H-ton JV Field Hockey Sets Stage for Success

A new coach and many new faces came together to help the Huntington junior varsity field hockey team enjoy a successful and competitive season and set the stage for future success.

Finley teacher Hildi Stanford stepped into the head coach position and players rallied around her, building a strong bond with each other.

“It was an amazing, caring and supportive group of young ladies,” Stanford said. The Blue Devils added a few players to their roster after word spread that participating on the team was a good way to have fun after school.

The Huntington JV’s top players included leading goal scorer, Erika Reyes, who found the back of the cage seven times. “She’s a newcomer and a powerhouse,” Stanford said. “She’s always finding the sweet spot on the field to charge in and score. Erika had a hat trick in our last minute loss to Walt Whitman.”

Rafaella Gregorio was the team’s leader and voice. “She controlled the field and pace of the game,” Stanford said.

Alexandra Centrone was the Blue Devils’ top defender. “She was amazing defensively all over the field,” Stanford said.

Megan Lewis was Huntington’s sweeper, establishing a solid wall of defense.

The season’s highlight? “Starting the season off as a new and inexperienced team; coming together in the end to win some games and grow into a family that truly supported one another,” Stanford said. “I am so proud of all the hard work these girls’ put in.”

With a solid core of returning players, Stanford said she “can’t wait to see who will join us next fall as new incoming freshmen.”