The Sayreville War Memorial High School field hockey team has the potential to turn its fortunes around this season.
The team and its coach, Mary Scharmello, are upbeat even after the Bombers fell to Metuchen High School, 6-2, on Sept. 26 in Metuchen.
“We have a very strong offensive line,” Scharmello said. “Hopefully, we can start putting some goals in right away. We have a strong sweeper and center back. Our goalie plays hard and gets lots of saves. That’s what I expect.”
Scharmello also wants to see her team play hard for a full game.
“We need to stay strong,” Scharmello said. “[Strong] mentally, just working on staying in the game and focusing on the win.”
The result against Metuchen brought the Bombers’ record to 0-8 on the year, but Scharmello expected her team to start picking up victories.
“We’re hoping to flip it around,” Scharmello said. “We’re hoping for an at least .500 season.”
The Bombers were unable to immediately move in that direction, falling in their next game to Old Bridge High School, 5-0, on Sept. 28 in Sayreville.
Scharmello still looks to lean on the talents of seniors Ashley Edwards, a right inside forward, and Samantha Harris, a center midfielder.
“It all starts with them,” Scharmello said.
In the loss to Metuchen, Sayreville’s top players came through.
Edwards scored midway through the first half to give the Bombers a 1-0 lead.
The Bombers were scheduled to travel to Monroe Township High School on Oct. 2 before coming back home to play East Brunswick High School on Oct. 4. They visit South Plainfield High School on Oct. 6 at 4 p.m.