Upper Moreland High School Field Hockey Preview

It is clear that the Upper Moreland High School field hockey team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2010 campaign.

This season, the team returns a talented sophomore class with a year of experience under its belt. The players are getting along off the field, which the team hopes will transition to success on the field.

“This year’s team has a positive attitude and wants to improve their skills and knowledge of the game,” said head coach Karen Grossi. “The girls all get along very well off the field, which should positively effect how well they play together on the field.”

The Lady Bears have a long, grueling season in a tough league. They will clearly look to take it one game at a time.

“We need to perform well in our non-league games and remain competitive in our league games,” said head coach Karen Grossi. “While our overall goal would be a .500 record, we really want the girls to improve with each game.”

Upper Moreland can’t afford to suffer any injuries that would keep a key player out of action for a long period of time. Not having many players on the team, the Lady Bears have make sure they are able to stay healthy the entire season.

“Staying healthy and injury free will be key,” said Grossi. “Due to a lack of depth, our varsity girls need to be able to play a full 60-minutes each game.”

Last year, during a 60-minute span, Upper Moreland had its fair share of struggles offensively. The team only scored in four contests. The defense looked stellar at times, but Upper Moreland must be able to score on the offensive end.

“While we have a strong goalkeeper and are hopeful about the skills of our defenders, we cannot play the entire game in the defensive end,” said Grossi. “Last year, our goalkeepers made over 250 saves, which indicates that we allowed far to many shots on goal. We need to score. You can play 95 percent of the game in the offensive part of the field, but if you don't score, it only takes one goal by the other team for them to seal the victory.”

It seems as though an offensive boost (and the same intensity defensively) for the Lady Bears will be essential to achieving the goal of improving the overall record from last season.

“Like most teams, we are looking to improve upon our record from last year, said Grossi. “In the process, we would like to increase our goal scoring. 

Upper Moreland facts

Coach: Karen Grossi (fourth season)

Last year: 3-13 (1-11)

Key players: Senior midfield Kathryn Brunner, senior forward Rebecca Coutts, senior midfield Erin Meade, senior midfield, Amber Stainback, junior goalkeeper Saige Wenik, sophomore forward Brit Finn, sophomore defender Sara Nyholm, and sophomore defender Sarah Reice

Schedule:

Sept. 26 Pennridge 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Springfield 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Plymouth Whitemarsh 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 Norristown 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Wissahickon 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Upper Dublin 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 Cheltenham 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Upper Merion 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 New Hope-Solebury 3:30 p.m.