The West Essex Girls Field Hockey Team has surpassed all expectations as they continue to succeed with an impressive record of 13-1-0. The top ranked team has shown their ability to conquer any team in their path. With Abby Zanelli in goal and a strong, aggressive defense in the back, the team has let up a total of only three goals all season. However, with the speed and skill of the midfielders and forwards, the Knights have scored a spectacular total of 82 goals.

Senior Captain Evie Minella, who plans to continue her field hockey career at Villanova University, shares her goals for the team in her last season at West Essex.

“Our goal for this season is to win states and to rank very high in the country,” Minnella said. “Our team is very skilled, and I think we are capable of achieving that.”

The team has never failed to assert their dominance over their competition, and this season is no exception. Even after falling 2-0 to The Hill, the number one ranked team in the country, the team kept their heads high and demonstrated their determination to win in their matchup against their biggest in-state rival, Oak Knoll. Though both teams are ranked very high in the state, West Essex’s perseverance helped them successfully bounce back from their previous loss, securing a 2-0 victory against the Royals. Minella expresses how proud she was of not only the team’s win, but their energy and willingness to work together.

“Everyone creates a really fun environment to be around and everyone’s super good, so it makes everyone better every single day,” Minnella said. “This team is really special and we’re all super close, so we know when to have fun and when to lock in and play well.”

The Knights upcoming games against nationally ranked teams, Kingsway and Camden Catholic, will be intense matchups and a true test of the girls’ capabilities.