Finley Field Hockey Refuses to Lose
November 8 , 2024
The Finley Middle School field hockey had an interesting season. Call it “refuse to lose” or use a similar phrase to describe it. The squad compiled a 2-1-6 record. That’s right; six tie games.
Coached by Marissa Bergmann and Hildi Stafford and captained by Luisa Mackay, May Schneider, Abigail Uvena and Shelby Meystrik, the roster included 20 players.
Bergmann gave a nod to the team’s four captains. “They did an excellent job,” the coach said.
Finley’s top players included
Forwards: (8th grade) Kellen Anderson, Elena Prior; (7th grade) Abby Van Horn, Annie Donovan, Delaney Madden, Lia Rotunno, Gretchen Schmid, Ava Tortora
Midfield: (8th grade) Shelby Meystrik, Maya Schneider, Abby Uvena; (7th grade) Charlotte Kindelman
Defense: (8th grade) Frannie D’Eloia, Luisa MacKay, Gianna Parides, Elisabetta Arra
Goalie: (8th grade) Vader Renkewitz; (7th grade) Sofia Felice
“Vader and Sofia did an outstanding job in goal,” Bergmann said. “This is the first time either played in goal. They had a lot of key saves this season that helped us win games or keep the tie.”
Several players proved to be especially versatile. “Elena Prior, Lia Rotunno, Scarlett Philips and Katie Van Horn played both forward and midfield for us and did an outstanding job,” Bergmann said. “Shelby, Maya, Abby Uvena and Charlotte did an outstanding job in the midfield, moving the ball up the field along with their great hits and corners. Frannie, Luisa, Elisabetta and Gianna helped us tremendously on the defensive end. They stopped the other teams transition many times and made smart choices when passing the ball to their teammates. Delaney, Ava, Lia and Scarlett did a great job attacking the goal. The improvement was wonderful. We had many new players that improved tremendously.”
A 2-0 win over Oldfield was the highlight of the season. “We tied them the first time we played them,” Bergmann explained. “It was a complete team effort. We had outstanding passes throughout the game. The defense was on point and transitioned the ball well, along with our goalies making huge saves.”
Finley had remarkable staying power in tight games. “This group of girls was a pleasure to coach,” Bergmann said. “Our eighth graders were outstanding role models. They did a great job leading by example. Our seventh graders came in with a great skill set and competitive edge They were eager to get started and learn each day. Our eighth grade group got a ton of experience this year in games and I am confident they will bring great success to the high school next year.”
The team enjoyed a very solid two month season. “This group of girls isn’t selfish,” Bergmann said. “They worked well together. They were encouraging and motivated each other daily.”
Looking ahead to next fall, Finley will have nine players returning. “Many are playing field hockey in the off season as well,” Bergmann said. “I am looking forward to another successful season of watching these girls grow on the field.”
The returnees include Abby Van Horn, Annie Donovan, Delaney Madden, Lia Rotunno, Gretchen Schmid, Ava Tortora, Charlotte Kindelman, Scarlett Philips and Sofia Felice.
