Blue Devil Field Hockey Reaches Suffolk Final Four

The Huntington field hockey team just keeps winning. The Blue Devils topped Smithtown West, 3-0 on Saturday morning in a county quarterfinal game to advance to the Suffolk Final Four on Tuesday at Ward Melville. Game time is 3 p.m.

Huntington is 14-3 heading into the semifinal game. It’s the most wins by any Blue Devil field hockey team ever. Coaches Kathy Wright and Allison Conlon are just as excited as their players. The squad doesn’t want the season to end.

Last Saturday’s game atmosphere was a festive one. Sophomore Mia Molina belted out a remarkable rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” that echoed beyond the school and down toward the Big H Shopping Center. Senior James Rosselli deftly handled player introductions and carried out public address announcer duties with his own unique flair. A Homecoming Day crowd of about 300 filled the grandstand and the Blue Devils fed off its energy.

Huntington’s goals came off the sticks of Laurel Bonn (14 goals; 6 assists), Kaci McDonald (6g) and Brooke Parks (2g). Tessie Maerz (6g; 9a) and Grace Agrillo (6g; 9a) had assists. Goalie Carlee Schultz (87 saves) stopped a pair of shots.

“Today’s game was an incredible feeling; making history, moving on to semis and most importantly, it wasn’t my last game playing field hockey,” Bonn said. “Not only was the energy of the team high, but having a packed stands with James [Rosselli] announcing the game was such a special feeling that I will never forget. One game at a time!”

Ward Melville (13-1 league; 15-1 overall) topped Smithtown East to advance to the semifinals. The Patriots defeated Huntington during the regular season, 5-1.

“Our hard work all season has been leading up to this moment,’ star defensive player Gemma Cartwright said. “I am so happy we could get this far this season, but we definitely aren’t done yet. Every game we grow even stronger together.”

Ward Melville’s only loss this fall has been to defending county and state champion Northport, 2-0. The Patriots had a couple of close calls in one goal games.

The Blue Devils continue to savor their 2022 run. “It’s pretty amazing,” Agrillo said. “Team history has been made and we are all so proud, but we have some work to do as a team to beat Ward Melville. I feel confident about our chances. If we stay focused and communicate with each other we can beat them. We are a strong team both offensively and defensively so if we fire on all our strengths we will dominate.”