Blue Devil Field Hockey Feted at County Dinner

Huntington players were feted at this week’s Suffolk County Field Hockey Coaches Assn. awards dinner at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. The Blue Devils reached the playoffs, compiling a 9-7-1 record in league play.

Coached by Kathy Wright and Allison Conlon, the 22 player team was captained by Charlotte Curtin, Alexandra Centrone and Sophia Weiss.

“Our best accomplishment this season was to successfully come together as one team with the JV/varsity players and then to grow as one team and to make it to seventh place in Suffolk County and then to the second round of the playoffs,” Wright said.

Curtin tallied nine goals and nine assists from her middie position. The senior was recognized at this week’s dinner as All-County, All-Tournament and as an Exceptional Senior. “Charlotte has amazing stick skills and is so strong on offense and defense,” Wright said.

Sophomore forward Caroline Mitek (6 goals; 8 assists) and junior defender Sofia Van Arsdale were named All County Honorable Mention following superb fall campaigns.

“Caroline has great stick skills and she’s able to finish in the circle,” Wright said. “Sofia started and played every entire game.”

Sophomore middie Sophie Hoffman (3 goals; 3 assists) notched All-Classification honors. “Sophie has such strong stick skills, transitioning with the ball up the field,” Wright said.

All-Division freshman middie Ava Bencivenga (2 goals; 4 assists) was a flyer on corners and proved to be an impact player in every game.

Unsung Hero Award recipient Daniella Granito tallied 10 goals. “She was always in the right place up at the post to finish with a goal,” Wright said.

Junior Kathleen Cocoman (49 saves) and senior Sophia Weiss (38 saves) combined to form a great goalkeeper duo. After Weiss suffered a season ending shoulder injury in practice, it was up to Cocoman to carry on alone in the cage.

Sophomore defender Elliot Manu was named All-Tournament and All-Academic. “She came up with amazing stops each game,” Wright said.

Huntington’s roster was comprised of determined and hardworking girls. “They all loved the game of field hockey and it was a joy to coach them all,” Wright said. “They grew stronger and more skilled with each passing game. They all had a goal to get to the playoffs and they achieved it. They all played to the last whistle every game. They all were proud of their Huntington team and showed it each game.”

Mitek, Bencivenga, Hoffman, Manu, Van Arsdale and Cocoman all return next fall along with key underclassmen Alexa Wasoski, Shea Gilroy, Norah Golden and Giana Anfolisi. “We also had a few ninth graders that were developing their skills to the varsity level,” Wright said. “There are some strong current Finley eighth graders that will be joining us next year.”