The Huntington varsity field hockey team is rolling. The Blue Devils picked up steam against visiting Newfield earlier this week, topping the Wolverines, 4-1.
Huntington used three first half goals to gain the upper hand in the game, which played out on Blue Devil Stadium’s turf field before a crowd of family and friends.
Coached by Kathy Wright and Allison Conlon, Huntington has its collective eyes fixed on reaching the Section XI playoffs this fall. The Blue Devils have the talent to do it despite playing a very challenging schedule.
Against Newfield, Temple University-bound senior Anna Wickey had another great afternoon with two goals and an assist.
“Our team goal is definitely to return to the playoffs and go further than last year,” Wickey said. “With a 2-1 record right now, I think we’re in a good position for the playoffs. We just have to keep working hard.”
Wickey is off to a great start in her final season in a Blue Devil uniform. “I feel that I’m doing all I can to help the team and I’m really proud of how we are performing,” she said.
Megan Byrnes had a goal and an assist against Newfield as the senior continues to shine and play a leading role in Huntington’s success. Lauren LoScalzo also scored in the game and Holly Wright added an assist. Both players are mainstays in the Blue Devil program and rarely come off the field.
Senior Brooke Biernacki’s defensive play has been outstanding and has helped Huntington win two of its first three games. “The season is going great,” she said. “Our team works really well together and we all have each other’s backs on and off the field. We have a tough schedule this year, but with this group, I think we’ll do really well.”
Senior Maya Santa-Maria is also off to a splendid start this fall. The talented teenager plays center defense and has a role in just about everything that happens on the field.
“Our team has handled losing last year’s seniors very well,” Santa-Maria said. “Everyone from the freshmen to the new seniors have stepped up to any challenge. Our team is starting to connect on and off the field. Everyone has such a big heart and we are truly one big happy family. I’ve been through many positions. When I first started playing I was defense. Then I was moved to attack and now in my senior year, I’ve found a happy medium with playing a combination of both. I feel after many years my game as improved tremendously and I have my coach to thank for that. This year we will go far. I feel it. After all it is our year!”
Julie Rogel leads the Blue Devil goalie corps. Against Newfield, she recorded four saves. Rogel’s teammates have come to depend upon her as their last line of defense and she has been coming through for Huntington.
The Blue Devils will take the field for upcoming games against Bay Shore, Lindenhurst, Walt Whitman and Ward Melville.
