New coach Saba settling in nicely at WW-P North
It took a few weeks to get the head coaching position at West Windsor-Plainsboro North solved, but once it got straightened out, the right choice was made.
Rebecca Saba, who was the Knights’ junior varsity coach for several years, was elevated to the varsity.
She is ready for the challenge.
“I’m learning every day,” said Saba. “This sport has been a part of my life for a really long time. I’m getting a different look at the game and I want to be get a handle on the all-encompassing view of the game.”
A former sweeper at Moorestown and Rutgers, Saba finds her eyes roving to often to the defensive side of the ball. Having learned the game under the legendary Joan Lewis at Moorestown, when the Quakers were in the midst of five straight state titles, it was there she developed her love and passion of hockey.
“She is my passion and my reason for coaching,” said Saba, of Lewis, who won 16 states titles in Moorestown.
Being a teacher in the WW-P system gives Saba a lot of familiarity with the players and makes the transition easier.
“The players have been great,” said Saba. “Once things settled in there was a big sigh of relief from the players. They trust they I’m passionate about this game, they trust I have the knowledge and my approach has been that I’m here to learn with you.”
The Knights (0-1-1) paly Hopewell Valley and Lawrence this week as they continue to rebound from an unsettling start.
“I love this sport and I have a lot to learn and I hope I learn it quick enough to make the girls proud,” said Saba. “We have to develop a passion to get every ball and we want to be able to communicate on the field.”
Robbinsville has a couple tough ones coming up, going to Notre Dame (3-0-1) on Wednesday and hosting Hightstown (3-0) on Friday.
One of the bright spots for the Ravens has been the return of senior Megan Testa, who suffered a serious knee injury and missed the lacrosse season. It’s great to see her back on the field. goals, Julia Veneziale has caged four goals and provided four assists and Megan Berg has four goals.
“Having a large class of returning seniors has been beneficial to us,” said coach Katie Kalinowski. “Jamie and Julia have done a fantastic job getting our scoring going. Defensively, our midfield and backs (Natalie Teszla, Brianna Ingling, Paige LeBlanc and Jackie Serrano) are doing a wonderful job supporting.”
The ’Hounds have allowed just four goals while scoring 18 for a 4.5 goals a game average.
“Scoring consistently is a definite plus,” said Kalinowski. “I hope it continues throughout the season.”
Northern has Pennsauken and tough Rancocas Valley the rest of the week.