Challenging Season for Blue Devil
JV Field Hockey
Losing five games by a single goal would drive any team to its wits end, but the Huntington High School junior varsity girls' field hockey squad kept a positive attitude and soldiered on. The Blue Devils compiled a 1-10-2 mark under head coach Marissa Bergmann.
The 19-member team was captained by Anna Goldenbaum, Erica Thermidor, Madison Lofaso and Shannon McGovern. Despite the lopsided record, Huntington featured a talented group of players who could form the foundation for future success on the varsity level.
"This group of girls was a true pleasure to coach," Bergmann said. "They came to practice every day with a positive attitude and dedicated their time to improving. Each day they worked extremely hard at getting better as a whole. They learned a lot about the game of field hockey and made great improvements as the season went on. I am very confident they will do well at the next level."
Freshman goalie Cara Sorrentino averaged seven saves per game. "She was outstanding against the top teams in the county," Bergmann said. "She improved tremendously throughout the season."
Freshmen Victoria Martin and Kelsey Jamison and sophomore Rosemary Valles starred on defense. "Victoria did a fantastic job of protecting the goal and making sure the ball stayed out of the defensive end," Bergmann said. "She was one of our power hitters who advanced the ball very well."
Jamison and Valles were also exceptional at protecting the goalie. "They were both very aggressive in every game," Bergmann said.
Huntington's offense was led by sophomores Erica Thermidor, Anna Goldenbaun and Shannon McGovern and freshman Meghan Plant. "Erica and Shannon were our most aggressive players," Bergmann said. "They never gave up on a play, which allowed us to score and keep the ball in our offensive end."
Goldenbaum's outstanding stick skills sparkled and her leadership qualities were put to good use. "She communicated well and was a great transitional player," Bergmann said. "Her positive attitude was brought to practice and shined through during games."
Plant emerged as an up-and-coming high school star. "She is an all-around field hockey player," Bergmann said. "I could put Meaghan at any position and she dominated. She understands the game well and was one of our best transitional players."
Huntington's 1-0 victory over Half Hollow Hills was the highlight of the season. "We played like a strong unit," Bergmann said. "Our passes were spot on and we were extremely aggressive. There was not a single moment when any player was selfish. The score was tied 0-0 at the end of the first half. We were able to take the lead at the start of the second half and play amazing defense to win the game. It was an awesome team win."
The Huntington JV could see a sharp turnaround in its record next fall. "We have eight returning freshmen," Bergmann said. "I am extremely confident in their level of play. We are going to be playing outstanding competition and the current freshmen did a fantastic job this year stepping up to that challenge. We also have a large number of incoming freshmen trying out. Many girls will be attending clinics and camps this winter and next summer."
The Blue Devils' statistical team leaders included freshman Kelly Palladino, who took most of Huntington's free hits and set in motion the transition to offense. Sophomore Katerra Griffin was a top defender who had a knack for never letting a ball get past her. "She committed to every play and won every one-on-one battle," Bergmann said.
Katie Keys, Jaclyn Bacik, Jaclyn Schultz, Nancy Brill and Ryan Goldsmith were among the team's top passers. Katie Zimmerman, Jaclyn Marquez and Cristina Bateman were the most improved Blue Devils, according to Bergmann.