Fall is the time for many things. Campfires, football games, and sweatshirts are symbols of the season, but one thing in particular rises above the rest – field hockey.
This season the Highlanders were led by captains Maranda Jones, Gianna Galioto, Meghan Curran, and Jenna Bednarovsky. There was also a new head coach this year. Krista Provost took the place of former head coach, Jill White-Cullen. Provost was the freshman coach for 5 years before being promoted to the top spot. Being a former West Milford player herself, Provost was well prepared for the position.
There were nine seniors on the team this year. They were Maranda Jones, Gianna Galioto, Meghan Curran, Jenna Bednarovsky, Ashley Chavez, Rachael Linzalone, Stephanie Buechel, Maura Dunlop, and Victoria Dowling. Each girl played their final high school season as if it was the last game they would ever play. The passion for the game showed in each practice, game, and even in the Pep Rally. While some girls may be ending their field hockey careers this year, others may play in college.
The Highlanders notched a final record of 8-6-3 in the regular season, earning a slot in the State Tournament. In the first game of the State Tournament, the girls dominated against Parsippany Hills. The game finished with a score of 4-0. The girls kept scoring and scoring very easily. Meghan Curran, Stephanie Buechel, Ashley Chavez, and Rachael Linzalone each scored a goal.
Their quarterfinal game was against West Morris. Due to hurricane Sandy, the game was postponed several times and finally played on November 9. West Morris was a much tougher match up for the Highlanders. Goalie Jenna Bednarovsky turned away 10 shots, but could not keep West Morris from scoring. The Highlanders lost the game 4-1.
Even though it is that time of year when temperatures drop and hands freeze, the girls played their final games without hesitation. This recovery season was successful because everybody, team and coach, transitioned nicely. The field hockey girls, on all three levels, are a family, and it really showed this season how true that is. With a final winning record of 9-7-3 and a close knit team, the girls played their way to a very successful season.
