The 2024 field hockey season is underway in the Upper Valley, with several area squads jockeying for more postseason success. Hartford and Woodstock have met in the VPA Division II state title game the past two seasons. Will it happen again?

Meanwhile in New Hampshire, several teams are hoping to make a deeper postseason push after early exits in 2023.

Here’s a peek at some of the field hockey teams:

Hanover

Coach: Mallory MacKenzie (2).

Last year: 7-7-3, lost in first round to Bow.

League: NHIAA Division II.

Returnees: Seniors — Eva Bell (M/capt.), Sophia Costa (M/capt.), Lauren Evans (M/D), Lily Smith (D), Jackie Anderson (D), Guinevere Riordan (GK). Sophomores — Sophia Mancini (F), Greta Mancini (M), Joia Collins (M).

Newcomers: Sophomores — Grace Staats (D), Grace Healey (F), Anya Nyhan (F), Ruby Lintner (F). Freshmen — Maddie Reder (F), Eliza Harris (F), Maya Antonella (F).

Outlook: Mallory MacKenzie enters her second year in charge of the Bears following Jean Essex’s 20-year tenure helming the program.

After graduating just two players last year, Hanover will lean on its six senior returnees this season to lead a squad featuring 10 underclassmen.

Hartford

Coach: Heather Scudder (36).

Last year: 15-2-0, won VPA Division II state championship.

League: VPA Division II.

Returnees: Seniors — Madi Barwood (LI/capt.), Paige Trombly (CB/capt.), Olivia Seaver (LB), Devyn Potter (RB), Paige Vielleux (GK). Juniors — Charlotte Jasmin (CB), Hailey Vanesse (RB), Flynn Moreno (LB), Aubree Vail (LD), Grace Brothers (LD). Sophomores — Makenzie Bennett (RB).

Newcomers: Seniors — Marty Crasper (RI). Juniors — Zoe Zanleoni (LW). Freshmen — Emmy Whitney (RD), Kaya Dauphin (W).

Outlook: After reaching back-to-back state title games in 2021 and 2022, Hartford finally captured the Division II crown, knocking off Woodstock, 2-0, last season. The Hurricanes graduated five players but return 11 players from last season’s state-winning squad.

“With a strong returning base, we hope to go deep into the tournament,” Scudder said. “Our biggest challenge in the season is getting new players to jell with the veterans while they learn the game. The seniors I affectionately call my Fab 5 bring a lot of skill and experience to the team.”

Lebanon

Coach: Amanda Valliere (8).

Last year: 5-8-1, lost in first round of tournament.

League: NHIAA Division II.

Returnees: Seniors — Kenzie Ray (F), Abigail Gallagher (D), Meghanne Cheevers (GK), Hannah Barton (F), Norah Burns (F), Summer Davis (F). Juniors — Savannah Therriault (M), Harper Rancourt (M), Gabby Mayhew (D), Caitlin Hastings (D). Sophomores — Summer Crowell (F), Claire Kelly (D).

Newcomers: Seniors — Drew Kantor (F), Sage Murray (D). Juniors — Annella Marsh (F), Bella Orlen (M/F), Madi Vidou (M). Sophomores — Josie Dizon (M), Taylor Youngman (GK).

Outlook: Meghanne Cheevers is back to anchor the Raiders’ back line in between the cage, while Kenzie Ray and Abigail Gallagher lead a squad featuring seven new faces. “We have a core returning group who not only know the systems and structures but are strong leaders as well,” Valliere said. “We have some brand new players, but they are learning quickly. We are excited to continue working, building and growing.”

Mascoma

Coach: Danielle Pushee (3).

Last year: 10-4-0, lost in quarterfinals to Stevens.

League: NHIAA Division III.

Returnees: Seniors — Ann Buffington (F), Jillianne Ballow (D/GK). Juniors — Makenna Houston (F), Ellie McGrody (M/F), Anna Emerson (F), Samantha Harkins (GK/D), Myah Crandall (D/F), Georgia Kondi (D/out of the season due to an injury). Sophomores — Evie Bennett (F/M).

Newcomers: Seniors — Bonnie Burgoyne (F/D). Juniors — Evey Fellers (F). Sophomores — Abby Harris (M/D), Charlotte Adams (D/M). Freshmen — Tori Petty (F), Laura Ballou (D).

Outlook: Mascoma has seen gradual improvement since Pushee took over two years ago, winning eight games in 2022 and 10 in 2023, a mark that tripled the team’s win total from 2021. The Royals lost five players to graduation, but Ann Buffington and Makenna Houston are back to pace the offense.

“We are going to be a small squad this year; however, we have seasoned returning players who are reading and willing to work hard this season to help bring along our new players,” Pushee said. “I still have high expectations for this team, and I believe that we can and will be competitive with other teams in our division, and we will continue to have a strong program.”

Windsor

Coach:: Blake Holden (3).

Last year: 9-6-0, lost in D-III state title game to Montpelier.

League: VPA Division III.

Returnees: Seniors — Kiersten Carvalho (D), Gianna Felice (M), Piper Vivian (F). Juniors — Anna Bergeron (D), Tatum Flanagan (GK), Maddy Holzwarth (D), Mackenzie Kleefisch (F), Ella Prebish (D), Emma Sauer (D), Hannah Tenney (F). Sophomores — Grace Blanchard (F), Olivia Dube (F), Audrey McFarland (F), Izzie Mouser (F), Torie Tatro (D).

Outlook: Windsor graduated seven players from last season’s team, one that appeared in the program’s first D-III state title game since a string of championship-winning squads from 2019-21. Holden’s squad features a host of returnees but is trying to fill the gaps left by last year’s senior class in the backline.

“We are working to cover some pretty big holes on our defensive end,” Holden said. “We have a lot of returners; they just don’t have a lot of time playing together. It’s just learning to work with each other again … so really focusing on our communication.”

Woodstock

Coach: Leanne Tapley (4).

Last year: 14-2-0, lost in Division II state title game to Hartford.

League: VPA Division II.

Returnees: Seniors — Kamryn Jillson (D), Alice Cayer (D), Laura Audsley (D), Stella Capurso (M). Juniors — Aleks Cirovic (D), Marley Olmstead (F), Paige Stone (GK). Sophomores — Grace Perreault (F).

Newcomers: Sophomores — Ryann Hughes (F), Lexi Audsley (M). Freshmen — Betta Cirovic (F), Joey Palazzo (M), Addison Tapley (F/D).

Outlook: Woodstock’s back line is anchored by three returning seniors and junior Paige Stone in the cage. The Wasps will field a new attack this year after significant losses in the frontline due to graduation as they attempt to win their second state title in three seasons.

“We have a solid defense with all returning players in the backfield,” Tapley said. “They are a strong group of supportive players. Our offense is mostly new with a few players that saw some time as subs last season. We graduated six starters in the offense and midfield positions, but we have solid young players ready to fill those roles. We see improvement everyday.”

This story will be updated online with other teams as they become available.

Alex Cervantes can be reached at acervantes@vnews.com or 603-727-7302.