H-ton JV Field Hockey Team Holds Heads High

The Huntington junior varsity field hockey team was a great group of players who faced a mountain of challenges, but kept their heads held high and earned the respect of the Blue Devil athletic program.

The roster was small, but the hearts of the players were big. Coached by Finley Middle School teacher Hildi Stanford, the JV was captained by sophomore Giana Anfolisi and junior Mia Molina.

Last year’s varsity team included an unusually high number of seniors who all graduated last June. That meant many of the 2022 JV team’s players were promoted. Combined with a small group of Finley players moving up to the high school, it all led to a small 2023 JV roster.

All of that said, the JV played its heart out and gave Stanford and Huntington everything it could. Anfolisi and freshman Sophie Hoffman led the Blue Devils.

Stanford called Anfolisi the “team hype-woman, motivator and positive vibe-bringer.” The captain had a goal and two assists from her forward position.

“Giana Anfolisi always had a smile on her face as well as a sunny outlook on things, even when things weren’t so sunny,” Stanford said. “She is a hard worker and motivated the rest of the girls on the team to work as hard. She was the heart and soul of the team.”

Louisa Skrobela was the most improved player on the JV. “Her stick skills and defensive skills were much improved from last season,” Stanford said. “She is an aggressive defender.”

Sofia Vias shined at sweeper. “Sophia was excellent and kept the goalie well protected,” the coach said.

Freshman Anastacia Mennuto stepped in to play goalie for their first time. “She’s a natural in goal and not afraid of the ball,” Stanford said. “She had a stellar season with 35 saves.”

The highlight of the season was a 6-0 win over Commack. “Winning this game was a big morale booster,” Stanford said. “Having to play seven on seven this season wasn’t easy, but the girls worked hard and overcame that obstacle. The team as a whole never gave up and never stopped trying. Playing seven on seven is no easy task, but these girls did it with a smile on their faces.”

The team liked to refer to itself as “small but mighty.” “This is a very motivated and strong-willed group of girls,” Stanford said. “I see all the girls returning next year and I hope to see some of them get the opportunity to play at the varsity level.”