Hamilton Twp. coaches doing their part to improve quality of play in community
There are several great stories already this field hockey season.
There is the great play by Robbinsville, although Allentown isn’t giving up the reins just yet, Princeton looks to be right in the hunt, as does Notre Dame.
Lawrenceville plays a tough schedule and looks to be solid again. Princeton Day is off to a great start and all the other teams just seem to be getting better each time they take the field.
The best, however, has been the revival taking place at Nottingham High. Prior to getting a win last season, the Northstars struggled with three straight winless campaigns.
Now through six games, they already have a pair of wins and a pair of one-goal losses. Over the years, the Northstars put a lot of dedicated kids on the field, who along with coach Jen Cicale, have laid the foundation for the great success.
“There is a positive feel and good vibe on the field because of the wins,” said Cicale. “The girls’ morale is high and they are more confident in their skill and abilities to take control and win.”
The girls are also hungry to learn the game.
“The girls this season have a true passion for field hockey,” said Cicale. “Instead of this being a sport “to stay in shape”, they put their all into being a successful program and individually improving.”
Over the last few years, the Hamilton schools have tried to hold their own and now the coaches are working hard to keep the game alive in the offseason. “Jen Cicale, Judy Goldstein, and I are continually working to improve the level of play in Hamilton,” said Steinert coach Alyson Setzer. “Jen and I run a small (introductory) program through Hamilton PAL this summer and had close to 30 players. Judy runs another program through the Hamilton Rec Dept.”
It’s a great job by dedicated coaches, putting the kids and the game first.
“Judy and I were talking prior to our game how we need to work together when we retire from coaching to run more programs for Hamilton players,” said Setzer. “We will never have a field hockey feeder program in our middle schools, so it’s up to us to feed our own programs.”
First, lets hope these driven and hockey-loving ladies don’t quit, and secondly, maybe it’s time for the district to start thinking about middle school field hockey. backs a lot easier come game time.”
The camaraderie shines through when the Ravens (rarely) fall behind in a game. They remain calm and pull together as a team.
Two things have been a key thus far; solid defense and great leadership.
“All of our defenders are confident and all of them have different skills to bring to the game,” said Colicchia. “They are also very good communicators that makes for confident, trusting teammates and organized play.”
One of the Robbinsville leaders is Megan Kratz. A senior, Kratz broke through last year as a very competent scorer and this season she is taking on an even greater role.
“She has the ability to change the game that is why when we played Notre Dame, she was chosen for the stroke,” Colicchia said. “She is quick to share her honest opinion with confidence when I ask for it, which is important when it comes to making important decisions. Her teammates and coaches feed off of her competitive nature and her love for the game. She is the perfect leader for this team.”
It seems right now the Ravens have the right stuff. opportunities averaging about 20 or more shots on goal, but I also want to give credit when it is due. All three CVC teams that we’ve played — WW-P North, Hamilton West and Ewing — came out very strong and gave us a challenging start this season.”
Allentown is the defending Mercer County Tournament champ and don’t appear ready to give up the reins.
“I’m very pleased with our team’s progress and the effort that they put forth at the beginning of this season,” Wells said. “We had to replace a lot of talented players who graduated last year, and I believe we’ve benefited from having a very challenging scrimmage schedule.” have faced Hopewell Valley and Robbinsville, going 1-0-1.
“ND is always a challenging game and they will certainly help point out things we need to work on,” said Princeton coach Heather Serverson. “They are always a very fit team that never seems to wear down and they have a unique way of playing circle defense that can pose some challenges.”
ND coach Barb Major didn’t mince any words when it comes to what concerns her about the Tigers. “Everything,” she said. Both coaches are pleased with the way their teams are playing.
“I’m extremely proud of the young ladies,” said Major. “They have stepped up each game.”
Princeton has been playing solid defense and the offense, while the offense is still a work in progress.
“I think we are still warming up to our full potential but I like the things I have been seeing so far,” said Serverson. “Our defense has been growing more solid with each game and they have done a great job keeping the ball out of our defensive 25.”