The Huntington High School varsity field hockey team looks good in the opening weeks of the season and players are optimistic.
The squad features several veteran seniors along with many skilled young players. It’s a nice balance that has head coach Kathy Wright and assistant coach Allison Conlon excited about this year and the future of the program.
The team consists of sophomores Grace Agrillo, Grace Allen, Laurel Bonn, Gemma Cartwright, Laura Curtin, Tessie Maerz, Kaci McDonald and Erin Scanlon; junior Lauren Holly; and seniors Andrea Delcid Ayala, Bella DiBenedetto, Lisa Martin, Gianna Prosseda, Julie Rogel, Tess Stanley and Riley Zink.
“I am so happy we are able to play this season after everything that has happened,” Prosseda said. “We are a really strong team and I believe we are going to do very well this season. Our first two games have shown our improvement and our dedication.”
The Blue Devils play Lindenhurst on Thursday. Games will follow against Northport, Smithtown West, Smithtown East, Walt Whitman, Sachem East, West Islip, Ward Melville, Bay Shore, Newfield and William Floyd.
“The season is going very well so far,” DiBenedetto said. “We opened up with two great games. I’m very happy with how well this team plays together. I have high hopes for the rest of the season and I’m so thankful that I get to play out my senior season with such a great group of girls.”
Huntington topped North Babylon to open the year, 2-0. The Blue Devils led 2-0 at halftime behind goals by Curtin and DiBenedetto. Bonn and Prosseda had assists. The defense was outstanding in stopping the Bulldogs. Huntington had 23 shots on goal in the game.
“I am so grateful that we are able to have our field hockey season this year after it was postponed in the fall,” Rogel said. “Our first two games have really showcased just how determined and hardworking our team is. Although we are a young team, we are very strong and I cannot wait to see how successful we are over the course of the next few weeks.”
The Blue Devils fell to Commack in the second game of the season, 1-0. Rogel was sharp, recording seven saves. Holly also tallied a save in goal.
“I am so excited to be back on the field with my teammates and friends,” McDonald said. “It makes life feel like it’s back to normal. I am looking forward to more wins.”
Having Rogel in goal is a big plus for Huntington since the senior is one of the best players at the position in Suffolk.
“I feel like it’s going really well,” Zink said. “It’s really nice to have a sense of normal, although we had to make some adjustments such as masks, sanitation and distancing, but I love my team. We’re really practicing hard and planning on having an amazing season. As a captain, I hope to lead my team to playoffs this year!”