Knights field hockey team feeling some growing pains
Young team looking ahead to bright future
You can never have success without going through some growing pains first, regardless of the sport.
Sometimes you’re fortunate enough to build a dynasty, with each season bringing more success to an established program, but the fact remains that you’ve got to learn how to win before becoming a champion.
Although the Old Bridge High School field hockey team has won just one game, Coach Rose Daganya believes the experience her team is getting now will help it next fall. She has a lot of young players who are anxious to become better, and, as a result, the coach foresees some good things for her field hockey program.
"The girls have played some very good games," the coach said. "They lost to East Brunswick, 1-0, and they just keep coming at opponents. This is a wonderful, hard-working group."
The team has also shown an interest in community service, visiting Old Bridge Regional Hospital, and has plans to visit a school for handicapped children.
On the field, the Lady Knights have just three seniors on the roster: forward Ailish McGrath, fullback Debbie McKim and midfielder Monica Borgone.
A large group of juniors will form the nucleus of Daganya’s team next season. They include forward Jen Moran; midfielders Jessica Calimari, Shannon Frew, Valeri Kowalski, Stefanie Montalto and Erin Spess; and fullbacks Rachel Cohen, Jen Schiffer, Meli Torres, Sylvia Wewiora; and goaltender Yla Angso.
In addition, two sophomores, forwards Amanda Hobson and Krystina Miller, have played well, and the coach will promote some players from the junior varsity and freshman teams. The Lady Knights had a good turnout this year with 22 players on the JV and 34 on the freshman team.
The coach said that she is seeing more and more positive signs from her team with each passing game, and although the girls have not experienced too much winning this year, she is expecting some better results next year.
"There’s a lot of interest in field hockey," Daganya said. "Our program is growing and we’re heading in the right direction."