BY OLIVIA VAN DEURSEN
The field hockey team has found immense success competing in the Red Division after playing in the White Division in previous seasons. The team currently holds a 6-1 record, and junior Laila Vaughan leads the team with 10 goals.
The season kicked off with an impressive 8-0 victory against North Plainfield on September 5. “During the off season the team continued to practice and learn new skills which helped improve a lot since last season,” shared senior captain Erin Parrett, the goalie who recently reached her 300 career save.
Freshman Avery Baile scored her first varsity goal in the fourth quarter against North Plainfield. “When I have my team by my side, I become the best version of myself,” stated Baile. “My teammates push me to be better every [day], and we all help [each other] learn and grow on and off the field.”
The team followed with a 6-0 shutout against Monroe. Samantha Larkin and Kyra Vella each contributed two goals. “The highlight of the past few games for me has been getting to score twice in our home game against Monroe,” revealed Vella. “Getting opportunities to help out the team like that and it showing off is one of the best feelings while playing.”
On September 10, the team won a close game against Metuchen, beating them 2-1 in overtime. Junior Addison Albrecht scored the winning goal. “I was feeling the [pressure,] but it turned into motivation,” noted Albrecht.
The team lost 1-0 against division-rival South Plainfield in overtime after both teams went scoreless in regulation on September 12. The team lost 0-1 to South Plainfield in the GMC Semifinals last season, making the loss particularly hard on the girls. The team will seek revenge in the home game against South Plainfield this Saturday, September 28
However, the players’ morale received a boost once again with a 3-1 win against Freehold. “Playing a shore team is always intimidating, but we adjusted well and got 3 strong goals out off of corners in the first quarter,” shared captain Jamie Hazel.
A 6-0 victory against Piscataway and a 4-0 win against Sayreville furthered the team’s success. “Fewer goals are being scored on us this year because we have been doing a really good job of finding our teammates on the field, sending the ball up the sidelines and away from our goal, and just incorporating the things that we spend time practicing,” noted Hazel.
Effective communication has played a major role in the team’s early success. “The chemistry and communication have really changed us as a team,” disclosed Vella. “As we get older and spend more time together, we grow as a team and continue to improve, which is always a beautiful thing to see and experience.”
The team has significantly outscored their opponents, with 29 goals scored and only three goals against. “I think the team has always been very close like a [family,] but I think we especially improved on communication this season,” added Albrecht, who has 13 career goals and four already this season.
The team remains hopeful to continue their success in their upcoming game against East Brunswick, currently the top Red Division team, before the rematch against South Plainfield. “I know we all plan on putting in the effort to continue the streak,” declared Vella. “It’s these kinds of things that makes me so excited to see how this season will play out.”
Come out to support the team in their home games at Fred Cole Field behind Carl Sandburg Middle school tomorrow at 4pm and Saturday at 10am.
Posted on 9/23/24
Photos by Katelyn Buchalter
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