Warhill field hockey ready for postseason glory

By John Harvey

HarveySports757@yahoo.com

                       

JAMES CITY – 2013 was a record-setting season for Warhill High’s field hockey program. The Lions won nine games and advanced to the Colonial Rivers Conference 25 tournament semifinals for the first time.

With 16 players back from last year’s squad, coach Kristen Castano believes the Lions could raise the bar even higher this fall.

“I have very high hopes for our team this year,” Castano said. “We are coming off of one of our best seasons, so I expect the girls to carry that momentum into this season.”

Headlining the list of returner is a talented senior class led by first-team all-conference selection Casey Pongonis. The senior defender was a shut-down performer last season for the Lions and she will be asked to fill a similar role this season.

Pongonis should have plenty of help with the return of several key players. Erin Mullen, Amber Shea and Althea Allen anchor a strong backline for the Lions. They understand their individual assignments and play collectively as a unit very well.

In goal, Jessica Wiggins returns for another season. The senior netminder is agile and plays her angles well. She also is very calm between the pipes.

The Lions should also be formidable in the midfield, with a host of experienced options to choose from. Seniors Emma Johnson, Megan Henderson, Hayley Schulz, Taylor Humphries and Maddy White are expected to start for Warhill. Brea Talley and Cordy Branscome are talented players that can change a game Alex Johnson provides great depth.

Up front, twin sisters Jessica and Kayla Cooke and Haley Smith should spearhead a talented offense. Jessica and Kayla made a major impact in their first season at Warhill, earning honorable mention, all-conference honors. Smith is another feisty competitor that can convert in the circle.

“This year we have a very large senior class,” Castano said. “They have been playing together since they were in middle school, which will hopefully help with communication on and off the field. Many of them have been playing on the varsity level since they were freshman and sophomores, so I’m looking for them to have a great last season. We have five juniors returning and they are determined to score and play defense. They mix in well with the seniors, which makes for a great bond on the field.”

Castano has also been impressed with a strong group of newcomers to the varsity level. Juniors Julia Gravel, Hope Ginsberg and Erin Paul, as well as sophomore’s Kaitlyn Lassiter and Casey Broady have great skill and should compete for playing time.
 
“This group of girls has wasted no time mixing in with the returners to earn a spot on the field,” Castano said. “They each bring different assets to the team that will benefit on both offense and defense.

The Warhill coach said her team really dedicated themselves in the offseason. Many of the players joined club squads to play year round and the results are evident. “It’s showed in their stick wok, field awareness, mechanics and endurance,” Castano said. “The improved skills will be necessary to compete with some of the top teams in our conference.”

With all of the experience and talent on this year’s roster, Castano believes this Warhill team could be special. “The girls are excited about the season and have been working extremely hard,” she said. “We will celebrate small victories first to get towards the bigger ones. It will all depend on the attitude and dedication of the girls.”

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