Tamutus excited about Rams’ prospects

FIELD HOCKEY: Following an 8-10 campaign in 2000, Hightstown High coach Julie Tamutus has set a goal of making the state playoffs.

By: Neil Hay
   A young but experienced team gives coach Julie Tamutus reason to believe that 2001 will be a winner for Hightstown field hockey.
   "I am very optimistic," said Tamutus of the new season, which begins Tuesday against visiting Hopewell Valley.
   "I am pretty content with the speed we have. We have good versatility at midfield. I am very pleased with our experience. Most have played three years of varsity hockey. We are also ahead because I am now in my second year with the program."
   A year ago the Rams finished 8-10 overall. Said Tamutus, "It was year of improvement. We showed progress, but I don’t think we went as far as we could have. We’ve got some more maturity and experience, and the girls are determined not to make the mistakes they made last year."
   Returning players – and there are plenty – include senior midfielder Lauren Spingler (a four-year varsity player) and junior forward Adrienne Bini, senior back Angie Conti, junior goalie Kristen Ewer, junior forward Justine Postorino (last year’s leading scorer with nine goals and six assists), junior forward Christina Septak and senior forward Sarah Skillman. They are all three-year varsity players. Spingler, Ewer, and Skillman are tri-captains.
   Other veterans include junior midfielders Holly Freeman and Becky McBride, and sophomore back Sarah Mitchell, all two-year varsity players, senior mid Julie Papaioannou, senior back Kristin Radziwanowski, junior forward Katie Rooney and junior forward Lena Wong.
   New additions are sophomore goalie Kristen Sarbu (up from last fall’s 14-1-1 freshmen team), sophomore mid Nicole Baillie, and sophomore back Erica Palmisano.
   "We have the most returning players (15) of any team in the CVC. A lot of the girls went to camp, played indoors and it shows. Their skills are better, they are more dependable. This is a more balanced team. Everyone is almost even in skills.
   "I am looking for a good year," predicted Tamutus. "Last year we doubled all our stats. We’ve evaluated our strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to again double our stats and improve."
   Despite recording five shutouts in 2000, the Rams did not qualify for the state tournament. When the second season begins, the Rams want to be there.
   "Making states is a goal. We want to play after October 31st."