By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
The varsity girls field hockey teammates show quite a bit of collaboration with one another, contributing to the team’s successful record this season of 8-4 according to head varsity field hockey coach, Danielle Matlack.
"The field hockey kids are high class students; they’re good in school and out, good on the field and in the classroom," Ms. Matlack said.
This season, the varsity team has 10 seniors and a majority of underclassmen according to Ms. Matlack.
Ms. Matlack said that five sophomores, Kristin Cavorley, Allie Wahl, Megan Moran and Emily Ryan definitely came into tryouts performing at a varsity level and have continued to contribute to the team’s success this season.
"They came in ready to play at a varsity level," Ms. Matlack said. "They are in good physical condition and their stick work has really improved since last year as well as their knowledge at the game."
Ms. Matlack said her only junior on the team, Alyssa Talerick, is the team’s leading scorer and is also the leading point earner.
Freshman Eileen Rolwood is the team’s second leading scorer and freshman Elizabeth Reudman is the goalie.
"Those two players (Eileen, Elizabeth) definitely play real key spots for us," Ms. Matlack said.
According to senior and team captain Emily Broxmeyer, the team has shown significant improvement from last year’s season through communication and team unity.
"We’re working well together really well so far and have improved a lot," Emily said. "We have gotten better in passing down the field, communication, and we are all a lot closer than previous years."
Senior Megan Mazur said that the upperclassmen view their underclassmen teammates as their equals because the team is now mostly made up from underclassmen.
Emily said that the team is fortunate in having such committed players this year.
"We are lucky to have a group of sophomores who are willing to be here and who are very committed," Emily said.
Ms. Matlack also said that she has noticed that all the players are very dedicated to performing the best they can and playing well each game. She also said that the upperclassmen provide guidance to the underclassmen through proper behavior.
"They know what is expected," Ms. Matlack said. "They are expected to behave, act and prepare a certain way in order to discipline themselves."
Emily said that overall the team continues to strive to play the best they can and persevere to perform well, never giving up and always working together.
Overall, the team as a whole feels that they are surpassing their expectations for the season and pleasing many supporters.
"We are doing a lot better than everyone expected this season," Megan said. "Ms. Matlack always told us to never have any regrets and we are not going to have any regrets this season."
Ms. Matlack said that her ultimate goal for this season is to play well and to be a part of the state finals.
"We always want to play the best we can every game," Ms. Matlack said. "We made states and GMC’s and we want to be in the finals. We want to be there and win them."
