By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
The Hun School field hockey team was able to shake off a slow start and get its season heading in the right direction.
After opening the season with four straight losses, the Raiders have rebounded to win four in a row to even their record at 4-4.
“It always takes us three or four games to get going and then we seem to all of a sudden click,” said Hun coach Kathy Quirk, whose team has won three straight one-goal games. “We have so many new kids in so many new positions. We have a lot of players without varsity experience, so it has been a struggle. Our goalie is a sophomore who had never seen varsity before so it has been interesting.”
Thankfully for the Raiders, they have their share of veteran leaders who helped to steady the ship after opening 0-4. In each of the losses the team seemed to play better and once they got the first win under their belts, the wins kept coming.
“We had four losses in a row, which was hard at the beginning of the season,” senior co-captain Sophia Albanese said. “It was hard to face four losses and still have confidence. But we came back with three wins in a row against some good teams. Against West Windsor North, we scored three goals against a real good goalie. And then we beat West Windsor South and earlier we had beaten Stuart, so that was three good wins.
“We played a close game with Montgomery and in that game everyone contributed. That Montgomery game sort of changed the tempo for us and got us motivated and confident that we could come back and make our record better. We played some good hockey in that game and it translated over the next few games.”
Since a 5-4 loss to Montgomery, the Raiders have started streaking in the opposite direction. They will take a 4-4 record into their Mid-Atlantic Prep League opener against Blair on Saturday.
“We had a bunch of seniors last year,” Albanese said. “We could have fielded a team just with seniors. It’s the same thing this year but we don’t have as much experience. We have a bunch who came up from JV and this is their first year on varsity. So it has been a bit of a transition for them.
“As a team and with us all being friends we have been able to help each other out. And we also have some freshmen who play. Our goalie is a sophomore, MC Shea, and she gets better every game. Our main contributors have been veterans like Julie Fassl, Kate Davis and Delia Lawver, who are all over the field in the midfield.”
In the win over Lawrence, Fassl scored a pair of goals and Davis added the other tally. Fassl also scored twice in a 2-1 win over South.
“In the Montgomery game we tied the scored with four minutes left and with 1:13 left they score to go ahead,” Quirk recalled. ”It was a letdown, but it was a turnaround know we could score four in a game and be competitive. That was a turning point in our season.
“Against North, after they scored two goals within the first two minutes of the first half, we called a timeout told them this is unacceptable and the type of hockey we play. We scored and then scored two more to win the game. I think they believed in themselves that we could do this. Against Stuart we went down 1-0 and then exploded in the second half with four nice goals. South was a win in overtime, so that makes it even more special.”
Albanese has been a steady contributor on defense for four years and helps a group that has been solid in front of their new goalkeeper, Shea.
“I have been defense the past four years and also play in the midfield this year,” Albanese said. “Helena (Hemberger) has been on varsity since she was a sophomore and is putting in great work. Everyone has a big role and we are working together really well. I have noticed this year how great our passes have been and you have great passing to be a successful team.”
The Raiders still have plenty of their season in front of them. They are ready to begin MAPL play this weekend and will also have the Mercer County Tournament and state Prep A tournament down the road.
“We have a bunch if games left,” said Albanese, who is hoping to continue playing field hockey in college. “We still have to play our conference games and those will be pretty intense. Our first one is against Blair on Saturday and hopefully we can come out on top. We always want to try to win again the MAPL teams.
“I am looking forward to the rest of the season and cherish the moments I still have left on Hun field hockey. Mrs. Quirk is a great coach and she keeps everyone united. The team atmosphere is always wonderful. I don’t know how she does it but she always manages to keep her team in order.”
And this year the Raiders have done a great job of keeping themselves focused after a slow start to the season. Albanese hopes that her last year with the team turns out to be her best year.
“This year has been different,” she said. “You play with the same people but you know it is your last year. That is an added thing. You are always thinking about how this is my last game against North or my last game against Stuart. Everything is your first last. It’s a matter of making every moment count.
“Our team is such a great atmosphere and all the girls are very good friends. That is something I have loved during all four years of my experience with the team. Being a co-captain again this year is a great way to be a role model and be there for my friends. I love being a captain and being a leader by example. I want to have a great year. I am so glad we have done well.”
