Blue Devil Field Hockey Looks
to Future
With many talented players returning to the field, the Huntington High School field hockey team appears to be in a strong position to make a run at post-season play in the fall.
Coached by Kathy Wright and Marissa Bergmann, the Blue Devils compiled a 7-8 mark last fall, finishing fifth in Suffolk Division II. Northport topped Huntington in sudden death in an opening round playoff game last fall, 1-0. “They fought hard and played with heart,” said Wright about her team.
Last year’s Blue Devil squad “was a young and developing team,” Wright said. “They had heart, skill, determination and speed. Every game we got better, stronger and more skilled.”
Captains Gillian Ehrman and Greta Farrell were lost to graduation, as was senior Julianna Kimchy, but captains Cassidie Giammarino and Olivia Castillo are returning for one final season.
The forward line will once again feature Anna Tesoriero (five goals, two assists), Ellyn Byrnes (four goals) and Irina DeSimone (one goal, six assists). “They led our team with goals and assists,” said Wright about the trio. Emma DeGennaro (four goals) will also figure prominently in the team’s offense.
Huntington’s midfield will include veterans Darya DeSimone (two goals, three assists), Kacie Rubert (one goal, two assists) and Sarah Fernandez (one assist), who are all speedy and possess strong stick skills. Castillo and Giammarino will anchor the defensive unit. Tara Byrnes will be in goal after recording 43 saves last fall.
Despite the first round playoff loss, Wright was pleased with her 2013 squad. “We had a strong season and played as a team,” she said. “Although we are losing three talented seniors we will be returning nine starters. Next season we will be even stronger with experienced players returning to the field.
Several Blue Devil players earned post-season honors last fall. Ehrman was named to the All-County team. Darya DeSimone garnered All-County honorable mention recognition. Irina DeSimone and Fernandez captured All-Conference honors. Tesoriero was All-Division. Castillo was All-Tournament.
Blue Devil Notes: Huntington’s wins in 2013 came against Copiague (7-0 and 2-0), Riverhead (2-1 and 1-0), Comsewogue (2-0), Centereach (2-0 and 4-2) . . . . The Blue Devils dropped games to East Islip (4-0 and 2-0), Smithtown East (3-0 and 5-0), West Islip (2-0 and 2-0), Comsewogue (2-1) and Northport (1-0 in overtime).