Dethroned West Essex Looks to Make a Statement

Considering the West Essex High School field hockey team has suffered just 13 losses in coach Jill Cosse-Minnella's 13 seasons, the expectations are high every year for the Knights.

But the team may have just a little added chip on its shoulder this fall.

West Essex went 18-2-1 last season, winning the Essex County Tournament and Super Essex Conference championship.

But the Knights were denied their fifth straight Group 2 championship when they lost to Madison 3-2 on a penalty corner in overtime of the North Jersey Section 1, Group 2 final. It was West Essex's first home loss since 1999.

"It was a letdown, because we had won four straight and we felt like we were going to win another," Cosse said. "But we're getting ready to go at it again and I think we have the potential to do something special."

The Knights will first have to compensate for the losses of Gia Nappi, Heather Barretta, Jenn Weissbach and Lizzie Storey.

Nappi, who's now playing at Rutgers, finished her West Essex four-year varsity career with 65 goals and 67 assists. Nappi, a first-team all-state selection and FHCA Mid-Atlantic Regional All-American following her junior and senior seasons, recorded 18 goals and 27 assists last year.

Barretta is now playing at La Salle, while Weissbach is a defender on Dartmouth's team and Storey is at at Colgate. 

"It's pretty cool—all four of them are getting great opportunities," Cosse said.

But much of the Knights return this season, which opens against Montclair Kimberley Academy Friday night at Travis Field at 7:30 p.m.

"We lost only four kids total," Cosse said. "We lost four great players and kids, but we have a significant return."

Returning are the team's two leading scorers—junior Natalie Cafone and sophomore center forward Amanda Cassera. The midfield is intact with junior Adrianna Farina, junior inside Jackie Fusco, senior left inside Kayleigh Thies and junior outside Alexis Miller.

The back line is anchored by junior Mikayla Cimilluca, senior right back Casey Higgins and senior sweeper Kristen McClain in front of senior goalie Kelly Mosser.

Higgins, McClain, Mosser and Cafone are the team's quad-captains.

"I think we have a lot of experience, we're very strong," Cosse said. "They're working hard, doing a good job and are very excited about the season. The potential is there. We'll see how it develops."

Cosse will be assisted by Diane Simmons, a West Essex grad and former All-American at Iowa, while Kelly Defeo and Amanda Prunty will be the team's other assistants. 

The Knights have a scrimmage against Lakeland on Wednesday before Friday's season-opener against MKA.

"Opening with MKA wil be a good test," Cosse said. "They have a nice program and their coach has done a really good job."