Harrison Field Hockey Preview

The members of the Harrison field hockey team have been preparing for this year ever since they were eliminated from last year's playoffs. Coach Sara Gonzalez has been with the school for five years.

As far as age and, more importantly experience goes, what type of team do you expect to have this season?

"We definitely have a mixture, we range from ninth up to twelfth grade so every class is represented in some way."

What were some of the weaknesses your team had last year that you hope to improve upon this season?

"I think shooting in general was probably our biggest weakness, but we have been working on that a lot, so hopefully this year we will finish better and become a more aggressive team."

Who are some of your returning players coming back who you see being big contributors?

"Sofia San Marco was our best forward up top, she worked hard all season. Also Rachel (Manning) and Ashley (Bratberg) on defense are very good, we are expecting our defensive unit to be strong like they have in the past. Emily Katz as a senior is going to become a leader out on the field."

Who are some players new to the team that you are expecting to make a big impact this season?

"We haven't officially finalized the team yet but there are some freshmen who have played really well during try outs. Michelle DeLeo is a freshman that could probably figure in the midfield or forward line, she is hanging in there with everyone else."

How has the team been preparing in the off-season?

"A lot of the have done winter and summer leagues along with going to camp. The captains ran practices and conditioning sessions here this summer, conditioning wise and staying in shape the could be better but they are not as weak as they have been in years past."

What are your goals for the season?

"We are definitely looking to repeat at sectionals this year. Every year we hope to improve on what we did the previous year, last year was by far our best year. We made it to the second round of sectionals so we are hoping to make it there at least, and hopefully go farther."

Are there one or two games circled on the schedule this season?

"Our biggest game this year is Rye, we never played them before but they are in our league this year. They will probably be the best team we are playing and we get a chance to play them twice this year, so if we could shake off the nerves it would be a big showing for us this year. "

What are you personally looking forward to this season?

"I am just looking forward to getting to know the girls on a personal level."