Field Hockey Ready to Battle

With a solid foundation, the Weston High School field hockey team is heading into the upcoming season poised to put forth a competitive effort each game.

Helping the Wildcats to achieve this is a core built from seniors Christina Warner (forward), Grace McCurdy (center midfielder), Grace Truscott (center back and midfielder) and Tanner Skenderian (defense).

“In that group, they have leadership qualities, great attitude, and work hard at practice,” said Weston head coach Laura Galopim.

So far, only Warner is a captain as she carried the title over from last year. But Galopim expects the team to choose another captain Monday. She noted that Warner is a strong leader who is always trying to hone her skills.

“She loves the sport and is very passionate,” said the coach. “She inspires other girls to get better.”

Playing behind the foursome is Sara Coburn, who returns to net after being a starter her sophomore year. Galopim commented that the young goaltender has been working hard during the offseason to better learn the position and fine-tune her blocking capabilities. The coach hopes an experienced Coburn will step-up and be the wall they need her to be.

“She saved some games last year for us,” said Galopim.

The key reason being that the Wildcats lacked scoring production. This was exemplified in their 5-0 loss to Andover in the Div. 1 North Sectional quarterfinals. Galopim is seeking for one of the core players to turn the tide and be the scoring catalyst this season.

The road to the postseason will not be an easy one as a realignment of the Dual County League means Weston will be playing powerhouses Acton-Boxborough, Lincoln-Sudbury, and Westford Academy twice. The Wildcats, who tied Wayland for the DCL (Small) title last year, also have to contend with two competitive non-league games against Walpole and Bishop-Fenwick.

Weston begins its journey the day after Labor Day taking on Waltham.

“Hopefully, we’ll start the season off with a win,” said Galopim.