Lawrence’s Schenck in race for state’s scoring title
Talia Schenck has yet to complete her second season of high school field hockey, but the gifted Lawrence High forward is going places no other local player has ever been.
Her 35 goals have made her one of the top scorers not only in the state but in the country.
It is quite an honor considering the many talented field hockey players who have come through the Colonial Valley Conference and the prep ranks.
Al Mattei, a field hockey guru who now operates Topofthecircle. com, thankfully keeps up on such stats and we definitely want to give the Cardinal sophomore her well-deserved accolades.
Schenck was surpassed by Point Pleasant Boro’s Jordan Carr, now with 35, after she scored five in Boro’s win over Manchester.
But Schenck came right back and scored the Cardinals’ first goal on Tuesday in a huge, 2-0, victory over Notre Dame.
Lawrence (10-2) gave itself a real shot at a top two seed in the Mercer County Tournament. Jamie Slutzky caged a goal in the second half for the Cards.
“Talia’s ability to score is based on her work ethic,” said Lawrence coach Megan Errico. “She works hard to dribble through her defender. She see the field with clear eyes and is always two steps ahead. Talia has a team that supports her by backing her up and she works to support them.”
While Schenck is a great talent, one of the major reasons the Cardinals have enjoyed the success is because they are playing as a team and supporting each other.
There seems to be no limit to what Schenck and the Cardinals can accomplish this season. We know it’s going to be fun to watch. Field Hockey is a very short season and county tournament time is fast approaching, so here’s a look at where each team is at heading to October (Tuesday’s results not included): ALLENTOWN (8-1) >> The Redbirds have shown they are one of, if not the best team in the CVC. They have solid leadership with Morgan Vaccaro and the rest of the seniors. Kerri McCarthy has been a great find on the forward line and the defense hasn’t allowed a goal in three games heading to Tuesday.
EWING (0-8) >> Lauren Davis can coach and she’s going to need some time to get the Blue Devils program pointed in the right direction.
HAMILTON (3-6) >> The Hornets are a vastly improved team up and down the field. They have a key game with Robbinsville on Tuesday
HIGHTSTOWN (5-5) >> The Rams put together a three-game winning streak earlier in the season and they are going to need another solid run down the stretch against a very tough schedule. HOPEWELL VALLEY (2-7-1) >> It’s definitely a rare down year for the Bulldogs. The silver lining is they have plenty of young talent and I have no doubt Pam Edwards will coach them up. Bella DiNardo has 10 goals and six assists.
HUN (0-7) >> The Raiders are going through a transition period and have a lot of young players that will be getting better each day. You get the feeling once they get rolling they are going to be a solid team.
LAWRENCE (9-2) >> Schenck is the driving force behind the play of the Cardinals, but Haley Adamczak (seven goals) and Ola Kwasniwski (11 assists) are also making a difference.
LAWRENCEVILLE (5-2) >> The Big Red had their usual tough opening and now things seem to be back on track with three straight wins. Olivia Koch, who is headed to Princeton to play lacrosse has proven to be quite a hockey player too.
NOTRE DAME (8-2) >> The Irish had a big test with Lawrence on Tuesday and have a showdown with Princeton looming. Cate Buecker and Sara Daniels are two very sound players and will keep the Irish in every game. NOTTINGHAM (2-8) >> The Northstars have a tough schedule the rest of the regular season, but that shouldn’t dampen the job Jessie Mull has turned in this season in her first year of coaching. Senior Alyssa Angelucci and junior Lissa Mendez are providing some spark.
PEDDIE (1-5) >> Like several teams the Falcons are having trouble finding the back of the cage. Another of the young teams that will just keep getting better. PENNINGTON (4-3) >> The Red Raiders have shown signs this season that they are a contending team for the county and prep titles. Consistency will be the key as they head down the stretch. Emily Barkley and Lucy Harding have been solid in the cage. PRINCETON (8-2) >> The Tigers have been dealt a few injuries and that might have an effect, but the key word is might as they have the talent to play through things. Grace Cooke is one of the top goalies around and Morgan Swanke has stepped up offensively.
PRINCETON DAY (4-4-2) >> The Panthers are young and right now are led by a bunch of seniors, Lexi Hausheer and Caroline Haggerty, that have learned how to win the last several years. Not a team to be taken lightly.
ROBBINSVILLE (6-4) >> The Ravens have won four of five and appear to have found their groove after a few key graduation losses. JennaMarie. Colicchia has proven over the years she can coach and this season is another good example. STEINERT (1-10) >> Gianna Casale has kept the Spartans in most games guarding the cage and Bella Truelove has been solid on the front line pushing thins forward. A team that could be a nice win away from getting things turned around.
STUART (5-1-1) >> They are back. The Tartans are once again a force to be reckoned with in the hockey field. The defense has tossed four straight shutouts and a great group of young players make them a very tough out. WW-P NORTH (4-4) >> After a tough one with Allentown on Tuesday, the Knights can finish strong heading into the post season. Alexandra Lenart with six goals and Jessica Heiser with five provide the offensive and sophomore Ananya Dondepati has been good in the cage.
WW-P SOUTH (3-5-1) >> The Pirates are a team where you keep waiting for that one program changing win that gives them the confidence moving forward. They have a lot of young players and are in every game.