H-ton Field Hockey Celebrates Season

The Huntington field hockey team is celebrating its greatest season, which includes a dozen post-season honorees. The Blue Devils won 14 games and reached the Suffolk Final Four.

Coached by Kathy Wright and Allison Conlon, the team was captained by Laurel Bonn, Grace Agrillo, Tessie Maerz, Erin Scanlon and Gemma Cartwright.

Laurel Bonn (14 goals; 6 assists) was named to the All-State team and garnered Suffolk Defensive Player of the Year honors. “Laurel is skilled, driven, talented and a team player with amazing stops,” Wright said. “She reads the ball, makes defensive stops and is an encouraging voice on the field.”

Grace Agrillo (6g; 9a), Tessie Maerz (6g; 9a) and defender Erin Scanlon were all named to the All-County team.

Forward Charlotte Curtin (8g; 3a), defender Gemma Cartwright and goalie Carlee Schultz were recognized as All-County Honorable Mention.

Forward Kaci McDonald (6g) was tapped as All-Classification and defender Laura Curtin was picked as Huntington’s Unsung Hero Award winner. Ella O’Heir, Brooke Parks and Olivia Polinsky were all named All-Tournament.

The supporting cast complemented Bonn in every possible way from scoring goals to stopping them. Each of them was essential to Huntington’s overall success.

“Grace Agrillo is fast and an amazing defensive flyer who is fearless and has endurance,” Wright said. “Tessie Maerz is fast and goes to the ball,” Wright said. “She has beautiful transitions up the field and sees the open player. Erin Scanlon recovers back to her defensive position quickly to stop any ball. She has great timing, can block tackle and she’s encouraging.”

Charlotte Curtin displayed “amazing stick skills,” Wright said. “She drives to goal, always looking to receive the ball.”

Cartwright was magical on defense, working closely with Schultz. “Gemma had amazing stops right in front of the cage, which prevented goals time and time again,” Wright said.

Schultz made 97 saves in goal. “She’s fearless,” Wright said. “She can dive, stop high shots and prevent them all. Carlee was driven to be her best this season and made save after save against top teams.”

McDonald proved her worth game after game. “Kaci scores from the post and we counted on her to fight off the pads of the goalie,” Wright said.

Curtin was a key defender for the Blue Devils. “Time and time again she comes up with the ball on defense and is always there to back up her midfield,” Wright said.

The coaches and players used short quips throughout the season to motivate and inspire the team, including “Let’s score first;” “One team; one family;” “We got this;” Play to the last whistle;” “Don’t let down;” Replace, slide, get back, send the ball;” “It’s our field;” Who do you play for? Huntington!;” It’s our year,” “You worked hard for this” and “One game at a time.”

Wright said she was so happy “to be able to coach a wonderful group of talented girls that played with determination, skill and heart. They played for their team and for their school. They are a proud group of girls that love the game of field hockey. It was an absolute joy to be their coach. It was a great season for Huntington field hockey.”

The Blue Devils are graduating 14 seniors, but four post-season award winners will return to lead Huntington next fall. Charlotte Curtin, O’Heir, Parks and Polinsky are all returning.

“We will also have some strong defenders who are returning to varsity, including Jordana Pannicia and Elizabeth Stair,” Wright said. “We are looking forward to some very talented juniors to join us from JV, too. Although we are graduating some very strong and talented seniors, who have been together for many years, we are so excited to say that there are many talented girls that are ready to leave their mark on the field next season.”