teams.

North Hunterdon Lions

Coach: Maria Bachert (second season, 2-17).

2017 record: 2-17, 1-14 (T-fifth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).

Key returnees: GK Caroline Petrie, sr.; F Emma Landis, jr.; MF Grace Palahnuk, jr.; D Molly Parsons, jr.; MF Caroline Witte, sr.; F Sana Sarker, jr.; D Maria Ricciardi, sr.; D Maeve Plassche, sr.; D Rachel Teets, jr.

Key losses: F Becca Baucom (10 goals); MF Lexi Poniatowski (3 goals); D Lauren Wagner.

Top newcomers: GK Emma Anderson, jr.; D Amanda Bachert, fr.; F Katie Blomvkist, sr.; D Mira Carver, jr.; D Marley Hoffman, so.; MF Ava Laible, fr.; MF Olivia Reeder, fr.; D Katie Roberts, fr.; F Jamie Skeffington, fr.; MF Beth Kastrud, fr.

Outlook: Lions have gone 43-157-5 over the previous 10 seasons and haven't won more than three games in a season since 2010. Bachert, a former head coach at Watchung Hills, inherited a program that went 7-65-3 from 2013-16 and upped the win total her first season in charge after back-to-back one-win campaigns. The rebuilding, as always, starts with offense, as last year's unit scored 16 goals after consecutive nine-goal seasons, so that was a positive step. Defensively, Petrie is back for her second year of full-time duties in the cage and is one a player to watch this season, according to Bachert. This unit will have to tighten up to improve on the wins total after yielding 85 goals in '17 and 76 in '16.

North Warren Patriots

Coach: Brian Gravatt (fourth season, 15-39-2).

2017 record: 5-14, 2-4 (third place NJAC Colonial Division).

Key returnees: MF Dani Towey (3 goals), sr.; F Lauren Cooke, sr.; F Drew Benzaia, sr.; D Rachel Eitner, sr.; MF Jules Metzgar, jr.; D Kat Grogan, jr.; MF Kaley Wohlers, sr.; D Claire Merkler, sr.; D Jackie Houck, sr.; MF Allie Shramko, jr.; GK Kristen DeSanto, jr.; MF Maddie Allen, so.; MF Alexis Ashton, so.

Key losses: F Julia Wetzel; F Sydney Janiero (4 goals, 3 assists); GK Mackenzie Cyr (3 shutouts).

Top newcomers: MF Alexis Wohlers, so.; MF Heather Kemper, so.; D Erin Dimaio, so.; MF Kerry Castles, so.

Outlook: Patriots are coming off three straight five-win seasons since going 10-9-1 in 2014, the program's first winning campaign in recent memory. The offense is again a major concern after last year's team scored just 14 goals -- which doubled the total in '16 -- including eight in two wins vs. Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.). There are experienced players returning on the forward line and in the midfield, however. The defense, which allowed 55 goals last season, has a new goalkeeper, but plenty of experience in the backfield to help out. Expect this to be another rebuilding season, unless the offense shows marked improvement.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

Coach: Toni Popinko (second season, 10-11-1).

2017 record: 10-11-1, 6-8-1 (third place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).

Key returnees: MF Gabby Dudek (11 goals, 5 assists), sr.; F Emily Yanes (6 goals), sr.; D Carson Drake, jr.; F Allison Devlin (6 goals, 4 assists), so.; MF Morgan Cherry, so.; D Morgan Barna, jr.

Key losses: F Melissa Kosar (15 goals); GK Lauren Viscione (4 shutouts); F Abby Evans.

Top newcomers: D Erin Fisher, jr.; MF Madison Darmstadt, fr,; F Olivia Mincevich, so.

Outlook: Stateliners went from four wins to 10 with Popinko, a former star player at Warren Hills and University of Delaware, and the improvement hinged with a more consistent offense. After the goals totals dropped from 44 in 2015 to 24 in '16, last year's group scored 46. The unit again will be anchored by Dudek, a Wagner College recruit. Yanes and Devlin will help up front. Defensively, the challenge will be replacing Viscione (now at Mercy College), who did a fine job during her first full-time role in the cage a year ago. Drake will anchor the backfield. If the defense holds steady, this a team that could surprise this season and make another deep postseason run after winning five of its last nine, while dropping a 3-0 decision to Morristown in the North 1, Group 4 semifinals in '17.

South Hunterdon Eagles

Coach: Stephanie Davis (fifth season, 35-36-2).

2017 record: 6-10, 5-5 (second place Skyland Conference Mountain Division).

Key returnees: MF Alana Catanzareti, jr.; GK Kerry Coleman (5 shutouts), sr.; D Nicole Costantini, sr.; F-MF Jada Kauth, sr.; F Ashley Lucarini, jr.; MF Sophia Petrucci, sr.; F Chandler Storcella (6 goals), so.; MF Rebecca Phillips, so.; D Jenna Godown, sr.; D-MF Tia Fleming, jr.

Key losses: F Julia Kreider (4 goals, 4 assists); F Brooke Tumler (8 goals); D Claire Greenwood.

Top newcomers: F Skyler Badessa, fr.; F-MF Bianca Gambino, fr.; D Sofia Gambino, fr.; F-MF Zoe Horan, fr.; GK Tiernan Swayhoover, fr.

Outlook: Eagles slipped back under .500 following back-to-back winning seasons. Offense was a major problem last season with 20 goals, down nine from 2016. Storcella figures to play a bigger role this season after scoring six goals as a freshman. There is also plenty of experience in the midfield. Defensively, Coleman was solid during her first varsity season in the cage, allowing two goals or fewer in nine games. This group will go as the offense does and will unlikely challenge Belvidere in the division race, but there is enough returning talent to improve on last season's wins total.

Voorhees Vikings

Coach: Shannon Hughes (first season).

2017 record: 14-6, 12-3 (second place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).

Key returnees: F Cassie Boyce (13 goals, 15 assists), jr.; F Brooke Hyland (13 goals), jr.; MF Madison Ogorzalek (5 assists), jr.; MF Lauren Kokoskie (3 goals), jr.; GK Courtney Wellet (8 shutouts), jr.; D Grace Schiavo, so.

Key losses: D Sarah Matyas (9 goals, 4 assists); MF Laura Chen (14 goals, 8 assists); F Erin Shaw (16 goals, 7 assists).

Top newcomers: GK Noelle Gabrish, so.; D Sadie Eichlin, fr.; D Arielle DeTorres, so.

Outlook: The big offseason news was former star player Taylor Webb abruptly resigning after last season. The Vikings went 112-32-4 during her tenure the past seven seasons and continued their rich winning tradition. Hughes, a former standout at South Plainfield and a recent Rider University graduate, has the immediate challenge of guiding one of New Jersey's premiere programs. A run of three straight division titles was snapped a year ago and the Vikes were ousted by state powerhouse Rumson-Fair Haven, 7-0, in the North 2, Group 2 semifinals. Boyce and Hyland are coming off huge offensive seasons and will anchor which should be a pretty solid unit again. Ogorzalek and Kokoskie are solid players in the midfield. Defense, which is usually a hallmark of this program, is a bit of a question mark with the loss of Wellet, who tore her ACL in the preseason. If that group can come together, expect this team to make its usual run at division and county titles, but the section is brutal with Rumson-Fair Haven (Group 2 champion) and Madison (Group 1 runner-up) the teams to beat. Speaking of tough, Voorhees hosts Warren Hills (Group 3 runner-up) in the season opener on Tuesday.

Warren Hills Blue Streaks

Coach: Josie Potter (second season, 24-3).

2017 record: 24-3, 15-0 (first place Skyland Conference Raritan Division).

Key returnees: F Samantha Dugan (17 goals, 14 assists), jr.; D Ashley Moskal (3 goals, 6 assists), so.; D Kate Fenner, jr.; D Liz Schlaffer, so.; MF Sarah Korczukowski (5 goals, 4 assists), so.; MF Paulina Georgoutsos (4 goals), jr.; GK Julia Webber, jr.

Warren Hills celebrates its Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex title in '17.

Key losses: MF Tali Popinko (18 goals, 13 assists); F Rebecca Sigman (32 goals, 17 assists); MF Mikayla Dugan (13 goals, 9 assists); F Alyssa Appleby (19 goals, 8 assists); D Sydney Moskal; MF Rebecca Lezon (4 assists), sr.; GK Maggie Titus (14 shutouts).

Top newcomers: F Maddie Summitt, fr.; D Emily Devorsky, fr.; D Maria Iacampo, sr.; F Olivia Chomut, so.; MF Kylie Compton, so.; F Simryn Desai, so.; F Julianna Valli, so.; F Jenna Wyckoff, so.; GK Emily Schlessinger, so.

Outlook: Blue Streaks, with just three returning starters, are a young, but talented group this season. They are coming off a program record for wins -- its seventh straight 20-win season -- and tying a program mark 19-game win streak that was snapped with a tough 6-1 loss to Moorestown in the Group 3 final -- the school's second straight finals loss after winning back-to-back titles in 2014 and '15. The graduation losses, especially on offense, were heavy. Dugan returns on the forward line and will move to the right wing spot, while blue-chipper Summitt starts at left wing, with Wyckoff at center forward. The biggest question is on defense, which has been an issue the past two seasons. Webber, who saw limited varsity action last season, and Schlessinger are vying for the starting job in the cage. Devorsky, another super talented freshman, joins Moskal, who was a star right away last season in the backfield, along with Fenner, as they form a strong group in front of whoever emerges as the goalie. Unfortunately, junior Jess DeSanto, a starting back last year, did not come out this season. Expect this team to grow in a hurry and challenge again for multiple titles, including an eighth straight sectional championship.

2018 Field hockey preview: Sussex

High Point Wildcats

Coach: Kelly Reynolds (first season).

2017 record: 7-8-3, 1-3-2 (third place NJAC Freedom Division)

Key returnees: MF Julianne Mangano, sr.; F Tyra Wingle (5 goals, 4 assists), sr.; F Michaela Thiessen (8 goals), sr.; D Madison Cole, sr.; F Katherine Leal, sr.; MF Molly VanStone, jr; MF Jackie Melone, jr.

Key losses: F Cassady Bruning; GK Brittany McKenna (5 shutouts); D Angelina Milazzo.

Top newcomers: F Taylor Berry, jr.; F Ali Stoner, fr.; D Donna Merkel, fr.; D Alexis Lake, jr.

Outlook: The Wildcats, who have nine seniors on the 22-person varsity roster, have a third coach in three years as Reynolds takes over for Amanda Miller, who stepped down after just one season. For a sixth straight year, the program's season ended with a loss to perennial state power West Essex -- 8-0 in the North 1, Group 2 quarterfinals. Offense continues to be the biggest question as last year's unit scored three or more goals just one time and produced 31 total goals, up one from its total in '17. If this group is going to improve on last year's win total it will need to play tight defense in order to have a chance in low-scoring games. As for many teams in the area, playing home games on grass makes it tough to compete with the likes of Hackettstown, which is a heavy favorite to win the new five-team division that includes Newton, Vernon and Wallkill Valley .

Kittatinny Cougars

Coach: Emily Wisneski (first season).

2017 record: 2-18, 0-6 (fourth place NJAC Colonial Division).

Key returnees: MF Jess Smalley (3 assists), sr.; F Kathryn Merrill, sr.

Key losses: F Francesca Perotti; MF Madison Mailloux; F Annie Moore; F Taylor Loevlie (3 goals); GK Tess Miller.

Top newcomers: G Tara Douglas, sr.; Jessica Pirello, sr.; Jessica Van Glahn, sr.; Lexi Gray, sr.

Outlook: Wisneski, a former standout goalie at Morris Knolls and Ramapo College, takes over a program that's gone 35-57-7 the past five seasons and posted just two wins in 2016 and '17 after a 15-win season and reaching a sectional final in '14. Offense has been a major weakness, as the unit went from 59 goals in '14 to a combined 50 the past three years, including  just 10 in 20 games '17. That again is an area of concern, along with a lack of varsity experience. The Cougars will need to put the ball in the cage in order to be competitive in the new five-team Colonial Division, which includes Jefferson, Lenape Valley, North Warren and Sparta.

Lenape Valley Patriots

Coach: Lauren VanOrden (fifth season, 32-37-6)

2017 record: 6-11-2, 1-4-1 (fourth place NJAC Freedom Division)

Key returnees: MF Lindsey Bicher (3 goals, 6 assists), sr.; MF Lauren Cooper (5 goals), sr.; MF Leah Gonzalez (5 assists), sr.; F Jessalyn McKenna (6 goals), sr.; D Jayna Rode, sr.; GK Saige Berkowitz (4 shutouts), jr.; MF-D Autumn Dachisen, jr.; F-MF Brielle Sarno, so.

Key losses: D Lia Yohanan; F Gianna Acquavella (4 goals).

Top newcomers: MF Tara Charette, so.; F Olivia Hickey, so.; F Angelina Falleni, fr.; F Dara Pellinger, fr.

Outlook: The Patriots have totaled 18 wins over the past three seasons since going 14-6 and winning the Freedom Division title in VanOrden's first season at the helm in 2014. As with most teams in the county, offense will be key to success after scoring 27 goals the previous two campaigns, including a season-best four in a loss to High Point in '17. Defensively, the unit recorded just four shutouts and yielded 57 goals (three per game), so it will also need to tighten things up. Berkowitz has a full year of varsity experience in the cage and that should help. Now in the Colonial Division, look for this group to perhaps challenge Jefferson and Sparta for the top spot.

Newton Braves

Coach: Lisa Bechtel (29th season, 405-145-18)

2017 record: 9-8, 4-2 (second place NJAC Colonial Division)

Key returnees: F Lauren Barbato (7 goals, 8 assists), sr.; F Victoria Docherty (8 goals, 5 assists), sr.; MF Carly Delorio (4 assists), sr.; D Jade Luciani (3 goals, 3 assists), sr.; GK Abby Berkowitz (7 shutouts), jr.; MF Liliy Widgren, sr.; D Emily Pappas, jr.; F-MF Angela Melillo, jr.; MF Dominique Simeone, jr.

Key losses: F Morgan Mendel (7 goals, 5 assists); D April Seratelli; MF Emily Berkowitz; D Jenn Papis; F Rachel Sturchio; D Makaela Dionne.

Top newcomers: MF Taylor Goldschmiedt, sr.; MF Remington Smith, sr.; F Erin Fucito, jr.; F Aubrey White, jr.; MF Gemma Meade, jr.; F Mackenzi Miller, jr.; F Jess Vasquez, jr.; MF Kendall Goldschmiedt, jr.; D Krista Leonardo, jr.; MF Sami Samilijan, jr.; D Ivy Kate Nisler, jr.; F Autumn Kerr, so.; MF Olivia Ernst, so.; F Naya Pereira, so.; F Madison Latimer, so.; D Celia Reynolds, so.

Outlook: Braves' run of three straight North 1, Group 1 titles ended with a 2-1 loss in overtime to Belvidere in the quarterfinals last season. The offense, which feasted on some of the weaker teams early on, struggled down the stretch -- scoring a total of five goals in the final six games and was shut out three times. The defense, which is usually a strength of this program, benefits from the return of Abby Berkowitz in goal, who was solid during her first full-time season in '17. Now in the Freedom Division, Newton will have to jell quickly to challenge Hackettstown, Vernon and Wallkill Valley.

Pope John Lions

Coach: Erin Ashton (third season, 5-28-4).

2017 record: 4-13-3, 2-5-1 (fourth place NJAC American Division)

Key returnees: F Katherine Yarussi (11 goals, 6 assists), jr.; F-MF Katie Publik, sr.; D Selah Cronin, sr.; F Erin Befumo, jr.; GK Erin Callahan (4 shutouts), sr.; GK Ciera Smith, jr.; F-MF Ashley Czermak, jr.; F-MF Catie Lovett, so.; D Taylor Hanley, so.; D Abby Walsh, so.

Key losses: D Adriana Purcell; F Cameron Sacco (7 goals); D Maggie Walsh.

Top newcomers: F Tori Brennan, sr.; F Josephine Buccino (transfer from Jefferson), so.; MF Allie Cutler, so.; D Madison McGuire, fr.; D Gabbi Brennan, fr.

Outlook: After back-to-back one-win seasons, the Lions added a few more victories a year ago, including two against Morris Hills, which joins Pope John in the new-look National Division. Ashton, a former player at Wallkill Valley, seems optimistic heading into her third season. The offense made major strides a year ago by scoring 23 goals after totaling just 10 and 11, respectively, in 2015 and '16. Nearly half of last year's total came against Morris Hills, and the offense was shut out nine times, so this group will need to be better against the top teams on the schedule in order to improve again on the wins total.

Sparta Spartans

Coach: Kristin Lindsley (seventh season, 55-57-5)

2017 record: 5-13-2, 3-3-2 (third place NJAC American Division)

Key returnees: F Isabella Tracy (6 goals), sr.; F Lucie Wolfson (6 goals), sr.; D Caroline Kepler, sr.; F-MF Allie McGuire (3 goals), jr.; F-MF Lauren Groff, jr.; MF Audrey Krajieck, jr.; MF Stephanie Villar, jr.; MF-D Taylor Canfield, jr.; F-MF Kenzie Merwin, jr.; F-MF Delaney Forziati, jr.; D Ashley Nyhan, jr.

Key losses: F Hope Nafis (3 goals, 8 assists); F Alexis Gudenkauf; GK Angela Elzind (4 shutouts).

Top newcomers: F-MF Sophie Mase, sr.; D Lexie Piacentino, sr.

Outlook: The Spartans, who went 8-56-2 from 2009-12, have gotten on track with 50 wins the past five seasons. But heavy graduation losses last season resulted in a sub-.500 campaign. The climb back starts on the offensive end as the unit scored a total of 23 goals last season, including a season-high four in a win over Kittatinny. Tracy and Wolfson combined for nearly half of the team's goals in 2017, so they will be counted on heavily on the front line. Defense was also a question mark last year and will need to be better with loss of two-year starter Elzind in the cage. After finishing third in the American Division in '17, the new-look Colonial Division figures to be wide open, so this group figures to challenge for the top spot.

Vernon Vikings

Coach: Kieran Killeen (third season, 15-19-3).

2017 record: 10-6-3, 2-1-3 (second place NJAC Freedom Division)

Key returnees: F Carlie Van Tassel (7 goals, 8 assists), jr.; MF Emilee Hamler (10 goals), sr.; MF Haley DeBonta, jr.; D Tori Waschek (6 goals, 3 assists), sr.; F Hailey Minter (7 goals, 3 assists), jr.; GK Emma Cahill (9 shutouts), sr.; MF Alicia Mihalko, so.; D Aleah Germinario, so.; D Emily Demarest, sr.; F Mia Annunziata, so.

Key losses: D Caitlyn Kowalski; MF Keirra Doyle.

Top newcomers: D Rebecca Bogdewicz, so.; F Nadine Yamout, so.; MF Hannah Van Blarcom, jr.; F Alyssa Van Dalinda, so.; D Alicja Wesloke, sr.; D Madison Hordych, so.

Outlook: Vikings, who went 53-74-5 from 2009-15, made major strides last season by doubling their wins total from two years ago and finishing second in the division, scoring a 1-0 win on the road against champion Hackettstown after a 5-0 loss to the Tigers in the first meeting in '17. Most of last year's team returns, as the offense will be in good shape with Van Tassel, Hamler, Waschek and Minter combining for 30 of the team's 35 goals. Defensively, Cahill was solid in the cage with nine shutouts. Take away the five it allowed in a loss to Wallkill Valley, and the unit gave up just four goals in eight of the final nine games in '17. Hackettstown is again the division favorite, but keep an eye on this team.

Wallkill Valley Rangers

Coach: Irene Chernati (33rd season, 402-215-12)

2017 record: 21-3, 6-0 (first place NJAC Colonial Division)

Key returnees: F Emily Mizeski (5 goals), so.; MF Francesca Ciasullo (3 assists), sr.; D Emma McGuire, sr.; MF Brianna Millier, sr.; F Jamie Struble, jr.; MF Caroline Kim, sr.; D Monica McWilliams, sr.; D Elizabeth Lindquist, jr.

Wallkill Valley celebrates its first sectional title since 2006.

Key losses: F Morgan Carr (46 goals, 14 assists); F Fiona Blake (13 goals, 16 assists); MF Caitlyn Mizeski (10 assists); D Angelique Wygonowski; F Tara Brody (8 goals, 8 assists); D Hope Inglis; GK Kristina Yakkey (9 shutouts).

Top newcomers: MF Kristine Krumpfer, sr.; MF Mackenzie Lally, sr.; MF Mia Kronski, jr.; GK Jade Lally, jr.; MF Riley Oostdyk, jr.; F Sophia Spector, jr.; MF Supriya Puthezhath, jr.; F Kat Gomez, jr.; MF Mila Martin, jr.; D Stephanie Hutnick, so.

Outlook: Rangers are coming off one of their finest seasons in recent years, winning the Colonial Division title and their first sectional championship since 2006 -- after five straight losses in the quarters with a 3-1 over Boonton in the North 1, Group 1 final -- before having their 10-game win streak snapped with a 9-0 loss to powerhouse Madison in the Group 1 semifinals. With significant graduation losses, this figures to be a bit of a rebuilding season, though Chernati is one of the top coaches in area. Offensively, they'll need to replace the loss of 70 goals as Mizeski scored the other five last season. The defense will feature a first-year goalie so putting the ball in the cage will be a top priority if this team is to have success this season in a tough Freedom Division.

Wrestling: Cruts caps P'burg win in Pin Cancer event

WASHINGTON TWP. -- The Pin Cancer matchup provides an opportunity for teams to gauge where they may stack up come this winter during the high school season.

Safe to say that Phillipsburg liked what it saw in a convincing 48-6 win over Washington in the seventh annual event under the lights on Thursday night at Warren Hills School District Stadium. P'burg won 12 of the 14 bouts and finished with an 18-8 advantage in takedowns, while improving to 6-1 all time in this event.

Junior Cody Cruts capped the victory with a mild upset at 285 pounds -- 7-5 over Washington senior Duro Ajayi, a Region 3 fifth-place finisher, in the final bout.

Cruts, who went 10-12 as a sophomore for the Stateliners and was giving away about 70 pounds and six-to-seven inches in height to Ajayi, surrendered the first two takedowns before rallying back to tie it a 4 with a late takedown in the first period. It was all Cruts from that point on as he escaped in the second period and converted another takedown to go up, 7-4, before yielding a late escape in the third.

"I was trying to outmaneuver him and stay to the outside, keep that big frame off me," said Cruts, who weighs around 220.

The upper weights figure to be a question mark for a Phillipsburg team that will be strong down low and through the middle as it seeks a sixth straight Group 4 championship in 2018-19. P'burg won three of the final four bouts on Thursday, including wins from junior Jacob Wicks at 180 and senior Austin Roth at 200.

Wicks, a junior varsity wrestler the past two years, scored a 7-0 decision over Tyler McCarthern. Wicks is the son of Delaware Valley legend Jamie Wicks, who won state titles for the Terriers in 1987 and '88.

"If these guys up top wrestle like they did tonight, we're going to be OK," said P'burg coach Dave Post, who had eight wrestlers in the lineup with 12 or fewer career varsity bouts. "We'll make our hay down low and through the middle. Cody's been in our lineup and has taken his lumps for two years. We hope he's learned from it. He has good mat wrestling, but he's put himself in dangerous positions. Stay in good position, that's what it's all about."

As expected P'burg raced out to a 27-0 lead by winning the first six bouts, including a pins by talented freshman Joey Innamorato (120), along with seniors Bryce Parenti (130) and Travis Jones (135). Sophomore Jason Tino (125) also scored an impressive 8-6 win over Region 3 qualifier Greg Slivka.

"We have a lot of faith in [Tino]," Post said. "He would have been a varsity wrestler for us [last year], but he was stuck behind Jones."

Senior Cody Harrison (167) and Roth became the fourth and fifth three-time Pin Cancer winners for P'burg, joining Stephen Friedman, Max Elling and Brian Meyer, who all went 3-0. Harrison actually got his first win in a P'burg singlet, 10-0 over Nick Hildebrant, having won twice with Washington before transferring prior to his sophomore season. No wrestler has gone 4-0 in the seven-year history of this event.

Jones trailed early against Logan Nauta in one of the most entertaining bouts of the night. Nauta took a 2-0 lead with a first-period takedown. Jones, one of the most dangerous mat wrestlers around, got a reversal and a one count with a turk before the second period expired.

Nauta took down to start the third period and it worked out well for Jones, who turned Nauta again for the pin in 3:47. The periods were 1 1/2 minutes in length.

"I don't know if we go [on bottom] during the season, " said first-year Washington coach Dave Sbriscia, "but this is a charity event, and we wanted to find out how we were on bottom. We are much improved on our feet and on top."

Senior Thomas Abode also impressed with his 4-3 win over Washington senior Chris Ostir, a two-time Region 3 qualifier, at 155. Abode, who was 3-6 in spot duty on varsity last season, is one to watch, according to Post.

"I'm very impressed with TJ," Post said. "He wrestles with Cody [Harrison], a two-time state placewinner and a state title contender this season, every day. We were very confident in that one."

Junior Nick Gorab (140) and senior Nick Galka (215) were the lone winners for Washington. Galka, a Region 3 runner-up last season and one of the team's captains this season, liked some of what he saw from his teammates.

"No one likes to lose, but I'm happy with some of our efforts," said Galka, who joined Matt Valli as the only Washington wrestlers to go 3-1 in Pin Cancer matches. "P'burg is one of best teams in the state and [five-time] Group 4 champions. But I liked the way we fought in some matches and it brought my hopes up for this season."

Sbriscia agreed with Galka's assessment of the team.

"I liked our toughness in some matches," said Sbriscia, a former standout for the Blue Streaks and an assistant coach prior to taking over for Jarrett Hosbach at the end of last season. "I liked the way Logan wrestled for 4 1/2 to 5 minutes. Nick [Gorab] is a kid who's always worked hard. He's finally developed into a varsity wrestler. He's spent a lot of time in weight room and he's hard to score on. Offensively, we have some work to do, but he's somebody I'm excited about."

Galka should be among the area's best chances to earn a state medal in Atlantic City next March after getting his first taste of Boardwalk Hall as a junior.

"I've been working hard, wrestling four times a week," he said. "I'm just trying to improve on everything. I want to place in states. That's my goal."

PHILLIPSBURG 48, WASHINGTON 6
107 -- Fr. James Day, P, d. Fr. Jared Lee, 5-0.
113 -- So. Logan Maczko, P, d. Fr. Noah DiNapoli, 6-0.
120 -- Fr. Joey Innamorato, P, p. Fr. Max Pagano, :40.
125 -- So. Jason Tino, P, d. Jr. Greg Slivka, 8-6.
130 -- Sr. Bryce Parenti, P, p. Fr. Stephen Malia, 1:53.
135 -- Sr. Travis Jones, P, p. Jr. Logan Nauta, 3:47.
140 -- Jr. Nick Gorab, W, d. Sr. Luke Hardin, 2-1 OT (rideout).
145 -- Sr. Kyle Tino, P, md. Jr. Geir Nemeth, 13-1.
155 -- Sr. Thomas Abode, P, d. Sr. Chris Ostir, 4-3.
167 -- Sr. Cody Harrison, P, md. Jr. Nick Hildebrant, 10-0.
180 -- Jr. Jacob Wicks, P, d. Fr. Tyler McCatharn, 7-0.
200 -- Sr. Austin Roth, P, md. So. Logan Polcari, 8-0.
215 -- Sr. Nick Galka, W, d. So. Gage Horvath, 7-1.
285 -- Jr. Cody Cruts, P, d. Sr. Duro Ajayi, 7-5.
Officials -- Chip Castner, Frank Letiner and Joe Benvenuto.

Wrestling: Hopatcong or P'burg for HWS in '19?

Why mess with a good thing?

That's the big question as it seems a few of the Sussex County athletic directors are pushing for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament to rotate back to Hopatcong High School for next season.

Phillipsburg, which has a superior new facility and did a marvelous job as first-time host in 2018, was by all accounts poised to become the event's permanent site. Apparently, some ADs in Sussex, many of whom have never been to a tournament and were not in attendance last year at P'burg, have pointed to HWS Association bylaws that events must remain in their county every other year.

It's an unpopular opinion among many coaches, fans and media members, as well as some of the nine Sussex County ADs.

"It makes no sense," said High Point athletic director Todd Van Orden, who serves on the four-person HWS executive committee. "It's foolish not to keep it at Phillipsburg. I've voiced my opinion on it."

Phillipsburg's setup for the early rounds of the 2018 HWS Tournament.

Van Orden said the executive committee met on Tuesday and is in favor of keeping the tournament at Phillipsburg. A vote to determine the site for 2019 will take place among all athletic directors in September.

"Myself, [Newton AD Ryan Hashway] and [Wallkill Valley AD Daryl Jones] are all in favor of keeping it at P'burg," Van Orden said in a recent interview.

Hunterdon Central and Hopatcong had shared hosting duties since the tournament's inception in 2010. Prior to that, Central was the lone site of the former Hunterdon-Warren Tournament. Central last hosted in 2016, and deferred to P'burg when its spacious new gym was opened for the 2016-17 school year.

"I don't have a problem with Phillipsburg being a permanent site," said longtime Kittatinny coach John Gill, whose team will travel to P'burg for its annual dual meet with the Stateliners in January. "They have the nicest facility around. [Last year's event] was well done."

Hopatcong was the site in '17. Under former AD Tom Vara, the event was a two-day format and was well received by all three counties. Vara retired in 2014 and the school went to a one-day tournament two years ago for the first time with Chris Buglovsky as AD. But using two gyms, along with the lack of room in and outside the facility, makes it less than ideal now that there's a superior option. Hopatcong has been a fine host, but to go back to that when Phillipsburg can put six mats down with plenty of room to roam and the space to facilitate faster weigh-ins for the wrestlers and accommodate fans both in the cafeteria and in the bleachers -- the second gym at Hopatcong was standing room only -- is simply not in the best interest of the tournament.

High Point's John Gardner and Newton's Eric Bollette are among the Sussex coaches who strongly agree with Gill that the tournament should remain at Phillipsburg.

"The facilities are second to none and the gym is incredible," said Bollette, who brought his team to P'burg for a dual meet prior to the HWS Tournament last season. "Plenty of locker rooms and a great atmosphere. Hopatcong and Hunterdon Central have done a great job in the times they have hosted the tournament, but as this tournament continues to grow, the only place that can comfortably hold the HWS is Phillipsburg."

If this event goes back to Hopatcong, it will be a colossal mistake. Problem is you have some ADs who have never stepped foot into Phillipsburg High School or observed this tournament in person making this decision. Van Orden and North Warren AD John Simonetti, who have been very vocal about keeping the tournament at P'burg. HWS bylaws apparently call for rotating sites, however, cross country and other events such as baseball, which has been held at P'burg for awhile, don't follow that guideline.

"I feel a rotation should be maintained whenever possible," Kittatinny AD Chris Carroll said in a phone message. "Hopatcong is certainly a viable candidate, but I don't know if they are still interested in hosting. I know P'burg has a great facility and their people are extremely competent [in running the event]. If my coach is not opposed to staying at P'burg, I'm not either."

If travel is a concern, which I have heard is a contention for alternating sites, that's another absurdity. There is more travel in high school sports than ever with nonsensical conference alignments that send some teams on the road 40 minutes or more from home just to play a division contest.

As for wrestling, teams travel far distances every Saturday during the season. Several if not all ADs will likely vote according to what their coaches want to do. Most coaches at last year's event stated they were very pleased with P'burg as the new host.

"The old [Sussex County Interscholastic League ADs] feel it should be rotated, but if we have a vote to move it at our next meeting, I'd probably vote the opposite of where I've been in the past [on moving the wrestling event]," Carroll said.

This wrestling tournament was designed in theory to be a showcase for the athletes and to be run that way. It's easily the premiere event on the HWS calendar.

Here is hoping that the ADs who insist on going back to Hopatcong will come to their senses this fall and keep it at Phillipsburg. If they want to do what's in the best interest of the wrestlers, it's a no-brainer.

"It's the best of everything. I'd imagine most coaches feel that way," Gill said. "It's better for the fans and the athletes. That's what it's supposed to be about."