Font ResizeHARVARD -- Few teams in any sport in Central Massachusetts can boast the record that the Bromfield field hockey team has put together the last two years. Under the guidance of Coach Sue Silver, the Lady Trojans have gone 31-4-5 and claimed a league title last season.
In 2012, Bromfield will look to continue their winning ways with a team littered with familiar faces and a lot of talent. The Lady Trojans have moved up a league and have one of the toughest schedules they have ever faced, but Silver still believes her squad can make a run at the post-season.
"We really have a schedule that will test us this year, but that is the goal, just as it is every year," said Silver. "This is a great group of kids and their attitude is outstanding. We have a good mix going and I think we are up to the challenge."
One of the strengths for Bromfield will be its midfield, keyed by senior captains Laura Jarvis and Haley Newsham and senior Sophia Aney. "Laura has good stick skills and is a hard hitter of the ball," said Silver. "She is very good on set plays and can score from anywhere. Laura is going to be a major factor for us on offense.
"Haley is fast and agile. She can find space anywhere and make long runs that lead to goals. Haley is great at moving the ball around and will be a key to setting up our offense. Sophia has good size and a long reach. She is a more defensive-minded midfielder who is strong on the ball."
Defensively, the halfbacks are led
"Sarah has a nose for the ball, marks extremely well and does a great job of covering a lot of ground. She does a great job of transitioning our defense into offense. Olivia is a physical player who has really improved in her marking of opposing players. She is really improving her game every time she takes the field."
On the back line of the defense will be senior sweeper Rhett Nueningoff and junior goalkeeper Emily Hadorn. "Rhett is a strong player who has a nice set of skills," said Silver. "She is a great communicator who makes sure everyone knows where they need to be and is the last line of defense for us. Emily stepped up last year and took on the goalie position and has continued to improve. She has a great, team-first attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team."
Providing the offensive attack at the forward positions are senior Hannah Egan and juniors Gabrielle Doben and Nicole West. "Hannah has great hand-eye coordination, which helps her handle the ball well," said Silver. "She has good speed and does the little things well.
"Gabrielle is very quick and has a lot of varsity experience. She causes chaos on offense with her speed and is an excellent finisher in front of the net. Nicole is very good at carrying the ball and crossing it into the middle. She is a great passer and has a strong hit. Hannah, Gabrielle and Nicole all work very well together and all can put the ball in the net."
Providing depth at the forward position will be juniors Jillian Nelson, Heather Grant and Lexi Dutkewych. "Jillian is a versatile player who will also see time in the midfield," said Silver. "She is very quick and has excellent stick work. Heather moves the ball well, is excellent at crossing the ball from the sides and has good speed. Lexi is in her first year with the team but has good speed and is aggressive."
In the mix in the midfield will be junior Maddie Vandorpe and sophomore Colby Nelson. "Maddie scoops the ball well and can strike the ball well," said Silver. "She has good stick work and gets things going for us offensively. Colby will play all three midfield spots and is very fast. She handles the stick well and is just a solid player who will be one of the first kids off the bench."
Adding depth on defense will be senior Katie Chambers, juniors Sophia Rivera and Jen Woodsum and sophomore Katherine Hodskins. "Katie is a team player with a great work ethic who will do anything asked of her," said Silver. "Sophia is coming on strong and really improving her defensive skills. Jen is improving every day and is great at stopping the ball. Katherine has a solid all-around game and is very fast. She will see time at all three halfback spots and will be solid no matter where she plays."
The pieces are in place, but what needs to happen for Bromfield to continue their success? "We are going to have to get better defensively if we are going to make a run at districts," said Silver. "I believe we are going to score a decent amount of goals, but our success will come down to how well we do at keeping the opposition off the scoreboard."
