Balance Is Key for Westwood Field Hockey Team

After a predominantly defensive-oriented 2009 campaign, the Westwood High School field hockey team's offense has hopes high this fall. Senior captains Anne Lally and Riley Cachelin anchor a much-improved offense this season.

"Our attackers this year are not afraid to shoot, whereas last year they played a much more conservative game," Wolverine coach Angela Wilson said.

In just two preseason games thus far, Westwood has outscored opponents 10-2 and Wilson says she has already noticed a significant growth in her offense.

"I've probably seen 10 times as many hard shots from the top of the circle in these two scrimmages than I did all season long last year," said Wilson.

A key element of their improvement has come from the new self-pass rule instituted for the upcoming season. The rule allows players to dribble when taking a free hit, in contrast to the previous rule, which required an initial pass to a teammate.

The girls have practiced and prepared for this rule throughout the off-season and hope to use their extensive knowledge of it to their advantage.

"This rule hasn't hindered their play at all," Wilson explained. "They prepared for it, they know it, and so far they are utilizing it really well."

Anchoring the defense for Westwood will be senior captain Alanna Leahy. A three-year varsity player, Leahy played a major role in the consistently strong Wolverines' defense last season.

Junior Delaney Russell will be the last line of defense once again as she starts the year in net for Wilson's club. Russell was handed the starting job midway through her sophomore year due to an injury and preserved it throughout the remainder of the season with her stellar play.

Coach Wilson feels confidant in both her offense and defense this upcoming season and says her team's only weakness is the mental game.

"We have to make sure we know the rules really well and are not making errors that cause unnecessary turnovers," said Wilson.

In order to achieve their ultimate goal of making the state tournament, Wilson says her girls must remain balanced, cohesive and fluid the entire season.

Westwood starts its season on Wednesday, September 8th, hosting Tri-Valley League rival Hopkinton.