Blue Devil Field Hockey Reaches
for the Top
Could this be the year the Huntington High School field hockey program rises into the top ranks of the sport in Suffolk? An experienced Blue Devil squad has head coach Kathy Wright thinking that anything is possible.
“We are very excited for our season to begin,” Wright said. Huntington’s roster includes five sophomores, 15 juniors and three seniors. It’s a group of hardworking players, many of whom spent a significant amount of time engaged in off-season training.
The Blue Devils have an exceptionally fast offensive unit and a defensive cast that is both physically tough and aggressive. Huntington also boasts two veteran goalies in senior Greta Farrell and junior Tara Byrnes. “Both of these girls are very strong players and have varsity experience,” Wright said.
Senior Gillian Erhman will be one of the Blue Devils’ key on-field leaders. The teenager earned All-County honorable mention recognition last year, excelling at link, a combo of wing and midfielder. She scored three goals and added an assist.
Sarah Fernandez and Irina Desimone will pace the team’s powerful offensive line. Darya DeSimone, Kacie Rubert, Oliva Castillo and Charlotte Levinson are expected to aptly patrol the midfield and defend stop opponents’ offensive assaults.
Huntington compiled a 6-8-1 mark last fall in Wright’s first season as head coach. The Blue Devils dropped a 2-0 verdict to Lindenhurst in the Section XI playoffs. The game was delayed for more than a week by Hurricane Sandy. Despite the loss, the Blue Devils were able to feel good about the season.
Farrell stopped 86 shots in goal last fall, displaying a determined, fearless and tenacious style of play. Byrnes recorded five saves as a sophomore and her ascent gives Huntington one of the most formidable goalie combinations in the county.
Huntington clinched a playoff berth last year with a 1-0 late season victory over Northport. It was a scene that Wright hopes is repeated many times this fall. The Blue Devils have a stable of hardnosed players and they appear willing to go toe-to-toe with Suffolk’s elite.
“Our team consists of very athletic girls with speed, agility and determination,” Wright said. “I see us as a powerful young developing team that consists of a group of girls who just love to play the sport.”