Finley Field Hockey Enjoys Strong Season

An exceptionally strong line-up propelled the J. Taylor Finley Middle School field hockey team to a five win season, its best showing in many years.

The 24 player team was coached by Finley physical education teacher Marissa Bergmann and captained by eighth graders Ava Bencivenga, Karina Rodriguez, Alexa Wasoski, Shealyn Gilroy and Campbell Arthur.

The highlight of the season came against a vaunted crosstown rival. “We played Northport and were losing and we came back to tie,” Bergmann said. “We never gave up. Northport is a very skilled team and we were able to make adjustments that changed the momentum of the game.”

Wasoski and Gilroy led the squad in goals and assists. “Both girls were tough around the goal and the corners,” Bergmann said. “They never gave up.”

Bencivenga and eighth grader Gabriella Jones led the midfield in helping facilitate the ball up the field to the offense. Seventh grader Norah Golden was also “fantastic” in the midfield. “She had many great hits this season that helped us score,” Bergmann said.

The coach said eighth grader Darcy Rimkunas improved the most this season in all aspects of her game. “She became a very versatile player,” Bergmann said. “She played defense and forward for us. Her hits were very strong.”

Arthur also shined with sensational hits and drives. “She has great placement with the ball and great field awareness,” Bergmann said. Eighth grader Bella Bernzweig also displayed noticeable improvement over last season. “She had a great stick skills and had a determination to help score at the forward position,” the coach said.

Katherine Van Horn was great in the cage as Finley’s goalie. “She had some key saves throughout the season and did a wonderful job keeping us in many games,” Bergmann said.

The team’s defense had many stars, including Francesca D’Eloia, who emerged as a fierce, competitive and a fearless player. “She was an amazing flyer for us on corners,” Bergmann said. “She stopped many players from attempting to score.”

Luisa Mackey was also “fantastic” on defense. “She also had no fear and had many stops,” Bergmann said. Gianna Parides, Karina Rodriguez, Taylor Ranft were also wonderful on defense.

Abigail Uvena, Shelby Meystrik , Maya Schneider and Paige Falk proved their value and versatility at a variety of positions. Caitlyn Wegielnik, Vader Renkewitz, Kellen Anderson, Tallulah Koepele, Saira Amin and Regan Murtagh “brought great energy and did a great job,” Bergmann said.

The Finley field hockey program has turned a successful corner with this year’s squad, outscoring opponents, 17-9.

“This group of players is very special,” Bergmann said. “They were ‘team first’ players always. They are going to do great things for the future of our program and I can’t wait to hear all about it. Our captains were great leaders on and off the field. They lead by example and really helped set the tone of the season from the very first day.”

Finley expects to field a strong team again next fall. “We have 11 returners with great experience,” Bergmann said. We will be adding a handful of current sixth graders with experience as well. I am looking forward to another year of helping these players improve their skills and have fun.”