DeSimone Leads Blue Devil Field Hockey Offense
All-County forward Katia DeSimone scored seven goals and added a pair of assists to lead the Huntington High School field hockey team to a 6-8-1 mark under first year head coach Kathy Wright.
Huntington's all-star cast also included All-County honorable mention selection Gillian Ehrman, All-Conference players Kelly Askerberg, Kaylyn Johnston and Maggie Askerberg and All-Tournament honoree Emily Kata.
A talented senior, DeSimone used her steely determination to dodge past opposing defenses and spur the Blue Devils to several close victories. The teenager was named to the All-County team for her stellar performance. "Katia's determination to drive to the goal through many opponents brought her team to victory time and time again," Wright said. "She's able to give 150 percent all the time."
The Blue Devils began the season with a new coach, a new goalie corps and only two returning starters. Wright, who was assisted by Huntington alum Cat Ruggiero, relied on the team's seniors for their veteran leadership as she quickly molded the squad into a competitive group. "They were strong role models for the underclassmen," she said.
Kelly Askerberg sparkled as a powerful defender and even scored a goal. "She was our foundation for 'D,'" Wright said. Greta Farrell, the team's junior goalie, stopped 86 shots. "She's focused, determined, fearless and tenacious in goal," added the coach.
Huntington clinched a playoff berth with a 1-0 late season victory over Northport. "Our team fought the entire game, never letting down," Wright said. "It was one of our very best games. The girls played as a powerful team, determined and strong."
Ehrman was exceptional at link, a combo of wing and midfielder. The junior scored three goals and added an assist. "She was skillful, focused and strong, with amazing endurance," Wright said. Maggie Askerberg notched two goals and three assists from her forward position. "She has great field awareness," added the coach.
Johnston, who starred at link/defender specialized in preventing opponents from going to the goal. "She has the keen ability to see the field and send the ball up to the forward line," Wright said.
Huntington dropped a 2-0 verdict to Lindenhurst in the Section XI playoffs. The game was delayed for more than a week by Hurricane Sandy. Despite the loss, the Blue Devils were able to feel good about the season. "You give 100 percent in the first half of the game and if that isn't enough, you give what is left," said Wright about the team's philosophy. "This is how we played."
The Blue Devils had many hardnosed players who went toe-to-toe with the best teams in Suffolk. Wright said she told the team to "play with heart and leave it all on the field" and Huntington did just that.
"This Huntington team was a joy to coach," Wright said. "They fought for every game. They played hard, strong and respectfully and with heart every game. They have laid the foundation for next year's team."
Farrell will return in goal next fall. Goalie Tara Byrnes, who compiled five saves, is also coming back, giving the Blue Devils a formidable 1-2 combination in the net. Ehrman is also set to return to the varsity along with key underclassmen Kacie Rubert (forward), Irina DeSimone (forward), Darya DeSimone (link), Sarah Fernandez (forward), Olivia Castillo (link/defense), Anna Tesoriero (defense), Kelly Beatty (defense) and Cassidie Giammarino (defense).
Blue Devil Notes: The Blue Devils were captained by Katia DeSimone, Kelly Askerberg, Kaylyn Johnston and Maggie Askerberg . . . Fernandez scored three goals and added an assist . . . Kata tallied two goals from her defense/sweeper position . . . The varsity roster featured 22 players during the regular season . . . Five JV players were moved up to the varsity for the post-season, including Erica Thermidor, Shannon McGovern, Katerra Griffen, Victoria Martin and Anna Goldenbaum.