Field hockey passes expectations

Junior Jamie Hazel, who made All Red Division, dodges around the opposing team to keep possession of the ball.

BY ANGEL CHIARAVALLO

The field hockey team’s season came to a close with a 13-7 record. The team returned to the competitive GMC Red Division this year and placed second during the regular season, making this their most successful season at this level.

The girls worked hard to reach the Semi-Finals of GMC Tournament, defeating Monroe 4-0 before falling to South Plainfield. “The second half of the season has been filled with many accomplishments for me and my teammates. many moments have been crazy,” said junior Laila Vaughan, who beat the school’s scoring record with 185 points with her senior year still to come.

The team went to double overtime and shootouts in the Semi-Finals of the GMC Tournament. “We’ve practiced a lot to have better skills and a better bond with each other on the field,” stated senior goalie Erin Parrett, who passed the 400 career saves mark and finished with 446.

The players have worked towards bettering their team in skills and working together throughout the season. “Seeing the team really connect and bond reminds me how much of a family we all are, which is truly special,” said Junior Kyra Vella, who made the All-Red Division and All-Red Conference Teams.

Senior back Sara Jorden, who earned GMC Defensive Player of the Week, leaves her opponent behind while taking ball away from the defensive circle.

After GMC week ended, the girls started to prepare for the NJSIAA State Tournament. “To prepare for states we’re making sure we practice as hard as we play. It’s important how well we execute the things we practice into games,” said Vaughan, three-time GMC Offensive Player of the Year.

The field hockey team eventually lost to Phillipsburg with a score of 5-1 in the NJSIAA Tournament. “I was really happy to be able to score one last goal during my last high school game ever,” said senior Samantha Larkin, who scored the only goal in the State game. “It was nice to be able to end the season on that positive note!”

Junior Adrienne Cabrera hustles with the ball up the sideline, while teammate Laila Vaughan and an opponent follow behind.

Although the team lost in the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament, the underclassmen, who make up the majority of the team, learned a lot. “I would describe my experience at States as nerve-wracking,” stated sophomore Reagan Connelly. “Watching everything go down and just seeing everything happen is so stressful, but, in the end, it’s so exciting because you get to just play and have fun at the same time.”

As the season comes to a close, the seniors move on to different paths in their journey. “I’m going to miss my team and coaches the most,” said Larkin. “We all had a really good bond, and I already miss not seeing them every day at practice.”

Senior Sara Jordan, who earned GMC player of the week, steals the ball from South Plainfield’s offense to avoid a shot on goal.
Junior Laila Vaughan, who made All-Red Division and All-Conference, flips her stick to the non-strong side before hitting a reverse shot.
Senior midfield Peyton O’Regan beats South Plainfield to the ball and continues to take it up the right sideline.
Senior Captain Samantha Larkin, who has a creer total of 53 points, hustles for the ball.