By: Neil Hay
There have been times this season when the Allentown field hockey team has not played at its best.
Clearly, at this point, with the state tournament at hand, now is not the time for the Redbirds to abandon the basics that have made Allentown hockey what it has been over the years.
For sure, the Redbirds will have to play better than they did in last Friday’s 3-1 loss to visiting West Windsor-North. North, a first-year program, had only four wins going into the game. Thanks to the Redbirds’ less-than-sparkling effort, North now has five.
"We were not playing at our best," admitted co-coach Melissa DeSarno. "We had a lot of breakdowns. It came down to fundamentals. We did not play fundamental hockey. I don’t know why at this late stage of the season. We had two hard practices before that. We have to take each practice and each opponent seriously. In the game they knew what they had to do but were very flat. There were fundamental breakdowns in all phases of the game. It was a very frustrating day."
The score was tied 1-1 at the half on Laura Scimeca’s goal off a corner (set up by Nicole Hopkins). North scored a pair of second-half goals for a 3-1 lead. Finally, with about ten minutes left, the Redbirds picked it up. By then, it was over.
"We played very hard the last 10 minutes, but you can’t do that," said DeSarno. "All the players need to be in synch with each other. We have no shining stars. We must play as a unit."
Each team had eight shots. Goalie Kelly Harchetts recorded five saves as Allentown fell to 8-8.
The locals won their eighth game three days earlier, a 2-1 decision at Princeton. Ashley Cote (from Laura Erb) had her first goal of the year in the opening half. Christie Najecki, after the intermission, netted the game-winner ( on an assist from Ali Van Horn). It was her second goal of the season. Harchetts had five saves as the Redbirds had 14 shots to eight for the Tigers.
"That was a good game," said DeSarno. "We played much better in the second half. It was a matter of finishing the play. That’s been the problem this year. I believe we all want it. It is just a matter of getting a stick on the ball and putting it in. They are trying. Are they trying too hard? I don’t know. We’ve been focusing on it, trying different combinations. It might be a confidence issue for some, but they feel good about themselves."
How good the Redbirds feel about their prospects in the state tournament remains to be seen. With the eighth seed, Allentown got to host its opening round game against number nine Red Bank Regional in Central Jersey Group III.
The coaches are not familiar with Red Bank. But then again, Red Bank is unfamiliar with Allentown.
"Our records are comparable. Anything can happen on any given day. As long as we play hard and play our game, we’ll be fine.
"It is never too late (to get back on track). We are ready to come out strong and show Red Bank Regional what Allentown is about. Everyone goes into states 0-0. We have to capitalize on the advantages, and playing on our home field is an advantage."
As usual, co-coach Eileen Kuzman exuded confidence about her team’s tournament chances.
"Even though the team has been faced with adversity, we have to look ahead and focus and, with all the hard work and endurance, it will develop strength that will produce quality play," said Kuzma. "We are going to give it our all.
"We can still play our best hockey, definitely. Somewhere along the line every team takes a step backward. Now we are moving forward.
"It is the end of the season," added Kuzma. "We are going to wrap it up in a bundle. A red-and-black bundle. The girls are optimistic, as are the coaches."
This season has not been all lollipops and roses. But the trials of the campaign has helped forge this team’s character.
"Things happen and they happen for a reason," said Kuzma. "Hard work pays off. That is the lesson, that hard work will always get you where you want to be. And the girls have definitely worked hard."
Allentown should be at full strength, now that senior Amanda Armenante is back from a broken nose. Playing without a protective mask and breathing normally, Armenante will be a key figure, whether at midfield or in the backfield.
"She picks the team up a lot. She has a good voice, and has good insight into the game. She is a strong defender," said DeSarno.
