The Huntington High School junior varsity field hockey team encountered its fair share of challenges during the recent season, which was moved from last fall to March-April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blue Devils were led by freshmen Brooke Parks and Sophie Lange and sophomores Markella Markotsis and Rachel Morina.
“Brooke is an excellent field hockey player with an incredible skill for a freshman,” Byrnes said. “She did well when she played a few games on the varsity.”
Lange also shined at a key position for Huntington. “Sophie stepped up as a goalie when we did not have one and learned a lot in a short amount of time,” Byrnes said.
Markotsis and Morina were standouts on defense for the Blue Devils. “Markella is a great defender and she stepped up when she was asked to play other positions. She constantly came up with clutch stops. Rachel is a composed player that always plays so hard. She is a solid defender and is always reliable.”
Sophomores Quinn Fox and Abby Pawlak scored two goals each to pace the offense. Pawlak also added an assist. Freshman Ella O’Heir and Markotsis also tallied assists for the Blue Devils.
“The team played hard in every game with a tough schedule,” Byrnes said. “Each girl was so willing to try new positions and excel wherever they played. We did very well against strong teams and got better every day. Everyone was happy to be able to play. It was a wonderful group of girls that persevered through a challenging season.”
The team was captained by Morina and sophomore Katie Meagher. The roster also included freshmen Jordana Paniccia, Olivia Polinsky and Elizabeth Stair.
“We have a very bright future,” Byrnes said. “We are a talented group and look forward to a successful future. The players are coachable, caring and selfless and love being around the game.”