The Huntington High School varsity field hockey team swept aside a season-opening loss to Northport and has gone on to win three consecutive games while outscoring its opposition, 10-1.
After falling to Northport at Veterans Park in East Northport on September 5, the Blue Devils have defeated Lindenhurst (4-0), North Babylon (4-1) and Smithtown West (2-0).
Huntington is prepping for upcoming games against Copiague, East Islip and Comsewogue. Coached by Kathy Wright and Allison Conlon, the Blue Devils are starting to hit their stride.
Last Friday afternoon playing at tough Smithtown West, the Blue Devils shined behind first half goals by Julia Aureliano and Morgan Minicozzi. Anna Wickey and Holly Wright tallied assists. Julie Rogel stopped five shots in goal to record the shutout.
“Despite our loss against the No. 1 ranked team, we have three great wins against competitive teams,” Wickey said. “Not only are we strong on the field this year, but extremely close as a team. Playoffs are definitely ahead for Huntington field hockey.”
Entering this week, the Blue Devils have 10 games remaining on their schedule. Six of the contests will be played at home, giving Huntington whatever edge comes from playing on their own field in front of their fans.
“I personally feel like the team has grown so much since last year,” Minicozzi said. “After playing with each other in the offseason, we have developed into a very strong and skilled team. Since the first day of preseason we have been running and pushing ourselves the extra mile to make us better. Even with a small squad we are still very talented and determined to make our way into the playoffs. Everyone’s goal this year is to go to playoffs and Coach Wright definitely agrees with it.”
The Huntington roster also includes Brooke Biernacki, Megan Byrnes, Isabella Fox, Brooke Goldsmith, Arielle Harvey, Madelyn Kye, Lauren LoScalzo, Lisa Martin, Haley Mortell, Maya Santa-Maria, Carley Stevens and Phoebe Walther.
“I feel really good about where we are headed,” Byrnes said. “We have our sights set on the playoffs and we know what we need to do to get there. Things are coming together nicely and we are working as a team. It’s a real family atmosphere where we have each other’s backs and pick each other up when needed. It was a big win against Smithtown West and I’m really proud of our team effort.”
The Blue Devils are definitely in a positive frame of mind. “For the rest of the way, I can definitely see us moving into playoffs and taking down some big teams,” Minicozzi said. “It is a tough battle getting into the top 12 to go into playoffs, but with our talent and growth we definitely have a great shot. After taking down Smithtown West, we are confident that we can make it.”
Can Huntington reach post-season play? The Blue Devils certainly have the talent, but many strong opponents stand in the way. Then again, the team’s players are optimistic the year will end on a high note.
“The team is looking great this year,” Aureliano said. “We are having a great start to our season and the all the girls are very excited to see where it takes us. We are all super good friends and have each other’s backs so playing is so much fun. It looks like playoffs is in our future!”