Wrestling: P'burg loses Region 4 bid, keeps HWS

Common sense does prevail in some cases after all.

Phillipsburg High School, which was recently turned down in its bid to host the Region 4 Tournament in 2019, will again host the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament this season, pending a switch of dates with its scheduled basketball event against Easton (Pa.) on Saturday, Jan. 12.

North Warren athletic director John Simonetti confirmed that P'burg was approved to be this year's site during Tuesday's HWS ADs meeting. Hopatcong, which had been a co-host in previous years, was tentatively scheduled to host this season, but concerns over facility size prompted a change.

Phillipsburg, which has a superior gym and did a superb job as first-time host in 2018, may very well become the event's permanent home. But some ADs in Sussex, many of whom have never been to a tournament and were not in attendance last year at P'burg, had pointed to HWS bylaws that events must rotate every year.

It's something they are now reconsidering across the board. Many coaches, fans and media members, as well as some of the nine Sussex County ADs, feel that superior venue should take precedent.

"It makes no sense," High Point athletic director Todd Van Orden, who also serves on the four-person HWS executive committee, said earlier this summer. "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.

Hunterdon Central and Hopatcong had originally shared hosting duties when tournament debuted 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 gym opened for the 2016-17 school year.

Hunterdon Central also lost the Region 5 Tournament, which had been held at the school's spacious Field House for nearly six decades. That tournament will be held at Franklin High School for the first time this season. Central also was the longtime host for District 17, but gave up that event in order to host the region when statewide realignment was introduced for the 2016-17 season.

"It was a big money-maker for us," said Central coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm, who said the school sent a profit of $9,000 to the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association this past season. "Now we're scrambling. We also made a ton of money on concessions. Because they announced district sites first [in August], we didn't get a chance to put in for districts."

P'burg, which will host the District 13 Tournament this season, was unsuccessful in its bid to pry the Region 4 Tournament away from longtime host Union. Stateliners coach Dave Post said his school had made an appealing and cost-friendly proposal to the NJSIAA, which requested that the Warren County school submit paperwork a second time for a chance to host Region 4 shortly after district sites were announced. The 'Liners had previously been housed in District 9 and Region 3 the past two seasons, but the every-two-year realignment shifted things across the state for 2018-19 and 2019-20.

"I know in my heart that we have the best facility to host regions and would have run the best tournament in the state," Post said.

Many coaches across Sussex County were in favor of keeping HWS at Phillipsburg, including longtime Kittatinny coach John Gill.

"I don't have a problem with Phillipsburg being a permanent site," said 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."

Phillipsburg's new mat for dual meets this season. (Courtesy of Dave Post)

Hopatcong last hosted HWS 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 opted to run 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. Phillipsburg can put six mats down -- including a new foam mat -- with plenty of room to roam and the space to facilitate faster weigh-ins for the wrestlers, while accommodating fans in the cafeteria and in the bleachers. A second gym needed to be used at Hopatcong and it was standing room only.

Newton coach Eric Bollette also strongly agreed with Gill that HWS 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."

Field hockey: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

It's almost that time to start analyzing and forecasting the seeds for the 10th annual Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, which now begins a little later this year with first-round games on Saturday. Sept. 29.

Warren Hills (4-1) has its sights set on a seventh championship and fifth in six years, but the Blue Streaks were dealt a huge blow when outstanding sophomore back Ashley Moskal was lost for the season with an ACL injury.

Voorhees (4-2) and Hunterdon Central (3-1), which won its first title in 2016, are also contenders along with Hackettstown (4-1). The Tigers are rolling and may have their best shot at winning a championship since going back-to-back in the former Hunterdon-Warren Tournament in 2004-05.

The pairings and seeds should be announced early next week, so check back for more information on one of the season's premiere events.

Before we take a look at the shakeup in this week's rankings, it should be noted that North Hunterdon ended a five-game losing streak to start the season with a 1-0 win over Pingry at home on Saturday. Freshman Ryan Anderson scored the winning goal, the team's fourth in six games, while senior goalie Caroline Petrie made eight saves.

North (2-5), once a pretty solid program under former coaches Bonnie Carter and Stacy Ditze, have struggled mightily the past decade, going 43-157-5 the previous 10 seasons. The Lions, who got their second victory -- 2-1 at Montgomery on Monday -- have not won more than three games in a season since 2010, which was also the last time the program recorded back-to-back wins while going 7-12-2. Maybe this is a turning point for second-year coach Maria Bachert and the program, which won the first two Hunterdon-Warren Tournament titles in 1985-86.

Kittatinny (1-3) also got on the board with a 2-0 win over North Warren to give coach Emily Wisneski her first victory. Senior forward Kathryn Merrill and Kate Sikora scored the goals and senior midfielder Jess Smalley notched both assists. The Cougars, who finished 2-18 last season, snapped the program's five-game skid dating to 2017.

Now, this week's rankings:

1. Warren Hills (4-1) -- Blue Streaks saw their 16-game winning streak in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division end with a 2-1 loss in overtime against Bridgewater-Raritan on Saturday. Junior forward Samantha Dugan scored the goal with an assist from sophomore midfielder Sarah Korczukowski. It's the Group 3 runner-up's first division loss since Oct. 20, 2016 -- 3-1 at Voorhees -- and its first at home since Sept. 27 of that season --1-0 in OT to the Vikings. Coach Josie Potter's team opened last week with wins over Watchung Hills (4-0 on Tuesday) and North Hunterdon (5-0 on Thursday). Sophomore forward Jenna Wyckoff notched two goals and two assists vs. North, while sophomore forward Simryn Desai scored her team-leading fourth goal.

Up next: at Ridge on Tuesday; at Pingry on Thursday; at Madison on Friday.

2. Voorhees (4-2) -- Vikings enter the week riding a four-game win streak after an 8-1 victory over Watchung Hills on Saturday, following wins over Hillsborough (8-1 on Tuesday) and Ridge (4-2 on Thursday). Junior forward Cassie Boyce is on fire with eight goals and four assists in the team's past four games. She had hat tricks against Montgomery (on Sept. 8) and Hillsborough, while junior forward Brooke Hyland had three-goal games against Hillsborough and Watchung Hills, giving her a team-high 10 on the season. Junior midfielder Madison Ogorzalek has collected at least one goal or assist in five straight games. Coach Shannon Hughes' team got some help in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division race with Warren Hills' loss, but the Vikes have Bridgewater on tap this week.

Up next: at Phillipsburg on Tuesday; at Bridgewater-Raritan on Thursday; at Bernards on Saturday.

3. Hunterdon Central (3-1) -- Red Devils holding steady in the No. 3 spot following a 4-2 win over Montgomery in their only action of the week as a scheduled independent game against Princeton on Saturday was postponed. Senior back Lauren Nawrotzki scored a pair of goals, while senior forward Rachel Stone had two assists vs. Montgomery. Junior forward Sammy Freeman had at least one goal or an assist through four games. Coach Jenn Sponzo's team is slated to play three times this week as it preps for a big showdown at No. 1 Warren Hills next week.

Up next: Hillsborough at home on Monday; North Hunterdon at home on Thursday; at Phillipsburg on Saturday.

4. Hackettstown (4-1-1) -- Tigers kept rolling along with three shutout wins this past week against Randolph (4-0 on Tuesday), Wallkill Valley (4-0 on Thursday) and High Point (9-0 on Saturday) -- the latter two to open play in the NJAC Freedom Division. Senior midfielder Madison Hoskins, who leads the team in scoring, had a big week with five goals and one assist, including a hat trick against High Point. Senior midfielder Kayla Cichlar scored goals in all three wins, while senior midfielder Jessica Scheper had a pair of goals against High Point. Coach Stephen Speirs team played to a 0-0 tie with West Morris on Monday due to the wet weather.

Up next: at Vernon on Thursday; Belvidere at home on Saturday.

5. Delaware Valley (3-1) -- Terriers jump up two spots following a 4-0 win over rival South Hunterdon on Wednesday in their only action last week. Junior midfielder Madeline Bill led the offense with two goals and one assist, while sophomore forward Kristen Bill added a goal and one assist. Coach Stephanie Rifflard's team will look to keep it going this week as it looks to secure a top-five seed in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament later this month.

Up next: Somerville at home on Tuesday; at Belvidere on Thursday; Johnson at home on Friday.

6. South Hunterdon (2-1) -- Eagles enter here following a 1-0 win over Belvidere in a key Skyland Conference Mountain Division matchup on Tuesday before dropping a 4-0 decision to Delaware Valley on Wednesday. Junior midfielder Alana Catanzareti scored the winning goal, while freshman goalie Tiernan Swayhoover logged 12 saves for her first career shutout.

Up next: at North Plainfield on Tuesday; at Franklin on Thursday.

7. Belvidere (2-2) -- County Seaters snapped their two-game skid with a 4-2 win at Phillipsburg on Saturday. Sophomore forward Olivia Zmyewski scored a pair of goals and assisted on another, while senior forwards Maddie Call and Angie Santini added goals. Coach Beth Franceschino's team was coming off tough losses to South Hunterdon (1-0 on Tuesday) and Bernards (2-1 on Thursday). Senior midfielder Mallory Keenan, who had two assists in the win over P'burg, scored her second goal of the season in the loss to Bernards.

Up next: at Mount St. Mary on Tuesday; Delaware Valley at home on Thursday; at Hackettstown on Saturday.

8. Phillipsburg (1-5) -- Stateliners, who have lost five in a row since a 4-3 win over North Hunterdon in the season opener, dropped three spots after losses to Pingry (3-2 on Tuesday), Montgomery (1-0 on Thursday) and Belvidere (4-2 on Saturday). Senior midfielder Gabby Dudek continues to carry the offense as she has accounted for half of its 10 goals this season. Coach Toni Popinko's team, which played No. 1 Warren Hills tough in an overtime loss on Sept. 8, has a tough week on tap with games against No. 2 Voorhees and No. 3 Hunterdon Central.

Up next: Voorhees at home on Tuesday; at Blair Academy on Thursday; Hunterdon Central at home on Saturday.

9. Vernon (2-1-1) -- Vikings are coming off an odd week in which they dropped a 3-1 decision at Lenape Valley on Tuesday and played to a 1-1 tie against Jefferson at home on Saturday. In between, they scored a 3-2 win over High Point on Thursday. Senior midfielder Emilee Hamler, junior forward Hailey Minter and sophomore midfielder Alicia Mihalko scored goals in the win. Minter notched an assist in the tie with Jefferson.

Up next: at Newton on Tuesday; Hackettstown at home on Thursday; at High Point on Saturday.

10. Newton (3-0-1) -- Braves holding in this spot after wins over Sparta (1-0 on Tuesday) and Wallkill Valley (2-0 on Saturday) sandwiched around a 0-0 tie against Lenape Valley on Thursday. Junior forward-midfielder Angela Melillo had a big week with the winning goal against Sparta and both goals against Wallkill Valley. We'll get a better idea of where coach Lisa Bechtel's team stands against Sussex County opponents this week.

Up next: Vernon at home on Tuesday; at High Point on Thursday; Johnson at home on Saturday.

On the bubble: Wallkill Valley, High Point, Lenape Valley, Sparta

Field hockey: HWS schedule for Sept. 17-22

Monday, Sept. 17

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

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at West Morris

Morris Hills at Pope John

Skyland Conference

Hillsborough at Hunterdon Central

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

Independent

Kittatinny at Blair Academy, 4:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 18

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

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

North Warren at Lenape Valley

Vernon at Newton

Skyland Conference

Somerville at Delaware Valley

Belvidere at Mount St. Mary

Voorhees at Phillipsburg, ppd., TBA

Warren Hills at Ridge, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 19

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Wallkill Valley, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 20

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

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Vernon

Lenape Valley at Kittatinny

Newton at High Point

Jefferson at North Warren

Sparta at Wallkill Valley

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Belvidere

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

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

Warren Hills at Pingry

South Hunterdon at Franklin

Independent

Phillipsburg at Blair Academy, 4:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 21

(All games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Pope John at Roxbury

Skyland Conference

South Hunterdon at North Plainfield

Independent

Johnson at Delaware Valley

Warren Hills at Madison

Saturday, Sept. 22

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

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Vernon at High Point

Wallkill Valley at Lenape Valley

North Warren at Whippany Park
Sparta at Kittatinny

Skyland Conference

Hunterdon Central at Phillipsburg, 11 a.m.

Voorhees at Bernards, 2 p.m.

Independent

Belvidere at Hackettstown

Johnson at Newton

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.