A young and relatively inexperienced J. Taylor Finley Middle School field hockey team battled tough Commack to a scoreless tie this week.
Finley’s players are in the midst of a rapid improvement as they gain experience and sharpen their skills. The team’s fans cheered the players on loudly throughout the afternoon contest.
The 15 player squad is coached by Finley physical education teacher Marissa Bergmann. The roster includes seventh graders Amelia Carino, Chloe Donovan, Lauren Dopico, Madelyn Falk, Deveren Flynn, Sophie Hoffman, Elliot Manu and Emma Sobocienski; and eighth graders Giana Anfolisi, Kennedy Banner, Emily Barba, Kathleen Cocoman, Domenica Elgart, Mia Johnson, Louisa Skrobela and Sofia Van Arsdale.
Finley and Commack engaged in a fierce battle, but neither team could break through the other’s defensive alignment and put the ball past the opposing goalie.
“It was a well fought game,” Bergmann said. “I am so proud of my team for working extremely hard until the end of the game.”
Finley’s players are learning all the intricacies of the sport and having fun along the way. The team is captained by Emily Barba, Katie Cocoman and Domenica Elgart.
“Commack is a tough team and we did a great job of not letting them score,” Bergmann said. “Emily Barba was in goal and she did an awesome job.”
Finley takes the field again on Tuesday at home against nearby rival Stimson. Six more games will follow with the season wrapping up on November 1 with a home game against Candlewood.
“We are getting better every day,” Bergmann said. “The girls have really improved in all aspect of our game offensively and defensively.”