2023 Upper Valley high school fall sports guide: field hockey
Published: 09-11-2023 1:00 PM |
Coach: Mallory Hillman (1).
Last year: 9-6-1, lost in quarterfinals to John Stark.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returners: Seniors — Savannah Walczak (F/capt.), Jolie Reznek (D). Juniors — Eva Bell (M/capt.), Sophia Costa (M), Lauren Evans (M), Gwen Riordan (G), Lily Smith (D), Jackie Anderson (D).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Catherine Anderson (D), Joia Collins (M/F), Grace Healey (F), Olivia Klinger (D), Greta Mancini (M/F), Sophia Mancini (F), Anya Nyhan (M), Elena Simon (D), Ruby Lintner (D), Caroline “Grace” Staats (D).
Outlook: Mallory Hillman takes over as head coach for the Bears after Jean Essex held the role for 20 years and won two state titles. Hanover had seven seniors last year compared to just two this fall, with 10 freshmen joining the varsity squad.
“There will be a lot of changes on and off the field this year, but I’m looking forward to a year of growth,” Hillman said. “While we have a lot of younger players, they have already shown tremendous promise on the field and I’m optimistic about the team’s outlook this upcoming season.”
Coach: Heather Scudder (35).
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Last year: 13-3-1, lost in finals to Woodstock.
League: VPA Division II.
Returners: Kennedi Rhodes (D), Kamryn Brower (RI), Maddi Willey (RW), Gabby Gardner (M), MJ Rogers (G). Juniors — Paige Vielleux (G), Olivia Seaver (RW), Madison Barwood (LI), Paige Trombley (D), Devyn Potter (D). Sophomores — Charlotte Jasmin (M), Aubree Vail (LI), Grace Brothers (D), Flynn Moreno (D).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Leah Arsenault (D), Hailey Vanasse (RW), Mackenzie Bennett (M).
Outlook: After back-to-back runner-up finishes in Division II, the Hurricanes are hungry to finish the job this fall, and they certainly have the experience to do so. Maddi Willey and Madison Barwood will continue to pace the Hartford offense, while Paige Trombly and Paige Vielleux hold things down defensively.
“Despite low numbers, we have plenty of talent to hang our hopes on,” Scudder said. “We are working hard to keep the winning tradition alive.”
Coach: Amanda Valliere (7).
Last year: 7-7-1, lost in first round to Hanover.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returners: Seniors — Lindsey Stark (M/capt.), Sophia Salo (F), America Carmona (M). Juniors — Meghanne Cheevers (G), Mackenzie Ray (F/capt.), Abigail Gallagher (D). Sophomores — Savannah Therriault (M), Harper Rancourt (M).
Newcomers: Juniors — Braelyn Covell (M), Hannah Barton (F), Summer Davis (D), Norah Burns (F). Sophomores — Caitlin Hastings (M), Gabby Mayhew (M). Freshmen — Brianna Allard (M), Summer Crowell (F).
Outlook: Valliere’s team will rely on Lindsey Stark, Mackenzie Ray and Abigail Gallagher for experience and leadership this fall after losing seven seniors from last year’s team. Meghanne Cheevers will direct the defense in goal.
“We have quite a young team this year, which means there is a lot of room to grow and we are excited to see the team dynamic take shape through the course of the season,” Valliere said.
Coach: Danielle Pushee (2).
Last year: 8-7-1, lost in quarterfinals to Gilford.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returners: Seniors — Kylie Rogers (M), Hailey Miller (D), Kara Miller (M), Bryanna Thurston (F), Gabbie Pierce (G). Juniors — Jillianne Ballou (D), Ann Buffington (F). Sophomores — Makenna Houston (F), Aubrey Meyveagaci (D), Eleanor McGrody (M), Georgia Kondi (D).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Myah Crandall (F), Anna Emmerson (F), Samantha Harkins (D/F/G). Freshmen — Evie Bennett (F), Aaliyah Muzzey (F).
Outlook: The Royals improved from three wins to eight in Danielle Pushee’s first season as head coach last fall, and they lost just one senior from that group. Makenna Houston and Ann Buffington are the top returners on offense, and Gabbie Pierce anchors the defense from the cage.
“We have had some unexpected holes to fill this season, but I have been really impressed with the determination of our players to quickly learn new positions and some new formations,” Pushee said. “We have a lot of experienced players returning. I am hopeful that they will be able to lead our younger players this season and help guide them on the field.”
Coach: Blake Wardwell (2).
Last year: 7-9, lost in semifinals to Montpelier.
League: VPA Division III.
Returners: Seniors — Gwen Ambrose (F), Gabby Gilbert (F), Sydney Perry (G), Amber Simonds (D), Mattie Tenney (D), Annie Preece (F), Fern Day (D). Juniors — Kierstin Carvalho (D), Gianna Felice (M), Piper Vivian (F). Sophomores — Tatum Flanagan (F), Madison Halzwarth (D), Mackenzie Kleefisch (F), Ella Prebish (D), Hannah Tenney (F).
Newcomers: Junior — Helen Kalacinski (D). Sophomores — Anna Bergeron (D), Emma Sour (D). Freshmen — Grace Blanchard (F), Olivia Dube (F), Torie Tatro (D), Audrey McFarland (F), Izzie Mouser (F).
Outlook: After three consecutive state titles, the Yellowjackets fell in the semifinals last fall with an extremely young group. If that’s what Windsor looks like in a rebuilding campaign, look out for this season’s squad. Replete with experience up and down the roster, the Jacks are primed to reclaim their place at the top of Division III.
“We have a strong group of girls returning from last year with and a strong group of underclassmen who joined us this year,” Wardwell said. “All of our girls have worked hard in the offseason and have come in this fall excited and ready to pick up where we left off last season — hungry and determined to make it to the state championships.”
Coach: Leanne Tapley (3).
Last year: 15-1, defeated Hartford for state championship.
League: VPA Division II.
Returners: Seniors — Gracelyn Laperle (M/capt.), Hannah Gubbins (F/capt.), Claudia Shoemaker (M), Quinn Stickney (F), Georgia Tarleton (D), Charley Crowley (D). Juniors — Kamryn Jillson (D), Stella Capurso (F), Laura Audsley (F), Alice Cayer (D). Sophomores — Aleks Cirovic (D), Paige Stone (G).
Newcomers: Junior — Lucia Rullo (F). Sophomore — Marley Olmstead (D).
Outlook: The defending champion Wasps are ready to run it back despite losing key seniors like Lily Gubbins and goalie Audrey Emery. Hannah Gubbins is back to pace the Woodstock offense along with co-captain Gracelyn Laperle, and Paige Stone will step into the starting role in the cage. Marley Olmstead, a transfer from Hartford, adds depth to the roster.