By: Sean Richards
Although the Monroe Township High School field hockey team did not win any of its first three games, the youthful Falcons gave a lot of indications the struggling ways won’t last long.
Heading into Thursday’s home contest against Piscataway, coach Virginia Gonzalez was decidedly upbeat about what she’s seen so far. And that applies to both the team’s attitude and level of play.
"The girls are doing a great job," said Gonzalez. "We’re out-hustling and outplaying the other teams. We just haven’t been able to finish yet.
"I fear for our opponents when we do."
Monroe lost its opener, 3-1, to South Plainfield last Friday, but that wasn’t necessarily a discouraging result because the Tigers are traditionally one of the Greater Middlesex Conference’s tougher teams.
Senior Meghan Stark got the Monroe goal, while Chrissie Mucciolo recorded five saves between the pipes and Shannon Weber had two.
The next game found Monroe taking on a non-league foe in visiting Montgomery. The Falcons came up short again when they fell, 2-1, but they probably deserved a better result. Stark got her second goal with Saahithi Karuturi and Nicole Manziano notching assists on a play that started off a corner.
Monroe returned to action on Monday and came up with a strong defensive effort as it held Old Bridge to a scoreless tie in double overtime. Monroe definitely deserved a better fate here, outshooting the Knights by a whopping 10-2 margin.
"As I said, it’s just a matter of finishing," said Gonzalez. "It’s still early in the season, but I really think that will come, once the girls start getting more confidence. We’re 100 percent better than last year."
Gonzalez is especially pleased with her team’s mental approach to the games and hockey in general.
"The entire team is working as a unit, which is the first time I’ve seen that," said Gonzalez, who is in her fifth year at the Falcon helm. "What I also like is they’re having fun out there.
"In the past the team would get off the field and look like they were miserable. These girls are smiling and really enjoying it. They’re having fun and showing a lot of pride."
In addition to Thursday’s game against Piscataway, Monroe is scheduled to play at Metuchen Monday and at East Brunswick Wednesday.

