The Ridgefield High field hockey team may be coming off a post-season-barren campaign in 2011, but head coach Kelly Hall sees a few reasons portending a turnaround this fall.
“We have some great senior leadership and a really exceptional freshman class,” said Hall, whose team went 2-6-5-3 last year. “I’m very happy with how we’re looking in the pre-season.”
Even with the graduation loss of goalie Maggie Philbin, defense is a strength for the Tigers, who open the season today at Staples. Junior Paige Andrews takes over in goal and will benefit from a skilled and proven backline that features seniors Rebecca Riina (center back), Catherine Heller (sweeper) and Delia Courtney (right back) and junior Whitney Kapp (left back).
Senior captains Brooke Barrow and Stephanie Kisciras start at the outside midfield spots, with freshman Becca Silver at center midfield. Lily Stumpf, the third senior captain, is the leading midfield reserve, while junior Lexi Masciotti and freshman Kim Weinstock might also contribute.
Starting at forward are junior Samantha Maiolo and freshman Sarah Wilson. Vying for the other spot are junior Maria Del Pillar Li Puma and freshman Samantha Sitinas.
Seniors Emily Castle and Morgan Sandhu provide depth at forward.
“We have a very athletic team,” said Hall. “This could be a good year for us.”
