Field hockey looks to repeat past success

SPORTS COMMENTARY

The field hockey team has had a legacy at West Essex for being one of the most dominant teams in the state. Last year, they went all the way to the Tournament of Champions(TOC), beating Eastern which defeated West Essex in the 2006 TOCs. This was the first time that West Essex had ever won TOCs in any sport.

Expectations are extremely high for the lady knights this season, as they look to keep winning and striving for the TOC championship.

“I think after winning last year, a lot of pressure has been put on us, but our team puts in so much work, I have no doubt we can do it again,” junior starter Ellie Decker said.

The team is still striving to be better than they were the last year and keep their legacy going. Most students start playing in middle school where up to 90 girls can go out for the team. This then leads to the high school team being able to develop as many of these girls as possible into the extremely successful varsity team they have.

“We do not want that hard work to be forgotten, only pushing us to play better and maintain the traditions that have led us to success,” senior captain Ashley Iannuzzi said.

The team has now started off the year 18-2, with their only losses coming against Moorestown and Oak Knoll, and they take each game one at a time, making sure not to take anything for granted.

Even though this loss was devastating for them, they hope to bounce back strong and build a solid foundation. This loss could give them the motivation to gain even more success throughout the rest of the year.

“We improve every practice and game, and we take all the lessons we learn from our coaches and former players and apply it to our gameplay,” senior captain Sarah Iannuzzi said. Many players have been on the varsity team and started for many years, though a lot of their key players left last year.

Lizzy Cimilluca, Jordyn Theis and Lia Sinisi are only a few of the seniors that played a vital part of the team last year. The team is young this year, but they hold the same expectations they have always had.

Even though the team has many young contributors and starters, the team is still continuing through the season as if they are all veterans.

With field hockey being arguably one of the best teams in the school and state, the pressure is on for this season.