Field Hockey Preview

The Lafayette Lancers are coming off a terrific season after winning the Midwest Field Hockey Tournament championship trophy last fall.

The Lancers blanked Cor Jesu 2-0 to win the state championship played at John Burroughs. It was the first title for Lafayette. The Lancers were just the fourth public school and first since Edwardsville in 1988 to win the 34-year-old tournament.

Now, they’ll try to do it again under coach Kate O’Connell. The Lancers have just two starters back but one is Kate Barber, recognized as the best player in the state. She has committed to Indiana, where O’Connell played in college, and will sign her letter this fall.

Marquette made huge strides last year. Coach Rick Regina has nine starters back for the Mustangs.

Eureka and Parkway South both step up a level this season. It will be Eureka’s second year as a varsity squad. Parkway South has a new coach in Dave Richardson.

Here is a look at the teams, with insight from the coaches.

 

EUREKA WILDCATS

2011 record: 1-12 and 2-1 in public schools tournament.

Coach: Katie Schulze. Entering second year record at Eureka.

Returning: 11 lettermen, 8 starters

Players to watch: junior defense Marissa Albanello, junior goalie Jenna Van Oyen, sophomore forward Jessica Smelcer, sophomore midfielder Mekala Zadrozinski

Newcomers expected to contribute: freshmen Miranda Sherman

Goals: Use our improved stick skills to maintain better ball possession and to triple our shots on goal from last season.

Teams in Suburban South Conference: Eureka, Parkway Central, Parkway North, Parkway West, Seckman, Summit, University City, Webster Groves

Quote: “I’m very excited to start the second year of varsity field hockey at Eureka,” Schultze said. “The girls have been working very hard to improve their individual stick skills, which has led to a new level of team play. We have a solid core of returning players, so their confidence in their abilities is an asset.”

 

LAFAYETTE LANCERS

2011 record: 23-1. Conference champions, won state championship.

Coach: Kate O’Connell. Entering fifth year with an 89-8 record at Lafayette.

Returning: 7 lettermen, 2 starters

Players to watch: senior Kate Barber

Goals: Play the best we can, take each game at a time, compete in all games

Teams in Suburban West Conference: Fox, Kirkwood, Lafayette, Lindbergh, Marquette, Mehlville, Northwest, Oakville, Parkway South

Favorites to win the Suburban West Conference: Marquette, Lafayette

Quote: “This year’s team is really exciting,” O’Connell said. “We have a lot of new players that are stepping up to the challenge and we look to build on last years state championship.”

 

MARQUETTE MUSTANGS

2011 record: 16-9-1.

Coach: Rick Regina. Entering 12th varsity coach with an overall record of 129-107-14 at Marquette.

Returning: 15 lettermen, 9 starters

Players to watch: senior goalie Angelina Kelly, senior defender Kelly Dunlap, junior defender Annelise Lulow, junior midfielder Morgan Barker, junior midfielder Sydney Vaughn

Newcomers expected to contribute: junior midfielder Olivia Delaloye, freshman forward Carly Dyer

Goals: We want to play consistently all season and put ourselves in the best position to play field hockey in November.

Teams in Suburban West Conference: Fox, Kirkwood, Lafayette, Lindbergh, Marquette, Mehlville, Northwest, Oakville, Parkway South

Favorites to win the Suburban West Conference: Until someone defeats Lafayette, they are the favorite to win.

Quote: “The leaders on the team have high expectations for the season, and they have definitely set the tone at practice,” Regina said. “They have made a decision that any team that beats us will be because of skill and not because of desire. At worst, they will match effort with every opponent.”

 

MICDS RAMS

2011 record: 11-14. Reached semifinals last year, lost to eventual state champion Lafayette.

Coach: Lynn Mittler. Entering 11th year with a 177-59-8 record at MICDS.

Returning: 5 lettermen, 4 starters

Players to watch: junior Molly Sant

Newcomers expected to contribute: sophomore Emily Adamson

Goals: We are a young team and our goal is to learn and grow as a team with each game. While we have a small number of seniors, they have already showed their sound leadership in the first weeks of preseason. They know that seasons are preparation for the tournament and that their goal is to constantly improve each game.

Quote: “The future of MICDS field hockey is bright, but our present is exciting as well,” Mittler said. “We have athletes dedicated to focusing on strengthening their skills so that they can execute higher level strategies as the season progresses. We have a terrrific coaching staff this year and I have enjoyed our first few weeks together and am looking forward to the season.”

 

PARKWAY SOUTH

2011 record: 8-11. Won Division 2 Public School Tourney.

Coach: Dave Richardson. Entering first year at varsity coach at Parkway South after being the assistant coach for two years.

Returning: 24 returning players for both teams

Players to watch: seniors Sarah McLaughlin, Allie Sifrig, Natalie Heumann

Newcomers expected to contribute: freshman Abby Standley, who has multiple years as an ice hockey player, now beginning her field hockey career

Goals: Now part of the Division 1 program in public schools. Schedule will be a lot tougher but we will be ready. Goal this year is to win pool play in Gateway Classic and place higher in state tourney to allow for greater success.

Quote: “I have been working with a majority of the girls for three years and I am looking forward to a successful season and placing Parkway South in the group of schools that are known for field hockey.”

 

ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY ANGELS

2011 record: 12-11-2.

Coach: Maggie Potter. Entering fourth year as varsity coach with a record of 65-22-3 at St. Joseph’s.

Returning: 10 lettermen, 4 starters

Players to watch: seniors Sophia Sansone, Katie McVey, Claire Jochens, and juniors Cady Kopsky, Marigrace Ragsdale

Newcomers expected to contribute: A new group of juniors who have stepped up their level of play and commitment to the team. They have been working hard in the offseason and they will contribute and have an impact on the field this year.

Goals: We are focusing on our fundamentals and getting back to the basics this year. We are focusing on team unity and having consistency this season.

Quote: “I am really excited about this season because it is a wonderful group of girls who all have the same desire to be on the field,” Potter said. “They are hard working, determined, and a fun group of girls. They are serious about this season and are very committed to doing their best. I look forward to their growth and level of play this year.”

 

WHITFIELD WARRIORS

2011 record: 9-11.

Coach: Maggie Young. Entering third year with a 18-24 record at Whitfield. Overall head coaching record is 38-42.

Returning: 6 starters.

Players to watch: senior Mikayla Mooney, senior Erin Cizek

Newcomers expected to contribute: goalkeeper Hannah Minorini

Goals: Maintain a .500 season or better.

Quote: “We are very excited for the season,” Young said. “We have very low numbers this year, but understand we still have a job to do. We only have 14 players total in the program, all on varsity. I look forward to seeing what the girls are capable of.”