Eagles win encourages coach

By John E. Powers, Sports Writer
   The South Hunterdon Regional High School field hockey team entered the third week of the season with a 3-4-1 record.
   But it was the Eagles’ final game of last week, a 3-2 win over Hackettstown, that really has encouraged coach Andi Gurba.
   Senior Brittany Ennis and freshman Kelly Albanir scored in the first half, and senior Brittney Shurts scored in the second half. Junior keeper Leslie Salsbury made 10 stops, and senior sweeper Angelique Platas made a terrific save to preserve the win.
   Shurts and freshman Becca Hendricks had assists.
   ”The team came out and were focused and ready,” Gurba said. “They were doing all the things we practice everyday and work so hard for each goal. Leslie Salsbury had a great game with 10 saves, and Angelique Platas backed her up with a great defensive save. The goals scored was the result of team work and communication, which is key in this sport.”
   The Eagles had rebounded. However, on Monday, the Eagles fell under .500, losing to North Warren 2-0 in Blairstown. A second half penalty stroke goal by Kate Norgard at 13:23 opened the scoring.
   Giustine Lorusse made it 2-0 at 8:02 of the second half. Salsbury made six saves.
   ”We came out and worked hard, and, in my opinion, we dominated the game,” Gurba said. ““North Warren is definitely a good team, but I feel that we had a good chance to win, and a penalty stroke was called, and North Warren scored. After that we let up, and they scored again. We were so close so many times. But we need to work as a team for a full 60 minutes and be strong.”
   Last Thursday, South suffered a 5-0 loss at Bernards as sophomore Emily Davlini had two goals, and senior Grace Cristus had a goal and an assist. Salsbury made eight saves.
   ”The score was misleading,” Gurba said. ““I felt like my team came out and did all the things they needed to do to win the game. They played on turf for the first time this season and looked like a ‘turf team.’ It was awesome to see.”
   She added, “Bernards took advantage of its corners and were able to execute. Our offense just needs to be more aggressive, but our defense looked great, and their coach (Sara Falzarano) praised us.”
   Gurba praised the pay of Platas and Ennis, who played well on the back line.
   ”Bernards is a very talented team,” Gurba said. ““But we gave them a run.”
   Sophomore Emily Marley scored at 7:53 of the second half on an assist by junior Kayla Ribsam in a 2-1 loss to Somerville last Tuesday. Salsbury had three saves.
   ”We just had an off day,” Gurba said.
   South Hunterdon will play host to Morrisville (Pa.) Friday night at 7 p.m. The team then plays at Belvidere Tuesday afternoon.